High-octane action returned to Westshore Motorsports Park over the weekend, as it hosted the Island Cup extreme 4x4 competition for the first time.
More than 50 highly modified buggies, Jeeps and trucks driven by fearless drivers tested both their mettle and metal by attempting to drive over massive obstacles made just for the event.
Track general manager Daryl Crocker said heavy machinery spent three days moving everything from heavy concrete blocks, massive logs and even several busses into place to form the course.
“(Island Cup) has never really had a legitimate location to do it, so this year we were able to figure it out to do it here with a man-made course. The support has just been incredible,” said Crocker. “We have lots of people in the grandstands, and everyone is just having a really great time.”
While the event was spread over the weekend, Saturday saw vehicles organized into different classes tackle rocks a metre tall, drive over the top of a bus and much more. With sporadic rain throughout the day, the toughest obstacle was clearly the giant wooden teeter-totter.
Vehicle after vehicle lined up to attempt it, but only the very best were able to climb high enough up the slippery wooden platform and gently tip it over to the other side without sliding off.
Rollovers and mechanical failures were common and expected, with a heavy-duty crane or excavator always on hand to help a competitor get back in the action.
With hundreds in the stands, Crocker said the response to this brand new event for the track has been a great source of motivation for the organizers as they gear up for the official start of what will be their final racing season next month.
“Having a brand-new event like this and the support we are seeing for it just goes to show how important venues like this are to the West Shore,” he said. “It’s really neat the mesh we have here this weekend with the 4x4 community and our typical racing community all coming together for this. It just goes to show you the strength of the communities.”
The track’s official oval track racing season opening is set for April 9, and many special racing events are scheduled throughout the season.
READ MORE: Westshore Motorsports Park’s final season in Langford spins into high gear
justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
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