Spring finally arrived in Langford this past weekend, with racers and fans alike basking in the warm temperatures to watch the Wilroc sprint cars, Galaxy Motors stock cars, Old Time Racers and mini stocks battle during the Big O Tires Westshore Night at the Races.
Entering last Saturday’s sprint car main event at Western Speedway for the Gary Kershaw Cup, there was one question on everyone’s mind. Could anyone stop “The Hurricane”?
Jeff Montgomery has dominated the class for the past three years, with the Langford driver already having a season-opening race under his belt.
Jarrod Heap and Mike Schott led the field to the green flag for 40 laps of racing. Heap led the first three before being passed by Mike Haslam on lap four. Haslam’s lead was short-lived, as two laps later the race favourite made his move, snatching the lead on lap six.
From there on it was all Montgomery, with the white and red 33J leading the rest of the main event. However, the finish wasn’t as smooth as the rest of the race. Coming off of the final corner to take the checkered flag, Montgomery tangled with the lapped car of Greg Sagmoen, sending the former head-on into the outside wall, and across the finish line in a shower of sparks.
Montgomery wound up walking back to victory lane to collect his trophy, minus the winning car. Haslam, Dave Emmerson, Ryan Orchard and James Miller rounded out the top five.
Race-by-race results, May 20
Wilroc sprints: Dash, Heat 2 - Mike Haslam; heat 1 - Dave Emmerson; main - Jeff Montgomery
Stock cars: Dash - Rory Smith; heat 1 - Gary Smith; heat 2 - Chris McInerney; main - Spencer Carlson
Old Time Racers: Dash - Doug Richens; heat 1 - Chris Hamber; heat 2, main - George Jenson
Mini stocks: Dash - Caleb Van Bree; heat 1 - Matt Szauer; heat 2 - Joey Reaume; main - Ryan Patterson