Racers coming from as far as Dauphin drew large crowds to the 2022 Legends Car Club Airport Drags in Altona this past August, putting $12,000 in the coffers of the organization. 

Legends president, Alex Loewen, says overall this summer's event was very successful with over 50 per cent of revenues going to local charities. 

"This year, that equated to around $12,000. So, we had three title charities this year: Genesis House in Winkler, South Central Cancer Resource in Morden and STARS Air Ambulance out of Winnipeg. Each one has received a check or will be receiving a check for $4,000 from us shortly. I would say that the amount of around $4,000 a charity would be average. But the fact that we added a third and still were able to maintain that means that this year was very successful."

Loewen notes ticket sales and crowds were a little higher than average as fans anticipated the return of the drag races. The resulting revenues will also benefit several other local organizations. 

"Our event, when we're all said and done, yes, we have our three title charities. But The Bunker is there, and they keep all the revenues from what they do. The Station ran our cold shack, which is where you could buy your T-shirts from the event. They were helped out by that. The Altona Elks ran our parking for us. The firefighters are there so they receive a donation. So, when we're all said and done there are at least six or seven groups that receive some level of financial support from this event."

Despite a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, support for the summer races remains strong.

"Our stands were full. We had a full docket of 60 cars each day from all over Manitoba. This year, I think the furthest one came down from Dauphin. Yeah, I mean much with our other events that raise money, this one is still well supported by our community."

When revenue from the drags is added to the $20,000 raised by their Drive for Cancer in May, Loewen says the Club has given approximately $34,000 back to the community this year. 

Legends Car ClubIrv Loewen, Car Club treasurer presenting cheques to Genesis House


 

Legends Car ClubIrv Loewen, Car Club treasurer presenting cheques to SCCR