(February 3, 2016)- WYANT GROUP RACEWAY will be the new operating name for one of North America’s finest oval tracks, situated in the RM of Corman Park, just 2 miles north of Saskatoon between Highway # 11 and #12.
The SSCRA originated from the Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Club, formed in 1954, operating out of the 8th Street racing oval called the Motordrome. In 1968, as a result of the City of Saskatoon’s impending growth, the Club was forced to find new land; as of 1970 it operated for a few years at the current Prairieland Park Grandstand area, then upon accessing 23 acres from Bill Kusch for $1.00 down and a ten year payment plan, the Club started Bridge City Speedway just north of Sutherland.
In 1999 the City, once again, advised of its intention to annex that area for future development, forcing the non-profit member-owned club to source new property. In 2004 the membership pursued a 35 acre parcel north of the City and in 2006 the .333 mi. new Speedway was born; to this date it remains Canada’s only member-owned and volunteer-run race track.
Aside from regular racing action featuring Super Late Models, Pro-Trucks, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and the recently formed Bandolero Youth Division, for several years now the SSCRA has also consistently secured one of only two annual Western Canadian stops of the NASCAR Canadian Tour. In an effort to advance the utilization of the facility into being more than just a race venue, in 2011 it became the first oval race track in the world to ever host an Air Show, followed with repeat events in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Saskatoon’s first outdoor Monster Truck Show in over 25 years was also held at the race track in the 2015.
While there will not be an Air Show in 2016, the WYANT GROUP RACEWAY promises the development of other events to enhance the community’s tourism and entertainment landscape.
The Vaughn Wyant Automotive Group carries an equal verification of long-term perseverance and a commitment to success, as the Wyant family continues to grow their automotive base as well as spread into non-automotive industries.
Starting as a salesman in the late 1970’s, Vaughn Wyant acquired his first Dealership in Carstairs (Alberta) at the age of 26, later adding Beiseker (Alberta) to the roster. In 1983 Vaughn returned to Saskatoon and secured Jubilee Ford from his former boss.
Now, with Dealerships located in both Saskatchewan and British Columbia, as well as interests in several other ventures, the Wyant Group’s expansion has been nothing short of inspiring. The existing line up of vehicle brands in Saskatchewan includes Volvo, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi, Smart and of course Ford.
Vaughn, Pres. & CEO, works side-by-side with sons Michael, COO and Philip, CFO. “We strive to be better than the best in everything we do,” says Michael, as VWAG has cultivated a reputation for providing an unmatched customer experience through conscientiously living its mission; “honesty of practice, care for customers and employees alike, and essential support for community” are mandates of business for the Wyant family.
Avid supporters of numerous community and charitable events and programs, the Wyant family is not only proud of their business accomplishments, but also feel privileged to be an integral part of the very community fabric they live and work in.
Jason Gervais, President of the Saskatoon Stock Car Racing Association, says, “For the past ten years, the Savoie family stepped up and helped this organization through some very challenging years. Now, as we move forward into the next growth phase, the SSCRA Executive and its Members are extremely pleased to be working with the Wyant Group”. Gervais continues, “Vaughn, Michael, Phillip and their entire employee base, will be exceptional partners as we continue to promote the sport and provide incredible racing entertainment for this community” … “their personal and business-related reputations have garnered a level of respect that this organization does not take lightly … we look forward to a strong partnership that will most certainly benefit this community as we grow together”.
When asked about the future of the Wyant Group Raceway, Gervais adds, “Our Executive and Membership recognizes the need to diversify and attract new faces to new events as we move towards the next ten years of operation; we are anxious to expand that direction and build upon what has already been accomplished with NASCAR, the Air Show, the new Monster Truck Show and soon to follow in 2016, a new Tractor Pull event” … “other programming ideas are also being pursued that will be announced and implemented as both scheduling and the business climate allows, but most definitely the Wyant Group Raceway will generate a significant and positive impact on local tourism and the overall mix of entertainment options in the City”.
Michael Wyant, COO, adds … “When presented with this opportunity, it was something that was easy to get excited about. With a proven record of performance, a great executive committee, and ambitious growth plans for the track in the future, we saw it as a perfect fit for the Wyant Group. Not only can we now associate our family and automotive group with the fun and excitement of the raceway, we can also showcase and demonstrate some great products to the fans along the way, enhancing the race day experience. We couldn’t be happier to be the new naming rights sponsor of the raceway!”
