Before it was a housing development and golf course, Westwood Plateau was a 1,400 acre-odd parcel of land that included a racetrack.
All photos by Bruce Stewart in 1970.
Two of the streets in the development – Deer’s Leap Place and Carousel Court – were named for the track’s most challenging sections.
According to a write-up on the City of Coquitlam’s website, the course was named for Earle C. Westwood, then minister of recreation and conservation, who was instrumental in acquiring the land which included the 1.8 mile racetrack.
“The track was designed by the Sports Car Club of BC, and followed the natural features of the land. The famous Deer’s Leap came about because of the steep gradient of the land, which could not be easily flattened,” says the website.
Bruce Stewart tells me that Fred Herzog (shown chatting with a racer above in 1970) used to race at Westwood. “He had a variety of bikes, but preferred the English ones,” says Bruce. “He even wiped out once or twice around the hairpin!”
My favourite photo is the guy with the cigar who is helping to fuel up the motorcycle (above). It reminds me of that scene from Zoolander of the gas fight. If you don’t remember it—or were born after 1985—you can watch it here
Bruce took the photo (above) from the overhead walkway that went across the track in 1970. You can see the old Port Mann bridge in the background.
Fun fact: a 1988 episode of MacGyver called “Collision Course” was mostly filmed at Westwood. In the show it was called the “Westwood Springs Racecourse.”
The first race was held in the summer of 1959 and the last race was October 8, 1990.
There is a Facebook page called Remembering Westwood Mountain High Racing
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I really enjoyed reading this and seeing all the old photos! I’m old enough to remember all that too. Just wondering if you also have stories and pictures of the old Westwood Stock Car Race Track? An old friend of ours used to race there in the 60’s and 70’s. Thanks!
Westwood didn’t have a separate track for stock cars. They used to race at the old Langley Speedway. Westwood did occasionally host NASCAR West races at the sports car track though
During 1959-196I, I visited Westwood with Bob McLean, later top Canadian driver, who died in a 24-hour race in Florida. I remember the MGs, the Austin Healeys, the Triumphs and other sports cars. The Chev Corvette was there, too. ‘Detroit pig iron’ was our put-down comment! No sign of motorcycles in my days. Kim Morgan
Very nice story. As a kid my dad took me there a few times and I went as an adult a number of times. Never got involved beyond being a spectator. These days, as part of the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society, I help honour many of those racers who started at Westwood. On September 28, 2024, at Shannon Hall, Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we will recognize Westwood racers like Tracey Pearson, Cam Mackenzie, Bryan Evans and photographer Murray Chambers.
Love the Triumphs.
great little write -up yes gone are many of the many racetracks that once were scattered across the lower mainland .
Westwood was a challenging course, for even the most professional drivers .
We use to frequent the Langley Race track in South Langley in the summer time to watch the 1/4 mile races there . It was great family fun . That track is still there in really good condition its now part of the GVRD Campbell Valley park .
Smells like a particular type of nostalgia, and it’s a temptation to contemplate it to the point of wallowing. I’ll pass for now, but thanks so much for posting this and stirring up all manner of thoughts from the past.
Gone but not forgotten
Thank you Eve, for posting this and Bruce for your excellent photos. Brought back some great memories of weekends at the track (although with autos rather than bikes)
I raced a 350 Yamaha in the 400 production class at Westwood about 1975/76. Amature class to say the least! The ‘big dog’ in the pro classes back then was Steve Baker from Bellingham WA, who rode TZ250s and TZ750s for Yamaha Motor Canada. I loved that smell of 2 cycle race bikes! Also watched Formula Atlantic there- a great series back then. An awesome little track; shame it became a golf course..
I was fortunate enough to become involved with Westwood, as a driver, in 1971. In those days, through the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs, (ICSCC), one could arrive at the track in one’s daily driver, and, if it met the safety requirements, including a roll bar and seat belts, put tape on the lights (to reduce broken glass), and engage in competitive racing. Truly a golden age, for Sports Car enthusiasts!
Thanks for sharing your photos Bruce! Also, Eve for providing this blog space. I used to go to the Player’s Pacific Race series in the mid 60’s at Westwood (sports car racing) and I recall seeing the Can-Am series at Westwood, too. In those days we could not have imagined what it has now become.
My first Westwood race was April 6-7th 1990 IRDC from Seattle area. My last one was in 1990 but the competitor plaque does not have the date on it, but if you happen to have copy of “Concours Italina” 1994 page 76 top left picture, you will see my Sprite #12. First and last time white in color.