By Kevin J Sabo
For the Independent
Despite some unprecedented challenges, the Stettler Magnetos held their annual Drag Races at the Stettler Airport on July 18 and 19, 2020.
The 2020 event was held without the usual fanfare, as no spectators were allowed due to social distancing requirements and a cap of 200 people gathering at an outdoor function,
as stipulated by the province. Still, the changes didn’t stop 53 cars competing on the first day of the even, and 36 cars on the second.
Members of the Heartland Youth Centre were on hand at the event, helping the Stettler Car Club make things run smoothly and due to the number of cars that came out — the Stettler Magnetos were able to donate $2000 to the organization.
To keep things safe for all attendees of the races, anyone entering the grounds had to fill out and sign a Covid related health disclosure form, complete with contact information in order to allow for contact tracing if an outbreak were to be later linked to the races. The washrooms and high touch surfaces were cleaned regularly by volunteers, and with no spectators, the organizers were able to keep the number of people on location well under the government mandated 200-person limit.
The event this year was organized into two classes, a 7.1 second and slower class, and a 7.0 and faster class. Unfortunately, due to changes that had to be made this year, there were no junior classes. Prizes for the classes were sponsored by a variety of community businesses, including Transcend Safety and Stettler NAPA.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the organizers of the event are optimistic about bringing the races back in 2021, complete with spectators, though that will depend on how things continue to go with Alberta’s relaunch in the coming months.
