A modified 1972 Datsun 240Z driven by Thomas Roycroft and Dillon Bisson complete the track circuit at the Warner airfield on Oct. 4. Photo by Aiden Dolan.
Through the sounds of roaring engines, chirping tires and cheering, a community of enthusiasts came together to enjoy the things they love the most: track day.
One of the many special events put on by the Lethbridge Sports Car Club, the autocross event combines the technical skills of driving a set course while being timed.
This gives the driving participants a chance to beat their times and refine their skills, all while providing entertainment to any guest attendees to experience such a unique event.
Lethbridge Sports Car Club has been able to utilize the Warner airstrip in Warner, Alberta about 40 minutes southeast of Lethbridge for their needs in hosting these racing events.
The airstrip provides adequate space and flat ground, while also being far enough away from residential areas that could disturb community members from excess noise.
Cassidy Mitchell, an event coordinator and volunteer for the car club, provided some insight into why the event is an important feature for the community.
“It’s really cool to bring auto cross to our community. Recently, some of our club members attended racing nationals, and one of the topics that we discussed was how not many people get to do this as close to home as we do.”
Cassidy also touched on the village of Warner allowing and supporting the events taking place in proximity to their village.
“Being able to partner with the community here in Warner has been really awesome in bringing out new members and guests to watch our events,” Said Cassidy.
One of the main benefits that the club has experienced is the reach and scale of influence the club has had on driving enthusiasts in Lethbridge and area.
Many regular and new members often attend the events hosted multiple times a year in the warmer months, coming from places like Edmonton, Calgary and even Cranbrook to take part.
Not only are these events available for anyone to participate in, the vehicles used on the track can vary from daily driver budget cars, to full-fledged performance cars designed to compete on a professional racetrack.
Because of this unique aspect, auto cross sets itself apart from any other form of recreational or semi-professional racing through the encouragement of new participants who may only have a limited budget to race with.
The main goal the club maintains is that everyone who participates can enjoy themselves and have fun, whether that is a driver or a spectator at any of their events.
Stuart Mitchell, a veteran driver and Cassidy’s husband, provided his view on how he sees the events while also racing himself.
“The event itself is a ton of fun; we have people from all walks of life who come and participate, and everyone meshes together well. Having a fun time competing is the best part for sure. Getting to participate and set new records gives you that sense of achievement and pushing harder to set a new goal each time you do a lap,” Said Stuart.
While the Lethbridge Sports Car Club winds down its racing season for the winter, the club hopes to participate in other events in B.C. and other parts of Alberta while they plan on releasing dates and volunteers for next year’s race events.
The club hopes to continue receiving new members from Lethbridge and area community members looking for a new, amazing experience of a lifetime that breaks the boundaries of what recreational racing can be.
