Local racing legends will be inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame at a special ceremony in April.
The new inductees include two members of the management team who helped bid farewell to the Western Speedway; a founding member of the Vancouver Island Track Racing Association (VITRA) First Ladies; a record-breaking racer from the '70s; and a former Western Speedway Sportsman Champion.
Barb Handysides
Adrenaline junkie Barb Handysides has been inducted into the Hall Fame as a pioneer for her role in creating the VITRA First Ladies in October 1967.
Set up with the help of Susan Biggs, the initial objective of VITRA First Ladies was to be a social club, planning dances and other functions for the benefit of the racing clubs.
The club, who were also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, did that and so much more.
They raised money for a family in need that was part of the racing community, held Tupperware parties to raise funds, decorated floats for the Victoria Day Parade and took the pace car in the Oak Bay Tea Party parade.
The club also held Christmas parties for children and made donations to the Colonist 500 club, Salvation Army, Santa’s Anonymous and Lions Telethon.
In more recent years, Handysides has been part of the silent auction and door prize committee for the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
“I feel very blessed and proud to have been a part of this amazing group of ladies and all that we have accomplished over the years,” said Handysides, who noted she is thankful for the honour of being elected a pioneer by the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
Darrell Midgley
Darrell Midgley's racing career started in go-karts in 1971 at the age of 11. He quickly became a threat to win on a regular basis, compiling many wins and podium finishes, including a national championship in 1978.
In 1984, Midgley began his journey in stock car racing, and 40 years later, he continues to compete at a highly competitive level.
Midgley quickly found success, winning numerous races and breaking track records across the northwest at renowned tracks, including Yakima Speedway, Portland Speedway and Western Speedway.
In 2007, following in the footsteps of his parents Reg and Ann, who operated the Speedway in the ‘70s and ‘80s, he took over operations of Western Speedway, marking the beginning of a successful 16-year tenure.
He implemented numerous facility improvements and introduced fresh ideas to keep racers and fans engaged. Notable events like the Boat Races, Eve of Destruction, and the Hornet division, became staples of the track.
Throughout his career, Midgley has always recognized the heart of the racing lies in the connections it fosters. Racing has always been more than just a sport, he says, it’s a family affair that has brought together generations of fans and participants.
Rick Cudby
Rick Cudby’s career in auto racing began in 1970, crewing for 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Ferrie. By the end of that season, he decided he wanted to build his own race car.
The following year, with the help of Syd Tyler, Cudby and a 1955 Chevrolet two-door were ready to race. Starting from the back of an 18-car field, Cudby finished first to take the checkered flag for the Roy White trophy.
This was the first of many main event wins, the next being the Northwestern Insurance Agencies trophy. Cudby went on to set track records, and in 1972, he captured the most main events with six wins.
Other wins included the Ted Birtwistle Memorial trophy race, the Stock Car Championship race and the Coca Cola main event in 1973.
Lance Wade
Lance Wade’s connection to auto racing spans over 36 years, as a driver, crew member and recently as a car owner.
Across his career he has competed at 28 race tracks, taking part in Bombers, Street Stocks, Pro Stocks, NASCAR Winston West, NASCAR Northwest Tour, Sportsman, WILROC Non Wing and NST Winged Cars.
His racing career began in 1986, racing in the Bomber class in a 1971 Mercury Montego. During the 1987-1988 race season, he raced in the Bomber class at Western Speedway in the #98 Nova and finished in the top 10 in points.
From 2002 to 2006, Wade raced in the BC Sportsman tour and was the Western Speedway Sportsman Champion in 2003.
Wade ran the last Canada 200 at Western Speedway in 2022. In 2023 he ran NST Winged Sprint Cars and finished 8th in the point standings. Also that year, he ran the Pink Lady Classic at Meridian Speedway and finished 11th
His son Kyle has followed in his footsteps and Wade has been his crew chief for multiple competitions, including Western Speedway Stock Cars and more recently in 2024, LD Industries BC Late Model Series and the Applied Industrial Technologies WESCAR Late Model Series.
Daryl Crocker
The recipient of the Andy Cottyn trophy is Daryl Crocker, who stepped into the role as general manager at the former Western Speedway in 2016, quickly making his mark on the organization.
He revamped the speedway’s schedule, forged new business partnerships and strengthened car counts across all classes. His inaugural season featured exciting new events including the Opening Night of Mayhem, a three-day monster truck weekend and the debut of the annual Crazy Train stunt productions car jump season finale.
Crocker’s leadership fostered a noticeably positive racing community, creating a welcoming environment where everyone felt at home. This sense of belonging resonated deeply, laying the foundation for lifelong relationships among racers, families and fans.
When it was announced the racing track would be closing in 2022, Crocker took action by forming a non-profit organization, Vancouver Island Safe Speed Association, dedicated to finding a new location for Langford’s cherished speedway.
Crocker’s dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on the speedway and its community, nurturing a spirit of connection that will endure for years to come.
The Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for April 12 at Elements Casino in View Royal. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Tickets cost $65 each, and can be obtained from the Hall of Fame's executive committee. For more details, visit the website: https://victoriaautoracinghalloffameandmuseum.com/2025-induction-ceremony-details.
