Langford's Western Speedway has been chosen as a BC Stop of Interest, and will get a sign saying so Thursday afternoon.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by longtime racers, track officials, and Langford Mayor Stew Young who says the race tracks has been a big part of the community's history. Young says he remembers spending time at the track himself as a young boy.
When Western Speedway opened in 1954 it was a 1/2 mile dirt oval and it's seen many changes over the years -- including modern paved ovals of varying distances, the addition of a 500 foot paved dragstrip in 1984, a 1 mile paved road course that ran from 1966 through 1983; and a paved figure 8 course opening in 2000.
B.C. began installing Stop of Interest Signs 60 years ago -- in 1958 -- to tell stories of people, places and events of significance to provincial history -- they are also considered heritage features in their own right for travel and tourism.
After reviewing over 500 submissions for news signs Western Speedway was chosen among 75 new locations. The Langford site gets the 176th Stop of Interest sign. Having the sign puts it on a special map for tourists.
It's also home to the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.