Although I have been living in the Vancouver area for many years, I only had a vague idea of where it was when I started on a walk this morning.  But I was determined to find the remains, if any, of the old Langley Speedway (1965 – 1984).

I knew that the track was somewhere in the middle of what is now, the  Campbell Valley Regional Park, which is located between 200th Street and 208th Street (east and west) and 8th Avenue and 16th Avenue.

It took me more than an hour to walk from home to the northwest entrance of the park at 16th Avenue and 200 Street.  I tried to read the map on the large sign but didn’t see where the old racetrack was located – so I headed out on one of the many trails – and figured that sooner or later I’d find it.

That was a mistake.

After about two hours of walking, the track was nowhere in sight.  I asked a couple of hikers for directions and they were more than helpful.  The walk through the woods was beautiful and I took a few pictures along the way.

After hiking for another thirty minutes, I found the track!

I sat down to rest on one of the cement barriers.  I scanned the area around the track to see if I could tell where the grandstand had been located.  I closed my eyes and for a few minutes, hoping that I might hear the roar of the race cars as they sped past me, between turns 1 and 2.

But the only sounds I heard were birds, crickets and other wildlife.  And although I never ever saw a race at this track when I lived here during the ’80s,  I’ll bet my buddy Philip did.

Trees have replaced the grandstands and there isn’t even a road to the track anymore.

The best way to reach it is by parking on 208 Street and walking through the equestrian park and within thirty minutes, you’ll be there.  And even if you’re not a motorhead (motorsports fan), you’ll love the numerous sights and sounds of the many trails within the park.

Anyway, I did take six short video clips of the walk.  I also inserted a video clip of an actual stock car race at the track from the 1960s.  I saw it when I got home and visited the Historical Langley Speedway website.   Be sure to choose ‘Play all’.

Click on this link to view the videos:  Danny’s search for Langley Speedway

After leaving the racetrack, I walked through the large equestrian park and reached 208 Street.  I glanced at my watch – I had already been walking for three hours!  It took me an hour to walk from the park to my home.  Holly was waiting for me at the door.

I checked my Google Fit data and learned that I walked 19.68 kms or 26,000 steps!  It was four hours – my longest continuous walk ever!

I spent the next half hour in a hot bath.  I was exhausted and didn’t think that I had enough energy left to see my gal pal, Patricia, who is performing in Vancouver, tonight.  I gave her a call and told her that I wouldn’t be able to make the concert and wished her well.

Well, that’s all folks.  Holly and I are going to bed early tonight.  Pleasant dreams!

Dedicated to the late Paul Dunn, a best friend, and Motorhead

Hugs,

Danny