Port Alberni hosts annual Thunder in the Valley drag races

The annual ‘Thunder in the Valley’ drag races took place from August 7-9, 2026, at the Somass Lands on the Port Alberni waterfront. Organized by the Alberni Valley Drag Racing Association (AVDRA), the event featured 95 participating cars and saw an increase in both racer and spectator numbers compared to the previous year.

This year’s event benefited from more pleasant weather and significant track upgrades, including $50,000 spent on paving, cement guardrails, and new ground-level bleachers. Roger Haggerty, president of the AVDRA, noted that the burnout competition on Friday drew full crowds and that local businesses reported increased activity over the weekend.

Saturday’s winners included Larry Myhres in the Pro Class, Phil Bachand in the Sportsman category, and Rene Wilson in the Junior Dragster class. Sunday’s Pro Class winner was Chad Bell.