Friday, July 26, 2013

Today in motorcycle history, July 26, 1959

 


 


  Westwood, the first purpose-built road racing circuit in Canada opens.

 

  Built, owned and operated by the racers themselves. With land acquired on the southern slope of Eagle Mountain (aka Eagle Ridge) in Coquitlam, British Columbia, the SCCBC (Sports Car Club of British Columbia) members went about building a 1.8 mile track that has been described as one of the four best tracks in the world.  Home to car, motorcycle and kart racing.  A spectacular track that saw legends of the sport of motorcycle racing such as Ted Havens, Dave "Teabags" Wildman and Vern Amor, to name but a few. 

 

  Unfortunately after 30+ glorious racing seasons the need for condo's and golf courses in the Greater Vancouver area outweighed the need for a racetrack, good times and green space.  Westwood closed in 1990.