The annual Crash to Pass Race to open Billy Barker Days is prepared for the intense races this afternoon.
“The weather’s looking promising, but like every year, we’re running it rain or shine,” says Dustin Brown, Vice-President of the Quesnel Auto Racers club.
The Auto Racers club puts on Crash to Pass each year, and has lined up the race for the start of Billy Barker for the last quarter of a century, according to Brown.
Brown says they’ve had people calling and reserving spots to watch the race, not even a race, since November. He expects a big turnout of people crowding the hills of the Goldpan Speedway again this year.
“I don’t recall the last time we haven’t had 25 or 30 cars racing, which is just awesome,” Brown says. “It’s awesome for the club, it’s awesome for the crowds. We’re a small but dedicated club, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we put on a phenomenal show for the spectators and the city.”
The rules for this year are the same as every year — you need to crash to get past. Brown says he and the Quesnel Auto Racers have had no problems pulling racers out of the lineups who were running “too clean of a race” before.
This year, the Auto Racers Club is continuing to award prize money for the racer winners; however, Brown says the Crowd Pleaser Award is still the main prize for the racers.
“It’s the one everyone wants to win, the one I always wanted to win when I raced,” Brown describes.
“It goes to the guy who puts on the biggest and best show, makes the crowd cheer and scream. To me, and a lot of the guys that come up every year, that’s award is the main goal.”
Another new ‘ish spectacle in this year’s Crash to Pass as the youngest driver in race history will take to the circuit at the age of 16. This newest and youngest driver will be part of a three-generation family of racers participating this year. His dad and grand-dad, all previous and continuing Crash to Pass racers, will be racing against each other.
The other draw to the race is the annual 50/50 Draw for the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department. Which Brown says is “one of the top ones in the province in terms of value, other than a big NHL game.”
Brown is happy the Fire Department uses Crash to Pass to fundraise for themselves. He says “it’s great” that the other car clubs, their and the Auto Racers’ sponsors, and other community organizations can come together to prosper off the event for the community.
The 2025 Crash to Pass Race will begin with the first practice at 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. Then the Heat Races will begin around 6 pm, followed by an Intermission, then it will be the green flag for the Main Event.
Brown advises anyone who wants to attend to get in early to find a good spot to watch the races.
The Crash to Pass isn’t the only car race over the Billy Barker Day festival. On Saturday, the Wescar Double Header will take place after the Billy Barker Day Parade.
“We’re a small group, but we love doing this for the community,” says Brown.
“We do months and months of work for really only one day, but we love it, and we love putting on a show for the crowd and community. When you get to hear them, and see it all happen, that’s why we do all this year after year. So when you, the spectators, can, give all the drivers and volunteers a wave and a cheer.”
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