'He will turn the last lap': Langford race car driver reflects on 68 years at Western Speedway
CTV
This weekend, Westshore Motorsports Park, formerly known as Western Speedway, will hold its final event in its current location. The hope is to find a new location, but so far, that hasn’t happened.
This weekend, Westshore Motorsports Park, formerly known as Western Speedway, will hold its final event in its current location. The hope is to find a new location, but so far, that hasn’t happened.
In 1954, Jim Steen – or "Gentleman" Jim Steen, as he’s known – was supposed to drive in the first race ever at Western Speedway.
“The second practice I went to, that’s when I had my accident,” said Steen.
His car flipped in a corner, ejecting him. He spent the next eight months in the hospital.
“I had a broken back, broken hip, pelvis, broken ribs,” said the driver.
Eleven months later, he was back on the track.
“Once I get inside the car, I feel great,” said Steen.
Over the past 68 years, Gentleman Jim has raced in every season at Western Speedway. Three years ago, he was about to retire.
