A Richmond resident will participate in the B.C Historic Motor Races 2024 this weekend.
Held on Aug. 10 and11 at the Speed-Fanatics Motorsports Circuit in Mission, this is the biggest vintage race event in western Canada, with racers from B.C, Alberta, Washington, Oregon and California.
Paul Haym will be racing his 1969 BMW 2002, a vintage car he acquired to pursue his passion for motorsport.
His car has been tuned to upgrade its performance, with modifications made to the engine and the suspension, as well as mounting track tires.
It is also fully equipped with safety features such as a roll cage and a foam fire-extinguisher system.
Haym moved to Richmond five years ago after he retired, having lived in Vancouver for more than 20 years.
“Vancouver has become very busy, and after cycling in Richmond for 40 years, it seemed like a natural thing to me,” he said.
Haym attributes his passion for cars to a childhood friend's father, who ignited his interest in the motor industry when he was 10.
Amid the challenge of finding time and money for an expensive hobby like this, he started taking his own street car to track days in the 1990s, eventually getting into vintage racing after purchasing a car in 2007.
Joining the sport as a younger person has its hurdles, but there are some who do find a way to learn about safely.
“I understand it's hard for younger people in B.C. to own a car, even more so to have a place to store it or work on it,” he said.
“I have some younger friends that do race, and for the most part, got in it the same way as I did, driving a streetcar on the track just to see what it's like; that’s the first step.”
He discourages street racing for learners, urging them to bring their car to the track and get proper instruction.
Looking towards the future, Haym said he won’t be competing for any world titles, but he’ll continue to dedicate himself to his hobby for as long as he can.
“I'm really happy that I'm still in good enough health to be able to do it even at this age,” he said. “It gets harder, I have to admit. It gets harder to prepare a car every year because the bars are heavy and I’m skinny, but I'm gonna try as long as I can.”
Organized by The Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, the 35th edition of this event will support two official charities: the Mission Hospice Society and the Inspire The Heart Child & Youth Society.
The two-day competition will be made up of three vintage race groups and a combined group, with each driver participating in four 15-minute sessions per day.
There will be no prize for this event, with racers competing solely for the love of the sport.
For more information, visit the British Columbia Historic Motor Races website.
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