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Bill Okell continues to strive for more speed at an age when most people are slowing down.
“I’m still determined to improve myself and get faster,†said the 66-year-old racing driver.
Victoria has had a notable history in the sport, including producing Billy Foster, the first Canadian to compete in the Indianapolis 500, and three-time Daytona 500 racer Roy Smith. Western Speedway (now known as Westshore Motorsports Park) was founded in 1954 and is the oldest racing circuit in Western Canada with many veteran drivers still plying their trade there. But only a few island pilots have had Okell’s endurance.
His quest continues Saturday and Sunday at the High Plains Raceway in Denver with the goal of qualifying for the second round of the Sports Car Club of America National Championship, which will take place at the end of September at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Okell will drive a San Francisco-based Huffaker Engineering MG Midget in his Denver qualifying attempt.
Okell’s best result at the SCCA Nationals was his fifth place finish in 2018 at Sonoma Raceway in California. He was 15th in 2017 when he made his life’s dream come true by competing in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’ve always had the desire to drive sports cars and that has never wavered over the years,†said the veteran driver.
SCCA drivers must compete in six events to qualify for its national championship. Because he is Canadian and it was difficult for Okell to enter the United States in the midst of the pandemic, he was “gifted” with points for four other events by the SCCA, but is required to complete both. last races in Denver and record strong times to reach the six races required to qualify for the National Finals on the Indy Road Course.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
© Colonist of the time of copyright
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