Mission Raceway hosted their 2022 Banquet recently to honour and recognise achievements of various race classes and employees….
Held (January 21st) at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford BC (15 minutes from Mission Raceway), and its first since 2019, due to the pandemic restrictions. Not only did we get great food and awards handed out, but It was also great opportunity to also thank some of the Mission Raceway sponsors like Dan Provost of Rad Torque Systems, Neil Smith of Peden Industries, Amy Vitkay of The Badass Garage, and track sponsor Derek Scherk of the Titanium Autogroup/Bubbas Speedshop, all of whom were in attendance.
10 Classes were given this evening from Jr. Thunder and up to X275.
Junior Classes dominated the awards this evening with just about every racer receiving an award, and those that didn’t at least got some candy! We had a pair of first time winners with Adam Katinic taking the Junior Dragster Thunder Championship (and Rookie of the Year) as well Linkin Scherk crowned Junior Dragster Lightning Champ. Taryn Munro took the Junior Street class over 2nd place Finisher Tyler Smith.
Big thanks to Scarlett and Al Morin for making the Junior classes a HUGE success story as there will be over 30 cars in 2023.
In the Sportsman division, Silvia Hoogstins was points leader for 2022 over 2nd place Eric Hansen. Silvia was also given the Stefan Kondolay Memorial award given to the top performer of the year. Not only that, she also won the ROC race in Hot Rod.
Speaking of Hot Rod, the Hot Rod class Champion for 2022 is Martin Jackman over Jim Behnke. Jim Behnke did not come home without hardware however, as he won the Pro class Championship over 2nd place finisher Chris Stone.
This award is as important as any – Employee of the Year. Without superstar employees, the place goes nowhere and Mission has lots of great people employed at it’s facility. This person runs the concession and soon to be Pro Shop. It was said that everyone loves working with Clara Fawcett and she is an ace at managing huge crowds. Her most famous concoction this year was the “Walking Taco” which was a taco ingredients over a bag of Doritos. Everyone LOVED it. Well deserved Clara!
Craig Johnson became the man to beat in the Super Pro Class as he is Champion for 2022 over Martin Rachel who placed 2nd.
Al Omond dominated the Motorcycle/Sled Class Championship to become the man to beat in 2023. He is has mentioned that that the field of riders may increase in 2023 and give him a challenge for the 2023 Championship. He has won the Championship MANY many times at Mission Raceway and we wonder if anyone can triumph over Al Omond for 2023 Championship?
The last 2 awards of the night were given to 2 classes that have provided some of the most exciting racing we’ve seen in years. The first one, is Limited Street and the Champion for 2022 is the consistent Vanessa Richards who prevailed over 2nd place finisher Justin Gibson.
The other class X275, which has quickly become uber popular over the past few years with 1/8 mile racing. Dan Rodrigue of Chilliwack took that Championship which was decided with a year ending shootout against Jordan Brandon of Edmonton. Both had 161 points. 2023 will be an even bigger year for X275 with the West Coast 2023 Outlaw Series recently announced.
Post and photos by Les Puchala
