VIC KENNEDY - Inducted 2003

Supporter

Vic Kennedy, 2004  (photo courtesy Vic Kennedy)

from GVMPS files, 2003

Vic began building and racing slot cars shortly after a slot car shop opened near his home.

By 1979, his employer became the manufacturer's representative for AFX slot cars. As Vic was the only one who knew how to drive and repair them, he took over the sales demonstrations and promotions of these cars.

During one of these promotions Vic made contact with the Sports Car Club of British Columbia (SCCBC) and members of Motorsport Emergency and Turnworkers Association (META). He joined them at the next event which included a small layout of the proposed Westwood track. Vic asked questions and the next thing he knew he was in-volved in the communications, learning the flags and track radio procedures at Westwood.

Being at track side was a rush and

still is. Seeing all the cars made Vic want to take pictures of his favourites.

One of the racers, whose car broken, parked in the turn Vic was at and commented on the number of cameras he and T-Jaye had and the lack of photographers at Langley (Action Speedway). “Get us some pit passes” he said. Upon his arrival at Langley he met some friends from the demolition derbies. They wanted pictures taken.

For two years Vic was the track photographer at Action as well as doing his Westwood thing, with a short stint with the flat track motorcycles at Cloverdale.

Vic was busy - he was also involved in many years of competitive belly flopping.

From then until now, his attention has been at Westwood and now River's Edge (Mission Raceway road circuit),

track side on flags and radio (no quick response) until arthritis made the move to race control seem the safe thing to do.

Vic is the ultimate in volunteers; 30 years with the Variety Club Telethon. He brings along most of META to join him in transportation for the telethon. He has received his ham radio license and has been doing com-munications with the Sun Fun Run and the Vancouver Marathon as well as the Symphony of Lights.

He is also working on a META car rally and drawing up a revised communications guide for the track.