The first test run of Stamp Avenue for Thunder in the Valley was a success, according to Alberni Valley Drag Racing Association president Bill Surry.
"It went great," Surry said of the four car test run that took place on Thursday (June 2, 2016) evening.
Worries about the dips in Stamp Avenue have been assuaged, he added, because racers will be slowing down by the time they get to anything substantial.
The AVDRA was forced to move this summer's race due to the airport expansion. Usually, the Alberni Valley Regional Airport shuts down for a weekend during August to host the event.
The City of Port Alberni first considered moving the drag race to Stamp Avenue in January and city council gave the AVDRA final approval in February. Preparing Stamp Avenue for the event will cost the city $73,000. The race will take place from Aug. 5-7 and shut down Stamp Avenue for its duration.
Speaking in April, Surry said that preparation for the race were going well and that excitement for the event was mounting among the drag racing community.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com