MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – Posted April 23, 2009

To all Westwood members,

I want to thank everyone who came out and supported the club at our new facility at Mission Raceway Park. With all the new changes between the location and joining IKF, the executive knew it would be hard for some members to grasp at what we were trying to achieve, which was to strengthen the club feeling and for Westwood to have their own “home” to be proud of. This was the executive’s main priority this year, to go back to a formula that has worked in the past and to generate an even stronger sense of pride in being part of the most established karting club in British Columbia.

Acknowledging the history of Westwood Karting Association and the past members such as the late Greg Moore and many others, has set the caliber of racing higher than any other club in the lower mainland. No one else can say that locally and to this day we continue that standard with a new generation of drivers who race at this club as well as race in the upper echelon of karting. However, at the same time we still have our “club” atmosphere which is a rare combination in our sport. I am personally very proud of all of what Westwood possesses and has to offer to anybody who wants to join karting.

The first race at Mission went very well considering it was just an idea 4 weeks prior. This was a gigantic task and one that I had the privilege of being a part of. All the support and hard work from everyone who helped make it possible is that "club" feeling that executive wanted to see. At this time I also want to thank my executive for their endless energy and dedication to Westwood and making this thought a reality. A job well done!!

The smiles and positive energy from the members Saturday morning was very refreshing, to see and hear the excitement about having our own track, and at such a great location was very encouraging. Having the amenities available to us such as washrooms, showers, and a great concession was just an excellent bonus for us to have. Not to mention the beach parties we will be having soon!! If you had the time you could walk over to the other side of the facility (at no extra cost) and watch some car racing at the SCCBC track, and the same opportunity will be there for their members to come watch us. This is a new/old beginning for everyone, to be together with the same clubs that used to race at the original Westwood track 20 years ago!! A very special time!!

At first, a few drivers were skeptical of the circuit, saying it was hard to pass and tight in some areas, but by Sunday the drivers started to see where the opportunities were and I saw some of the best racing at Westwood in a long time. Watching Mitch and Jordan passing each other 3 times from the start line and thru the double turns was awesome. With the final touches being done before the next race, the curbing, and extending the circuit, we will definitely have a top-notch race track and facility for Westwood Karting Association.

We would like to thank you for all the feedback we received and I am very pleased how positive it all was and how excited everyone was. We encourage you to continue to provide feedback to the executive. This track is OUR home and together we can make it everything we want it to be.

Lastly, I was very surprised and delighted how many people stayed and helped to put everything away, it only took 1 hour and 20 minutes!!. Not bad when so many people contributed, it showed great club support, and that means a lot to the executive and myself. It is important to note that this time will only go down as we become more organized and equipped for the cleanup

With all the support, great feedback, and response, we are now on the right “TRACK “!! I look forward to the next race and I hope to see everyone at the next general meeting in May.

Best Regards to everyone,

Richard Frost
President, Westwood Karting Association