The track, located on 77 acres just outside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, began its storied history in 1966 making it the oldest track in Western Canada.

 

Originally built by the Howard Family and managed by Les Howard the track has been home to Hall of fame racers and National Champions throughout the years. 

 

In 1986, the Saskatchewan Drag Racing Association (SDRA) became the new track owners and changed the name from Southwinds Dragway to Saskatchewan International Raceway.  

 

 

The SDRA is made up of approximately 250 members which makes it a club-owned track and gives members a vast amount of benefits from free pit passes at SDRA-sponsored events, voice and vote on affairs happening at the track and the opportunity to take part in joint-ownership of the track. During the racing season, SIR features over 30 events each year averaging nearly 165 cars at each event attracting racers from across the prairie provinces to race at the top-notch facility. 

 

In 2016, the track was resurfaced from the 480 feet concrete launch pad to the end of the shutdown area and the return road. At the same time the seating capacity was increased to hold 5,000 fans. The next items on the list for improvements at the track are upgraded concession areas and washrooms. The improvements all come with the intent to give racers the best possible place to race and put on the best possible show for fans. 

 

 

An annual tradition at SIR is the Southwinds Showdown which pays homage to the track’s original name and has become its premiere event that fans look forward to each year. The event has 20 feature cars from Jet Cars, Pro Mods, Alcohol Funny Cars and over 200 regular racers. This year’s Showdown will take place August 18, 2018.  

 

 

With IHRA’s commitment to the grassroots, sportsman racer, it is a perfect fit for Saskatchewan International Raceway as they will get the opportunity to send the track champion of Box, No-Box, and Junior Dragster to the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals in Memphis, Tenn. to compete for the most prestigious bracket racing championship in drag racing. 

 

“Giving the grassroots racers an opportunity to shine in the Summit SuperSeries World Finals is one of the major benefits that we saw in becoming part of the IHRA family,”  said Shawn Zezula, Saskatchewan International Raceway Track Manager.

 

For more information on Saskatchewan International Raceway visit racesir.com.