There was Santa Claus, there were presents and there was Christmas spirit.
That was the scene this past Saturday night at Thunder Mountain Speedway in Williams Lake, as track organizers held a Christmas in July Food and Toy Drive at the local raceway.
Trucks were setup in advance of the races for spectators to drop off their food and toy items, which were later donated to help the Salvation Army stock its shelves.
“We got some very interesting toy and food donations this year — lots of Barbie and Spider Man stuff — along with cash donations in excess of $300,” said Thunder Mountain Speedway secretary Lynn Dunford.
The grand prize winner, a Flux Welder, was won by Martina Lindsay, who also won the 50/50 draw.
Fans were also treated to a fast-paced night of racing with Bone Stocks, Heartland Toyota Pro Minis, Thunders and Street Stock classes all hitting the pavement.
The Bone Stock class was dominated by Marius Dunford, who was driving for an absent George Giesbrecht. Marius took the fast time, the trophy dash and the heat races; however, Quesnel’s Jason Howlett was able to nab the main event’s checkered flag.
In the Heartland Toyota Pro Mini series, Marius was back at home in his own car winning the trophy dash and the heat. Local driver Tim Roberts, however, took the fast time and the main event.
In the Thunder class Jesse Fisher won the fast time, trophy dash and heat, while Canim Lake’s Willy Frank took the main event in his No. 53 car.
And in the Street Stock class it was Arnie Kunka driving to a fast time and a heat race victory. Bob Lowen took home the trophy dash.
For upcoming events visit www.thundermountainspeedway.ca.