The SSCRA originated from the Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Club, formed in 1954, operating out of the 8th Street racing oval called the Motordrome. In 1968, as a result of the City of Saskatoon’s impending growth, the Club was forced to find new land; as of 1970 it operated for a few years at the current Prairieland Park Grandstand area, then upon accessing 23 acres from Bill Kusch for $1.00 down and a ten year payment plan, the Club started Bridge City Speedway just north of Sutherland. In 1999 the City, once again, advised of its intention to annex that area for future development, forcing the non-profit member-owned club to source new property. In 2004 the membership pursued a 35 acre parcel north of the City and in 2006 the .333 mi. new Speedway was born; to this date it remains Canada’s only member-owned and volunteer-run race track.
Aside from regular racing action featuring Super Late Models, Pro-Trucks, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and the recently formed Bandolero Youth Division, for several years now the SSCRA has also consistently secured one of only two annual Western Canadian stops of the NASCAR Canadian Tour. In an effort to advance the utilization of the facility into being more than just a race venue, in 2011 it became the first oval race track in the world to ever host an Air Show, followed with repeat events in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Saskatoon’s first outdoor Monster Truck Show in over 25 years was also held at the race track in the 2015.
While there will not be an Air Show in 2016, the WYANT GROUP RACEWAY promises the development of other events to enhance the community’s tourism and entertainment landscape.
Jason Gervais, President of the Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Association, says, “For the past ten years, the Savoie family stepped up and helped this organization through some very challenging years. Now, as we move forward into the next growth phase, the SSCRA Executive and its Members are extremely pleased to be working with the Wyant Group”. Gervais continues, “Vaughn, Michael, Phillip and their entire employee base, will be exceptional partners as we continue to promote the sport and provide incredible racing entertainment for this community” … “their personal and business-related reputations have garnered a level of respect that this organization does not take lightly … we look forward to a strong partnership that will most certainly benefit this community as we grow together”.
When asked about the future of the Wyant Group Raceway, Gervais adds, “Our Executive and Membership recognizes the need to diversify and attract new faces to new events as we move towards the next ten years of operation; we are anxious to expand that direction and build upon what has already been accomplished with NASCAR, the Air Show, the new Monster Truck Show and soon to follow in 2016, a new Tractor Pull event” … “other programming ideas are also being pursued that will be announced and implemented as both scheduling and the business climate allows, but most definitely the Wyant Group Raceway will generate a significant and positive impact on local tourism and the overall mix of entertainment options in the City”.
Michael Wyant, COO, adds … “When presented with this opportunity, it was something that was easy to get excited about. With a proven record of performance, a great executive committee, and ambitious growth plans for the track in the future, we saw it as a perfect fit for the Wyant Group. Not only can we now associate our family and automotive group with the fun and excitement of the raceway, we can also showcase and demonstrate some great products to the fans along the way, enhancing the race day experience. We couldn’t be happier to be the new naming rights sponsor of the raceway!” (NASCAR Home Tracks)
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