Hope Motorsports is gearing up for its biggest Summer Smash event this weekend.
Organizers are expecting over 40 competitors to roll into town for the races and demolition derbies at the local Sports Bowl, July 16-17.
"It's entertainment all day," said co-organizer Dusty Smith. "You don't have to love cars to enjoy this either."
Saturday will feature 4x4 and mini-stock races, as well as a heat of the truck demolition derby. Organizers have added a new Utility Terrain Vehicle class to the 4x4 event this year, which consists of side-by-side vehicles like Yamaha Rhinos and Polaris Razors.
An outdoor concert is also planned on Saturday night with Slick 50 featuring local performer Roger Schmidt. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. at the Sports Bowl.
On Sunday, the action continues with mini-stock racing, and car and truck demolition derbies.
The top competitor in each event class will win a trophy and cash prize.
There will also be a beer garden set up throughout the weekend and a midway provided by West Coast Amusements in Sixth Avenue Park.
Summer Smash continues to attract competitors from across the Lower Mainland, and from as far away as Kamloops and Washington state.
"There's not too many like this that are going on anymore due to insurance costs becoming such a hassle," said Smith, adding that insurance for the local two-day event is about $2,400. "The people that are involved in these sports are die-hard people."
Hope Search and Rescue will provide the safety and security checks, while Hope Crime Prevention handles the ticket sales at the gate.
The action gets underway each day at noon, with vehicle registration and inspection at 10 a.m.
Entry for competitors is $40 per event and gate admission is $10. Proceeds will benefit Hope Search and Rescue and Hope Crime Prevention. Tickets to the Saturday night concert are $15.
Advance tickets are available at Lordco, or through Smith at 604-869-1736.
For more information, contact organizers at hopemotorsports@hotmail.com.