Drag racing to take over McBride airport one day in June
By Andrea Arnold
The Charlie Leake Airport in McBride is set to see a whole new kind of speed on June 22nd, 2025 when the BC DragiT Challenge comes to town.
This is the third year that the event organised by Dianne and Mark Boutilier has taken place, but the first year it will be held in McBride. Dianne says that this year is shaping up to have the most participants so far. They have a maximum registration of 200 people, 100 drivers and 100 support crew, and they anticipate reaching that number based on registration so far.
The five-day event begins on June 18th in Lillooet, B.C., where drivers will race at their first location. Following the conclusion of that event, they will pack up their cars with everything they will need for the next five days and hit the road to Cache Creek for their second event. Each vehicle that is raced during the DragiT Challenge must be street legal. Teams will drive between venues abiding by regular traffic laws, and then compete in the same vehicle. They must pack personal effects, tools, spare parts including tires, and anything else they may need over the five days in the car and, if needed, a small single axle trailer up to four foot by eight foot. The rules are so strict in this regard that if a driver’s spouse is travelling along the route with an RV, nothing the driver needs can be in the RV.
As a result of not having a support team and vehicle, the teams often help each other out if the need for assistance during repairs occurs.
This year teams will travel from Lillooet, Cache Creek, Kelowna and 100 Mile House before arriving in McBride on June 21st. From McBride they will return to Cache Creek for final staging.
Boutilier says that plans for a show ‘n’ shine type event that evening are in the works and she hopes people will take the time to come check out the cars and meet the drivers. Some of the drivers have never been to McBride and they have already voiced their excitement at exploring this part of the Robson Valley.
“Drivers will have to check in at specific locations throughout the challenge, and they will arrive in the next community the night before the event,” said Boutilier. “In McBride, we will have a drivers’ meeting at 8:00 a.m. on the 22nd, and hopefully begin racing at 9:00 a.m.”
Boutilier explained that each driver has to make a minimum of one pass at each location to keep their qualification. If repairs are needed, they are permitted to make them, providing they can complete one pass during the day. She anticipates the event will wrap up around 2:00 p.m., allowing drivers enough time to make the trip back to Cache Creek for their final day.
As plans get underway, Boutilier said that they are looking for a non-profit group that wants to operate a small concession stand selling easy items like hot dogs, bottled water and pop. The event will be a non-alcoholic, non-substance event to ensure a safe family environment. They are also looking for some volunteers to help with ensuring the day is a success.
Admittance is $10 per person and kids under the age of 13 are free. Seating and shelter is not available, so Boutilier suggests that spectators bring a comfortable camping or lawn chair, and other weather appropriate supplies. She expects to have some foam ear plugs available but recommends people bring their own, especially for kids.
The pair had to work with Village of McBride staff and Council to get permission to run the event, and arrangements had to be made to ensure no air traffic to the airport on the event day. Chieftain Auto Parts in Prince George has agreed to sponsor the McBride event.
“Working with the Village staff has been great,” said Boutilier. “They have been very supportive. It is great for the drivers to know that McBride is happy to have them.”
For more information about the event, registration and regulations, Boutilier invites interested parties to visit their website at https://bcdragit.ca, or follow them on Facebook.
