Northern Lights Raceway gears up for final race weekend of 2024

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Lights Raceway is set to host its final race weekend of 2024 from September 13th to 15th.

The event will feature races ranging from street-legal drag races to box and no-box classes, as well as junior dragster events.

According to track representative Wade McLeod, the season-ending spectacle follows the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) northern bracket finals, which took place in Prince George from September 5th to the 8th.

Several local drivers, including Connor Svisdahl, Kevin Noehring, and Derek Patterson, won their classes at the finals.

Their victories earned them a spot in the world finals, scheduled for Montgomery, Alabama, at the end of September.

McLeod says final points toward the season have been tabulated, making the final drive around the course more of an “all-star game” atmosphere.

“This will be a fun race type of deal,” said McLeod.  “Normally, we choose five race dates throughout the year, with the last being a rain-out date.”

“It’s just a season-ender, and hopefully the weather cooperates, and next year will be even better.”

McLeod says Northern Lights Raceway was fortunate to get a sponsor for the season’s swansong, as Microtel by Wyndham in Fort St. John agreed to step up.

“It’s cool that they have stepped up,” said McLeod.

Typically, races start with a pair of time trials, followed by qualifiers for the later races in the day.

McLeod encourages those who have never attended an auto racing event to come and experience the spectacle of live motor racing.

“Drag racing is a huge family event,” said McLeod.

The action begins on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Northern Lights Raceway, located at 242 Road in nearby Baldonnel.

Weekend races start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with finals staged later.  For further information, visit Northern Lights Raceway’s Facebook page.