This Is How The Magic Happens

How It Happens

In case you were wondering, it does cost to put on a race, but to make it a true EVENT is expensive, let alone start a new race series!

We absolutely could not do it without the help of amazing sponsors like our Platinum sponsor Watkin Motors Vernon, who has gone out of their way to support local events Like the Freaky Creeky 50 and Kal Park Aqua Terra!!

Kicking It Old School

Watkin Motors Ford was established as a dealership in 1915 and is the longest serving Ford Dealership in Canada. Joe Watkin was the original owner and laid the foundation for a promising future. Watkin and his three staff specialized in cars, trucks and tractor sales and would do whatever it took to put the deal together. It wasn’t uncommon for sales staff to deliver a new vehicle to the customer at his ranch or farm, returning with two or three cows used as the down-payment.

Keep It in The Family

Three generations of Blankley’s have run Watkin Motors Ford. It all began in 1931 when 14 year old Jack Blankley secured a job at the Vernon Garage. Like all Blankley’s, Jack learned the auto industry from the ground up – sweeping floors, pumping gas and repairing tires. He earned $28.00 per day, but $7.50 of that went to his room & board. Jack stayed with the Vernon Garage for 30 years gaining experience as partsman, parts manager, salesman and sales manager.

In 1962 Jack moved on to purchase Watkin Motors Ford, his son Don, better known as Budd, joined the business in 1966 and brother Bruce in 1976.

Jump Forward

Looking forward, Budd’s son, Ross is now the Dealer Principal. Watkin Motors Ford is one of Vernon’s largest employers, with a genuine family atmosphere as a large number of employees have been a part of the family for years. Friendly faces you can trust and most certainly recognize when you walk thru our doors!