JACK CROSS

Pioneer - Oval Racing

Left: Jack Cross with Tipke Roadster, Victoria                                  Right:  Spirit Engineering Super Stock at Langley Speedway

Jack Cross’s dad sponsored cars at Digney Speedway. That's how Jack got the racing bug back in 1952. Early in his motorsport career Jack was treasurer of the British Columbia Hot Rod Association (BCHRA). In 1957 Jack joined the Langley Loafers, a club he still belongs to today.

Jack became involved in oval track racing when he met fellow Safeway employee Keith Parsons. Keith, and Keith’s cousin Glen, raced at False Creek Speedway and became involved with Reg Royle. They later moved to Haney Speedway.

When Langley Speedway opened, Jack bought a ‘47 Ford for $50. This car became the “Tiger” car, as Esso had the “tiger in your tank” promotion and Jack’s dad’s Esso station was the sponsor. The first season was with the B.C. Track Racing Association (BCTRA) with car #83. He soon got involved with the club’s organization by joining the executive.

The Ford raced at Langley as well as a couple of times at Skagit Speedway on the dirt. He then moved to a B Modified. His first car, was a 261 Chevy six, he won a couple of championships with it, as well as setting some fast time class records. This old Modified now resides in the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame museum.

The next step was A Modified with a Don Edmonds copy car built by Len Barcello. Then came the A Modified that Jack raced at Western Speedway in Victoria, Grandview Bowl in Nanaimo,

as well as Langley, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. He carried on to race with the Canadian American Modified Racing Association (CAMRA) and the Washington Racing Association (WRA) for the next few years with a Bud Child 327 Chevy. Jack also served on the executive of CAMRA. At the same time he promoted races for the BCTRA in the interior of BC.

During his years at Langley Speedway Jack earned the nickname Black Jack after starters like Bobby Desormeaux and Larry Olson waved numerous black flags at him for aggressive driving.

In 1975 and ‘76 Jack drove for Dan Doell and Stan Schmidt -- Spirit Engineering's first super stock, the Spirit of ‘76 -- setting a super stock class track record at Langley and winning many main events. In 1977 he ran the CAMRA supermodified circuit again and through 1981 finished in the top ten points standings at season's end. From 1980 to ‘83 he ran in a Tipke roadster and won his first CAMRA feature at Prince George. Jack’s last season was in 1983 when he drove

Jack Cross right, and son Tyson

By Murray Chambers, edited by Tom Johnston 2007

Frank Zalot’s stock car and the supermodified in CAMRA and WRA.

Jack’s children, Tyson, Devin, Jenna and Niki had become involved in quarter-midget racing and a new era began. Jack and his family raced five cars throughout the west coast focusing on the Pacific northwest. Jack became an executive to help promote and build the sport. He and Sandi Wright brought the first ever quarter-midget Grand Nationals to Canada in 1987, with over 400 cars coming to the track in Aldergrove.

His kids raced all over with crew chief Jack behind them all the way. Daughter Niki became a National Champion. Jack became president of the Langley Quarter-Midgets as well as serving on the region board. He was also the driver trainer for the kids.

The next era was sprint car racing at Skagit Speedway with his son, Tyson. They were successful at the local tracks and raced with the Northern Sprint Tour (NST). They also ran a few World of Outlaws shows and on the pavement with the Northwest Sprint Racing Association (NSRA).

Jack lived 60 years in Langley and now has retired to Merritt. There he is in the Nicola Cruisers Car club and is vice-president of the Merritt Vintage Car Club. He also helps with the Merritt High School drag team. He is carrying on a life-long association with motorsport that has made the Greater Vancouver Motorsport history that much richer.