Words by Rich Walker, photo by Kelly Walker
Last year I wrote this column for this issue from my condo in Moab, Utah. This year I am taking it right to the limit of the deadline (thanks Budd), as life has been hectic with the combination of work, kids, wheelin’ and racing.
Just back from Moab, I feel rejuvenated and ready for the next event and I will have an article about our best trip to date for the next issue. I just couldn’t pull it all together in time for this issue. Our next event will be the Ultra4 Nor-Cal Stampede, then less than a month later will be the Ultra4 Glen Helen race. I can’t wait to pound up and down the I-5 four times for 20-plus hours. We hope to have at least two or three cars at each of these races (yes Brink, I’m talking to you).
Some exciting news from the Kamloops Off-Road Racing series was recently announced. With more and more Ultra4 style race cars showing up to race, the track organizers have decided to add some “obstacles” in addition to the short course racing. This will make the racing out there much more exciting. At the first KORR race of the year, there were five Ultra4 cars racing. That was the highest number of race vehicles of all the classes, except the Side by Side’s. It’s great to see the track using the land they have to adapt to the newest trend in racing. Be sure to come out this year and check it out. New tracks are always fun! Visit www.korrbc.ca for more information and dates.
I have exciting news from Alberta regarding what used to be HRC (Highrider’s Challenge). I announced a few columns ago that HRC was ceasing operations this year. After more than ten years of racing, that was some disappointing news. However, things are looking up. Not only is there a new organizer (Richie Tremblay AKA Porkchop, who is also a past HRC winner), but they have kept the HRC initials and changed it to “Hardcore Racing Canada”. Starting with a fresh slate, the new organizers have completely dismantled the old course and rebuilt it. I have seen a few spy pictures of the new course and it looks exciting. Team that up with high horsepower wheel to wheel racing and I think we will be in for a treat this year. The first race on the new track will be on the Canada Day long weekend (June 27-29). Search for Hardcore Racing Canada on Facebook for lots of info and bios on the drivers and their vehicles.
Still with more exciting news, I am pleased to announce that Hard Grass Havoc will run again this year. I had heard it was close to being cancelled, but recently they announced that the event will go ahead as planned. The event dates are July 31st to August 3rd, but the racing days will be Saturday and Sunday the 2nd and 3rd. With 36 competitors already registered from all over Canada and the States, I can personally guarantee that it will be one hell of a competition. Take a few minutes to head over to www.hardgrasshavoc.com for all the info and to check out the rigs. There will be everything from Jeeps and trucks, to rock buggies and what almost looks like monster trucks.
As the Ultra4 series continues to grow and dominate the off-road competition scene, they are adding more and more events all over the world. Recently, a new race called King of the Glens took place in Scotland. Another weeklong event put on by Dave Cole and his ever-growing team and it turned out to be one of the hardest races yet. I am still receiving reports, but from what I understand it was very muddy. And when I say muddy, I mean muddy enough that one car was buried to the roof. I saw a picture of Levi Shirley on Instagram and his car was almost gone. I will be sure to report back in my next column with the details and results from King of the Glens.
I am excited about all the racing news for Canada this year, and would like to thank all the people involved in making it happen. I know first-hand how hard it is to organize events in Canada and especially how much thank-less work it is. So please keep in touch with me with your events and I will do my best to keep everyone up to date and fill the stands with cheering spectators!
Stay safe and see you on the trails (and at the races).