TONY VAN DE MORTEL

1994 INDUCTEE

* Started racing in 1966 with a 1950 Ford Stock Car. Was named VITRA rookie of the year. Became a shareholder in Western Speedway when Andre Cottyn sold the track. Maintained shares until 1982 when Frank Wille took ownership.

* 1967 saw Tony race a 1955 Chev Stock Car to a 10th place overall point finish. He was also involved with weekly features in the Speedway program.

* In 1968, Tony purchased a Super Modified race car and competed on the CAMRA Northwest circuit. He ended the year 6th in points, was CAMRA rookie of the year and was voted VITRA driver of the year.

* Set the track record in Victoria on Aug. 30, 1969 (16.41) and ended the season sitting in 4th place in CAMRA points.

* In 1970, Tony relocated to Spokane, Wash. to assist Jim Tipke in the construction of super modified race cars, including a new roadster for himself. He ended the
year sitting 6th in CAMRA points and took over the presidency of the club part way through the year.

* Again president of CAMRA. Raced the car whenever he could as his duties kept him very busy in the promotional field. He won the International Drivers Challenge Race in Victoria, then sold the car the same night.

* 1972 - 1976 saw him working on various auto racing-related projects, including USAC midgets and sprint cars back east.

* Became manager of Western Speedway in the fall of 1976. He was instrumental in the construction of new grandstands and also stopped zoning changes to ensure the continuance of Auto Racing in the Victoria area.

* 1977 - 1981 saw Tony as promoter and general manager of Western. Introduced "hit- to-pass" racing as well as the Pepsi Challenge series. Also instrumental in obtaining the Swap-N-Shop from the closed Tillicum Outdoor Theatre.

* Tony was the driving force to send Roy Smith to the Daytona 500 in 1980. He spent countless hours promoting this event to the city and gathering up monetary sponsors and support to make this dream a reality. The great result is history.

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1st race car 1966--l-r Tony, Ralph Nelson, Ted Mortel, Glen Walkey

1966 Trophy Dash win at Western Speedway

1967 Stock Car--l-r Ross Rockett, Glen Walkey, Tony, Ken Jay

1967 Trophy Dash win presented by Linda Brown

1968 -1st Modified-- l-r Tony, Larry Williams, Glen Walkey, Ross Rockett

1968 CAMRA Publicity photograph

Hot lapping Super Modified at Western Speedway, 1969

1970--l-r Ross Rockett, Glen Walkey, Tony, Ron Vincent, Pat O'Connor

1970 Main Event win at Western Speedway

Winning Super Modified IDC race at Western Speedway in 1971

l-r Tony, Pat & Marilyn Vidan, Yvonne Mortel

1994 HOF Induction, l-r Barrie Goodwin, Ross Rockett & Tony