Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame News

 

VICTORIA AUTO RACING HALL OF FAME

PRESS RELEASE:  March 27, 2010

The Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame, the first formed in Canada to be solely dedicated to highlight the sport of Auto Racing, is celebrating our 26th Anniversary in 2010.

This year’s special ceremony will be held on Friday evening, May 28th.  It will occur at the Eagle Ridge Community Centre at 1089 Langford Parkway, Victoria.  It is a veryhuge facility which will allow us to display many cars as well as have a superb seatingarrangement for those in attendance.  Doors will open at 6:00 PM with the formal ceremonies commencing at 7:30 PM sharp.  Admission will still be only $15.00, whichincludes popular beverages available throughout the evening and light refreshments will be served following the ceremonies.  A free souvenir programme will also be handed out at this time.

A very special “PLUS” will also be given to all those who attend this Friday function.  The following night at Western Speedway features the Katana Boat Series, Late Models and Stock Cars.  The Stock Cars will be competing for the Jim & Lorraine Haslam Memorial Hall of Fame Trophy.  The Friday night attendees will all receive a free pass to attend this great Saturday event courtesy of the Western Speedway Promoters.  In addition to this free $18 ticket, the adjacent Hall of Fame Museum will be open free of charge so that everyone can come in and enjoy the historical displays and memorabilia on site.  Any donations will be appreciated to support this great facility.

Although the names of this year’s Inductees are not released in advance, they will be honoured and join the 71 previously inducted persons in the Hall.  In addition, there will be Pioneer Award recipients introduced who will be added to the 59 previous selections in the Hall.

The Motor Racing heritage on Vancouver Island dates back prior to the 1920’s.  It is rich in historical significance and the Hall of Fame Committee is extremely proud to be able to highlight the noteworthy personalities of the past on Vancouver Island and showcase the various significant accomplishments that have occurred.

Everyone is invited to attend this year’s event.  As always, it allows members of the Auto Racing Fraternity, their fans, friends and anyone interested in learning about the sport to come together and remember past happenings, renew old acquaintances, meet new ones, look at the memorabilia on display and generally enjoy the evening.

For any additional information, please contact Ross Rockett at 250-652-1303 or any of the Hall of Fame Committee members listed on the website

(victoriaautoracinghalloffame.com).

 

Recent Interview with co-founding member Ross Rockett
by Jeff Gilder of racersreunion.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch




Interview with Gord Tupper and Ross Rockett at Grand
Re-opening of Hall of Fame Museum June 14th, 2008.


NOTICE!  October 10th, 2008.
Famous Victoria auto racer Dave Cooper is being inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.  He is a VERY deserving person to join the many historic athletes in this organization.  He was one of the first members inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1984.  The ceremony is being held at the Save-On Memorial Arena on Saturday, October 18th beginning at 6:00 PM.  Admission is $75 which includes a buffet dinner, 2 cocktails plus the Induction Ceremonies, a big screen Multi-Media show, the opportunity to meet with famous Olympians and see the unveiling of new Hall of Fame displays to be added to the many items currently located on permanent display at the Arena.  In addition to Dave Cooper, there are seven other Inductions occurring covering various other sports.  Tickets are available at 250-721-4048 (Jeevan Dillan) or 250-389-0223 (Pat Hall).  Let them know you are ordering in support of Dave Cooper so seating can be organized with other racing folks in attendance.
Hope to see you there!  ROSS ROCKETT

HI RACERS!  HERE'S A PHOTO OF HARRY GANT, LARRY POLLARD AND I IN THE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM.  I'M SHOWING THEM SOME VINTAGE PICTURES AT THIS TIME.  THEY SPENT ABOUT 20 MINUTES IN THE MUSEUM PRIOR TO HARRY HAVING TO GO OUT UNDER THE GRANDSTANDS AND SIGN AUTOGRAPHS BEFORE THE START OF THE CANADA 200 RACING EVENT.  HARRY IS A VERY NICE INDIVIDUAL.  TRULY GREAT TO HAVE A SUPER STAR FROM THE NASCAR'S PAST HISTORY.  ROSS

 

Pictures of the coupe at Langley Speedway Sept 7th 2008. Actually got to drive it 3 laps. Just to hear the quick change gears whine  was a thrill. Old guys are not supposed to have this much fun. (Ralph Monhay)

 

2007 INDUCTION CEREMONY VIDEO HERE!

The Hall of Fame would like to thank you for visiting our site.

~Webmaster~