Mini Gallery
Film - Medium Format
Cinestill 400D
Provia 100F
Cinestill 800t pushed +1
King Of The Streets
Spec-D Round 2
Provoke Emotion - Capture Passion
First and foremost, I just want to say a massive thank-you to Shawn and Cecilia, they are the master minds behind Spec-D. Dedicated to the craft, these two incredible individuals dump every ounce of energy, every resource they have, they give it their all to make Spec-D what it is today, and to help grow the Canadian drift scene in Alberta/BC. Now I can’t forget to say a big thank you as well to their amazing hardworking team, you all know who you are, and their sponsors, thank you to all of you for everything you do with helping make these events what they are.
This was my 3rd year of being involved with Spec-D for their Round 2 event at Mission Raceway in Mission, BC. Each year just keeps getting better and better, but apparently I forgot to post last years gallery, so I’ll get on that. Aside from that! Round 2 this year was visually appealing, and the driving was top notch, these two elements go hand in hand for a successful event. The cars were looking great, I felt like for this year people have really stepped up their game for the looks of their cars. Everything felt more professional, not only that, but the sense of passion is really starting to show again in this scene too. Drifting is a spectator motor sport, and when you have great looking cars that are backed up by talented driving, it all just clicks.
As the progression continues to evolve each year, it gives a good feeling to the future of competitive drifting in this neck of the woods. With the lack of tracks around these days, Mission raceway is becoming more and more of a special place to host such events. Having a location such as Mission Raceway for round 2 to happen at, feels like a match made in heaven, with its extremely photogenic environment, high speed course layout that’ll really test your abilities, and overall a very large venue that leaves the door open for many more possibilities to grow this event and make it the perfect spot for events such as this one. What Mission Raceway has with Spec-D, is truly something special for greater and bigger things in the future as this event continues to grow.
Chris Pollard and Matt Rusiecki battling it out in the final 4
Now as much as I’d like to dive into an event recap, I feel like I don’t have all the main coverage to curate a proper story about what went down. These days I just find myself enjoying the time catching up with friends that I only cross paths with a few times a year, snap some pictures of them doing what they love, dish out some quality high fives and hugs. I’m just here to have a fun time doing what I love, and that’s to capture my friend’s chasing their passion. So this “recap” if you will, is going to be more weighted towards myself just talking about my time at round 2.
A full house for the main event.
As always, come competition day the atmosphere changes ever so slightly. The fun factor is still there from practice/qualifying the day prior, just that competitive spirit is ever more so present. There’s a good aura felt as you first show up in the morning, the lbdj already has some tunes jamming over the sound system, crews are busy getting last minute repairs and adjustments dialed in on cars, the drivers are hyped to get out there and begin the battle for top spot, and media is busy running around trying to capture all the moments before it’s business time on track, it’s a well oiled machine that doesn’t skip a beat. Then the gates open to the public, and the excitement starts to set in.
Drivers autograph session.
There’s something to be said about a driver’s meet and greet, I feel like it’s few and far between of a sight to be seen in other motorsports, aside from some others having open access for spectators in the pits during their events, or limited access for spectators to interact with the teams and drivers. As where drifting is a very community involved motorsport with its spectators, I feel like that is a very important aspect to have, it doesn’t close off the drivers being able to interact with the spectators or vise versa, there’s a very warm welcoming feeling being able to have these personal interactions, to have these moments of appreciation, where conversations are had and high fives are given. As I mentioned earlier on, drifting as a whole is a spectator motorsport, and Spec-D has it all.
Day 3 of 3, Sundays brodown event
Stepping away from the competition part of the event for a moment, is Sunday’s Brodown event. After two days of practice/qualifying on day one, then day two is followed up with more practice and the main competition, day 3 brings the Brodown event. Spec-D’s round two is a 3 day action packed event, and on day 3 it turns into a great mix of grassroots drivers out there getting down with the pro’s. Again looping back to community involvement, day 3 allows for everyone who’s signed up, to be out there just having a great time. It’s great to see some guys in the grassroots scene get out there with the pro drivers and just fit right in.
Over my years of being involved with drifting, not only with Spec-D, just drifting in general. I’ve made many so many friends from this community over those years, and one thing that I love seeing, are my friends achieving their goals and just doing big things. Seeing your friends grow and excel at what they love doing, is truly an amazing feeling, being able to catch those moments too is what makes all the grinding and hard work worth it. Those are the moments that’ll live on forever suspended in time, it’s at these moments I love doing what I do the most. Tristan, big dawg, my guy, this is your moment, enjoy your victory, the fruits of your labor, and what’s to come. “Much love my man”.
From left to right: Jesse, Shaun, Tony
I’ll wrap things up here with my final few thoughts from Round 2 at Mission Raceway. What Spec-D is doing in and for the drift community here in Bc and Alberta is huge, they’re putting on incredible events (competitive and grassroots) that are done properly, the passion is there from them, they’re heavily invested into this community and just want to see things become bigger and better as time goes on. With all the organizations state side that run drift events, and how extremely popular drifting is in the states, I feel like Spec-D is the perfect body to be taking competitive/grassroots drifting to the next level in Western Canada, along with representing the scene. I’d love to see drifting grow here to the level that it is in the states, it just takes the right people and platforms to help do so, and the community in Western Canada definitely has what it takes to push that growth.
I just hope that tracks in these areas can see what the bigger picture can lead to, as drifting continues to grow and gain popularity in Western Canada. There are only so many places left now within Bc and Alberta for motorsports, especially Bc. Mission Raceway has become the central hub for drifting in Bc, that track has something extremely special going on, and can be “the” spot that helps grow this community as well. Seeing Mission Raceway expand their track space over the last few years for drifting, gives great hope for a big and bright future within the scene as well. So with my final words, Spec-D keep doing what you’re doing for the drifting community in Bc and Alberta, you are what this community needs. On behalf of myself and many others in the scene, thank you for everything that you do.
The Goods pt.1
The Goods Pt.2
Film - Coming soon
Strato Bash V-3
Here we are, again
I’m just going to go ahead and say it, Strato Bash “is” the replacement for the Drift Union Invitational. Is it? The end, Strato Bash 3 blog over…….Honestly though, I feel like that statement said, is a rough and dirty way to sum up what Strato Bash is like with a few words. For those of you who knew about and lived those glorious DUI days (Drift Union Invitational), then I’m sure you can relate in some way shape or form to Strato Bash having a very similar feel to those days. For those who don’t know what those days were like, well I guess you’ve missed out on a Canadian heritage moment in the drift scene.
So many similarities and characteristics are shared with what Strato Bash is, and what DUI was. With all due respect though, Strato Bash could never take the place of what the Drift Union Invitational was, that two day invitational based event was such an iconic event, it paved the way for many of us in this scene out here I feel, it created something so special for those who knew what it was or who have been to one, and for years to come core memories will always find their way into conversations with similar events such as Strato Bash. For myself, Strato Bash is a more refined, well structured, less rough around the edge version of DUI on a bigger scale.
This years two day event at Stratotech Park brought out 100 drivers. Now for those who haven’t been to Strato Bash in person, you may think 100 drivers for an event would create a fair amount of traffic and waiting in que lines to get on track? In all reality there is zero wait time, the track is hot from the moment the event starts, to the moment the event ends, minus some track breaks here and there.
If you remember from my past blog Strato Bash V-2, I briefly dove into the run down about how this event operates. Long story short and a small refresher, there are two run groups broken up into another two sub groups, red/blue group as one, and green/yellow as two. As one run group is out on track, the other sub group is catching a 15 min break, and vice versa. It’s way more seat time then you’d expect, it’s probably the most seat time you’ll ever get in an event.
Strato Bash is an event run by an incredible group of individuals who are rooted deeply within the local Alberta drift scene, also branching out into British Columbia as well. The ones who run and operate Spec-D are immensely dedicated to their craft, there’s so much passion and determination from this group to see this culture grow in many amazing ways. The people behind Spec-D dump their heart and soul into the events they put on throughout the warmer months, many of these individuals are also drivers, or share a common passion for the drift scene.
They understand the ins and outs to drift events, the logistics, what gets drivers excited to come to these events, along with spectators too. Personally from my point of view looking in, Spec-D is a group of the people for the people, who also greatly understand the business aspect as much as the let’s have a great time aspect with these events. The drift scene in Western Canada needs Spec-D as much as Spec-D needs drifting in Western Canada, the pair go hand in hand like Burt Reynolds and his mustache.
I could go on and on rambling about Strato Bash and how glorious it is, and really it is. It’s by far one of my most favorite events to be apart of, there’s such a huge sense of community around this event, everyone for the most part knows who everyone else is, it’s all about having a stellar time over two days with your homies, getting more seat time than you know what to do with, growing as a driver, and the list goes on and on. In Western Canada, Strato Bash has started to make a name for itself as “the” event to drive at. With the saying “time will tell”, year 3 of Strato Bash just shows us that this event continues to grow with each year, and that time is telling us good things are on the horizon for this community.
The Goods
I wish I had more variety with shots to be honest, but I find myself sitting back more and more these days to just enjoy time with friends, along with enjoying the event itself.
Thank you for reading the blog.
Enjoy!
Medium Format Film Goods
Kodak Gold 200
Ilford hp5
Portra 400
Pro 400h
63rd Knox Mountain Hillclimb
We’re back! After what felt like an eternity, the Knox Mountain Hill Climb made it’s great return back to the beautiful city of Kelowna, BC after a two year hiatus. Aside from this two year hiatus, the Knox Mountain Hill Climb has been running steady for just over the last 60 years, the history with this event runs deep in Kelowna.
Bob Guido - 1969 Ford Mustang
As always, every long weekend during the month of May is when the Knox Mountain Hill Climb takes place. Drivers and crew come from all over Western Canada, even with drivers from all over the Pacific North West. This is the only race of it’s kind in Canada, and one of a handful hill climb races still operating in North America to date.
Bonnie Wall - 1991 Honda CRX
The course itself is 2.2 miles long, with an elevation gain of about 800 feet from the start line at the base of hill. The course brings it’s own unique list of challenges throughout the 9 corners from start to finish, highspeed straights, tight corners, drop offs, humps/bumps from being a 4 seasons environment, and various road conditions depending on the weather over the weekend (rain/wet surfaces, sunny/dry, or a mix). But none the less, it’s always a great view overlooking Kelowna and the Okanagan lake.
Mark Uhlmann - Stohr WF 1
Given the nature of this course because of it’s location, spectators have access to almost every inch of the course in terms of view points. Knox Mountain is known for it’s incredible hiking trails and mountain bike trails, so during the race weekend you can hike various routes on the mountain that’ll take you to every corner of the course, and along the way be able to see each and every section of the course. For the most part this trail access is pretty tame, even for those who aren’t into hiking all day. If you are wanting to push yourself though, there are other great viewing points to hike to for those unique spots.
Michael Zbarsky - 1967 Triumph
Along with the ease of access to the course, incredible views from the mountain of Kelowna and the surrounding area. There is such a large variety of cars in this event, you’ll see a handful of purpose built time attack cars that were built for one job and one job only. But then you’ll also see a great mix of weekend track warriors, all the way to others who race seriously. Hillclimb monsters, to vintage classics, and everything in between, there is really something for everyone’s interests.
Garrett Mealing - 1995 Eagle Talon
Given the events two year hiatus for obvious reasons, drivers were itching to get back into this historical event for the Okanagan valley, but not only the drivers, the spectators too. The energy levels that weekend were very high, the excitement was real, and it felt so good to be back. To a lot of these drivers and volunteers, this event is so much more than just a race, in a way it’s like a massive family reunion for most. Many here only cross paths with each other a few times a year at most, some maybe just once a year when this event happens.
Greg Cavouras - 2004 Corvette
You could imagine what is was like for everyone in this scene, not being able to do what they love the most in life for the past two years, there’s so much that goes on in racing culture as a whole, that when you take a part of it away for a period of time, life just isn’t the same without all the pieces of the puzzle put together. Some prepare all year just for that once special event, others maybe they get up to a number of different races each season, come full circle though and in the end everyone is living for that one moment in time. So to have the Knox Mountain Hill Climb back in full swing, it really was a huge deal for those who are apart of it, and the ones who have been apart of it during it’s lifetime.
Steve Gunner - 1983 Porsche 944
Now don’t go thinking that this event is just for the divers, it’s so much more than that. It’s for the community, and I’m not just talking about the racing community, the community of Kelowna as a whole. It brings people in from all over the map during the May long weekend, people come together, they catch-up with one another, create life long memories. Some have been coming to this event for back to back years on end, and others this may be their first time experiencing it. At the end of the day, it’s creating community engagement, it’s bringing more attention to Kelowna and the race culture that exists in this neck of the woods.
Bob Boyer - 1969 Datsun 510
It really is a treat to see this race in person, because at any other time of the year, this road up the mountain isn’t open to vehicle traffic. It’s always unique to hear and see racecars in unusual areas if you want to put it that way, the sights and sounds of these purpose built cars racing past you one by one is an exciting time to witness. Often you could hear a pin drop in this environment any other time of the year, but for once a year it’s really something else to hear the roar of an engine off in the distance through the woods, then see a racecar some barreling around a corner and blast by you. The mix of nature and machine in this instance is an odd paring, but it works so well. Beauty and the beast, purpose built chaos mixed with the peaceful serenity of nature.
Roger Sieber - Hayaboostaca
To sum things up about the Knox Mountain Hill Climb, it’s an all around incredible time, it brings family and friends together for a memorable weekend in nature with racecars. It holds a historical value to the city of Kelowna, and really showcases something truly special that Kelowna has to offer for the motorsport culture out here. I personally love this event and what it brings to this location, it really is a great feeling to be apart of it, to show support for it in hopes that it continues to grown even bigger in the coming years, bringing out more drivers, bigger crowds, and really putting Kelowna on the map with such a special event such as this.
From left to right. (Garrett Mealing 2nd) (Mark Uhlmann 1st) (Roger Sieber 3rd)
The Goods
Strato Bash V-2
We’re here
Big sky and desolate landscape, you can see as far off into the distance as the horizon will allow you to. There’s something to be said about the Prairies, it’s a different kind of lifestyle out there, it’s a different kind of serenity. In such a space you quickly gain a sense for how small you are out there surrounded by hectares upon hectares of open land and large blue sky’s. The silence comes and goes, periodically you hear the hum off in the distance from tractors working the fields, oil wells pumping, and the occasional train passing by. When you find yourself in an area without the better part of some sort of industrialization, you’re left with few sounds, the wind blows through the wheat fields, the birds chirp as they fly by, and its just you with your thoughts in this vast open space.
Within this vast space is something special, a hidden gem if you will, where the silence is broken. Fast straights, big sweeping corners mixed with tighter technical ones, separated by many elevation changes throughout it’s footprint, here lies a little slice of heaven, Stratotech park.
It’s a pretty rare occasion to find myself anywhere in the prairies , or more so just going to them. Although for this occasion I need to find out if the rumors where true, I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Strato Bash, enough so to find myself standing in the middle of this years event. The 11 or so hour drive out was well worth it, I got the chance to see with my very own eyes what this special place was all about.
Stratotech is a road course if you’re wondering, just over a mile long with 9 corners or depending on the layout that this event ran, the S-bend made it 13 corners. The front and back straight make for some high speed big boy entries, pin it in 3rd maybe 4th depending on how you’re feeling, toss a feint entry and the party starts.
I mean if we’re going to compare apples to apples, this track is Canada’s version of PARC in Oregon, but…….faster. I will mention it’s a track meant for grip, so if you find yourself coming out to next years Strato Bash hosted by Spec-d, bring more tires than you need because its aggressive.
Over the labourday long weekend Strato Bash definitely blew my expectations out of the water, two days of back to back drifting from 9:30am to about 5pm is a wild time. There are 3 track layouts with 2 run groups sub divided into 4 (red&blue - green&yellow), which in turn gets you the most seat time you can possibly have here, so much so that if you don’t pace yourself you most likely wont have enough tires for day 2. The first two layouts are split up on the track, composed of the front section and the back section, and then full course from mid-day to end.
For those of you that have been in the scene for a while now and know about DUI (drift union invitational), that event was “the” summer event to be at, you didn’t want to miss driving that event, every summer for the last 10 years it was the be all of events for grassroots drifting in Western Canada. Now that drifting is no more at Penticton Speedway, and I know this is something big to say, but I do feel like Strato Bash is the new DUI replacement minus a few things that were unique to DUI itself.
Yes I went and said that, Strato Bash “is” Western Canadas new DUI, even though it’s a little more East than West. That’s out in the open now, and I’m sticking to what I said. You’re going to find great times here, you’ll make new friends who you can’t wait to drive with again, endless memories, team tandem competition, food trucks, prizes, live music, and just an all around stellar atmosphere to be apart of with your friends.
This year marked the second year that Spec-D put on this incredible event, I was super impressed with how it operated, how it was structured, I’m sure behind the scenes was a chaotic time organizing this event too. But the hard work and effort put into Strato Bash by those at Spec-D really showed. In my opinion this is just the beginning for this event, seeing what this event already is and has accomplished in such a short time, it really paints a promising and exciting picture for the future events to come. Strato Bash is an event you need to pay attention to, as for us who have been apart of one now, this just marks the beginning of many more great memories to come. Strato Bash is what this community needs. I want to go on and say more, just the thing is you need to come out next year and experience it for yourself.
Jason Delehay, a member of the Spec-D family since it’s early days, all the best to you with your new journey ahead in Texas, this one goes out to you. Cheers dude.
