VICTORIA, BC – Darrell Midgley was inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame Saturday.  The sold out ceremony was held at the Elements Casino just west of downtown Victoria, British Columbia.  “It’s very humbling,” admits the Sidney, British Columbia driver, “there are some pretty substantial names in there like Billy Foster, Gary Kershaw, Roy Smith, Roy Haslam.  To be a part of this is really something else.  It’s a great honor.”  This was the 41st awards ceremony which has honored more than 200 individuals that have had a major influence and impact in motorsports on Vancouver Island.

Darrell Midgley’s father Reg was inducted into the Victoria Auto Raceway Hall of Fame in 1987.  Reg Midgley was the promoter of Western Speedway starting in 1966.  There was no doubt that Darrel Midgley would be involved in motorsports.  “I had no choice.  My path was chosen at birth.”  Midgley started racing go-carts at the age of 11 (1971).  He started racing stock cars in 1984.  Darrell Midgley took over the reins of Western Speedway in 2007 up until its closure in September of 2022.  The balance between racer and promoter was tough at times.  “I was pretty careful when I raced (at Western Speedway).  I picked my events.  Through-out the years though, I never really raced a lot in Victoria.”  Midgley did win the Canada 200 twice in 1998 and 1999.

Dick Midgley, Darrell Midgley’s uncle was inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1990.  Since the 1950’s, Dick Midgley, has been a race car builder, owner and a skilled mechanic.  Dick Midgley was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2023.   “My dad was incredible in the promotion end of things.  My uncle is an amazing mechanic.”  Darrell Midgley kicks off his 2025 racing season in just a few weeks time.  He’ll be driving the Northern Provincial Pipelines #81 Dodge in the Super Late Model 100 event at South Sound Speedway in Rochester, Washington on May 10th.

BANQUET SIDENOTES:
– Daryl Crocker, Darrell Midgley’s son-in-law, received the special Andy Cottyn trophy for his involvement in motorsports.  Crocker was general manger of Western Speedway from 2016 until its closing in 2022.  Back in 1952, Andy Cottyn purchased 62-acres of land then later built a dirt race track.  Western Speedway opened on May 22, 1954.  Cottyn owned the facility up until 1966.

– Dwight Kennedy, owner of Northern Provincial Pipelines Ltd. attended the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday.  “I was so surprised when Dwight showed up,” exclaims Midgley, “I was speechless.  It was amazing, it really was.”

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