I have been going to Mission Raceway since 1975 and lived through the transitional years when we raced boats there and begged the government to honour their commitments, after the society gave up their property for Fiberglass Canada. (who left when the tax subsidy expired)
I am a team member of one of the feature cars that runs at Mission. Our car recently went faster than the national record at a 5.63 et at 249 mph in Nitro Funny Car. That one run in great conditions enticed cars including the world champ to race in Mission for the NHRA Heritage Series race two weeks ago. This was an inaugural race and the first time NHRA have allowed this series race outside of the USA.
My point is we race in Mission periodically on the circuit. I live in Maple Ridge. Once I got to know the community of Mission however, it became easier to go to Mission for groceries, movies (no theatre in MR for years) , Boston Pizza or White Spot (I like the race track pictures in this location). I buy gas at the Esso or Petro Can and you have an awesome mens wear store (Cox) which both my father and I buy clothes at. You have an awesome little drive in restaurant for breakfast.
The race track has exposed us to the community. My son moved to Mission and may buy a house there soon.
I know chamber of commerce folks that told me outright that the track has brought in so much business. That's why the chamber has selected Mission Raceway as "Business of the Year" more than once. I know residents of Mission who in the past were aghast when there was hardly any commercial tax base and house taxes were exorbitant. Everyone was complaining especially retirees.
Maybe there should be a sign entering Mission that says…"Welcome to Mission" "Home of Mission Raceway". Anyone who is complaining after the fact, I hope would become educated and embrace the huge positive impact the track has on the economy of Mission. Come and have fun.
Dale Finch
Western Canada Automotive Business Association
President & CEO