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Langley Speedway (British Columbia)
Encyclopedia
Langley Speedway was a 1/4-mile paved oval track
used for stock car racing
located in Langley, British Columbia
. The track opened in either 1963 or 1965 (there are conflicting references on both this and the track length), and closed in 1984. The track hosted numerous classes of racing during its operational existence, including several visits from the NASCAR Winston West series in the 1970s. For the last few years prior to its closing due to its lease not being renewed, the track was known as Action Raceway.
, for use as a park
. Frazier sold the land and signed a ten-year lease, operating the track until it was taken over by Gordon Hemrich in 1977. After the ten-year lease expired in 1979, renewals were year-to-year, and increasing pressure was brought by local governments with regards to number of events and other issues. Eventually, in 1984, after its operations were taken over by the Lower Mainland Oval Racing Association, the track was closed. Today, it is part of Campbell Valley Regional Park.
The Langley Speedway Historical Society (LSHS) has lobbied governments in the area to preserve the facility, holding clean-up events at and around the track. In 2006, the GVRD Parks Committee voted unanimously to support heritage listing of the speedway. The GVRD Board also voted unanimously to support the listing. In September 2006, the Council of the Township of Langley voted unanimously to include Langley Speedway on its Heritage Resource Listing. The LSHS is currently working with the GVRD staff and other interested groups in its efforts to preserve the site and promote it for various event uses, including car shows.
According to the Langley Speedway Historical Society, Langley Speedway is one of only three locations in British Columbia that has hosted NASCAR events over the years. Winston West races took place in 1971, 1972, 1978 and 1981; Hershel McGriff
was a winner of 150-mile races in 1971 and 1972. NASCAR late-model Sportsman races also took place at the track, and the Canadian American Modified Racing Association also used the facility.
Oval track
Oval track racing, also known as oval racing, is a form of closed-circuit automobile racing that is contested on an oval-shaped track. An oval track differs from a road course in that the layout resembles an oval with turns in only one direction, almost universally left...
used for stock car racing
Stock car racing
Stock car racing is a form of automobile racing found mainly in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil and Argentina. Traditionally, races are run on oval tracks measuring approximately in length...
located in Langley, British Columbia
Langley, British Columbia (city)
The City of Langley is a municipality in Metro Vancouver. It lies directly east of the City of Surrey, adjacent to Cloverdale, and surrounded on the north, east and south by Township of Langley.-History:...
. The track opened in either 1963 or 1965 (there are conflicting references on both this and the track length), and closed in 1984. The track hosted numerous classes of racing during its operational existence, including several visits from the NASCAR Winston West series in the 1970s. For the last few years prior to its closing due to its lease not being renewed, the track was known as Action Raceway.
History
Langley Speedway was founded by Craig Frazier in 1963, and was included in a 1969 purchase of land by the Vancouver-Fraser Park District, which later became a part of the Greater Vancouver Regional DistrictGreater Vancouver Regional District
Metro Vancouver is the brand name of the board of the inter-municipal administrative body known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District , a regional district in British Columbia, Canada...
, for use as a park
Park
A park is a protected area, in its natural or semi-natural state, or planted, and set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. It may consist of rocks, soil, water, flora and fauna and grass areas. Many parks are legally protected by...
. Frazier sold the land and signed a ten-year lease, operating the track until it was taken over by Gordon Hemrich in 1977. After the ten-year lease expired in 1979, renewals were year-to-year, and increasing pressure was brought by local governments with regards to number of events and other issues. Eventually, in 1984, after its operations were taken over by the Lower Mainland Oval Racing Association, the track was closed. Today, it is part of Campbell Valley Regional Park.
The Langley Speedway Historical Society (LSHS) has lobbied governments in the area to preserve the facility, holding clean-up events at and around the track. In 2006, the GVRD Parks Committee voted unanimously to support heritage listing of the speedway. The GVRD Board also voted unanimously to support the listing. In September 2006, the Council of the Township of Langley voted unanimously to include Langley Speedway on its Heritage Resource Listing. The LSHS is currently working with the GVRD staff and other interested groups in its efforts to preserve the site and promote it for various event uses, including car shows.
Racing
Hershel McGriff
Hershel McGriff won four races during his brief career in the NASCAR Grand National series, and later in the NASCAR Winston West Series.-Racing career:...
was a winner of 150-mile races in 1971 and 1972. NASCAR late-model Sportsman races also took place at the track, and the Canadian American Modified Racing Association also used the facility.
Notable Racers
Many notable drivers raced at Langley Speedway over the years, including:- Ray ElderRay ElderRaymond Marvin Elder was a former NASCAR Grand National and Winston Cup Series driver.He participated primarily in west coast races at Riverside International Raceway and Ontario Motor Speedway from 1967 to 1978. He won races at Riverside in 1971 and 1972 driving for Fred Elder...
- Hershel McGriffHershel McGriffHershel McGriff won four races during his brief career in the NASCAR Grand National series, and later in the NASCAR Winston West Series.-Racing career:...
- Earl RossEarl RossEarl Ross is a Canadian race car driver who competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1973 to 1976 driving the Carling Red Cap #52...
- Roy SmithRoy Smith (racecar driver)Roy Smith is a former NASCAR driver and part of a Victoria-era racing family—brother Al and son Gary have raced.-Career:...
- Tom SnevaTom SnevaTom Sneva is a former Indy Car driver who was named to the prestigious Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. Sneva is best remembered for winning the 1983 Indianapolis 500. Nicknamed "The Gas Man," Sneva was an outstanding qualifier, winning the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 three...