Summer Smash returns to Hope this weekend after taking a year off due to anticipated Sports Bowl upgrades.
Drivers travel from all over the province to participate in this two-day event. Organizers are expecting local entries as well as those from Abbotsford, Chilliwack, North Vancouver, Kamloops, and even as far away as Monroe, Washington this year.
“What we’ve found in the last few events is we’ve really built a name for ourself. It’s turned into a recognized event which is exciting,” said Scott Medlock, with Hope Motorsports Group. “It’s more for the race enthusiasts and gear heads. There’s competitiveness and there’s racing, but everybody’s excited when there’s a crash. This is like intentional chaos.”
Saturday will focus on 4x4 and mini-stock races, while Sunday’s action involves the demolition derby and a continuation of mini-stock racing. The events are open to all vehicle models.
“Hope is almost an organized outlaw,” said Jim Lasser, who is also with Hope Motorsports Group. “Hope has only safety rules that matter. It’s as close to an outlaw derby as you can get.”
Trophies will be handed out to the winners and the top three in each class receives a cash prize. There is over $4,000 in prize money up for grabs this year. In addition to the motorsports events, there will be a beer garden set up throughout the weekend.
Summer Smash gets underway at 1 p.m. each day, with vehicle registration and inspection starting at 10 a.m. Hope Search and Rescue is providing safety checks, while Hope Crime Prevention looks after ticket sales. Entry for participants is $40 per vehicle per event. Admission is $10 for adults, and free for kids aged 12 and under.