West Coast Grudge
Drag racing has always been at the top of my list in motorsports. The way cars are set up and tuned specifically for accomplishing the most acceleration possible in the least amount of time. From roaming the pits while everyone preps for the next race, to standing 10 feet away from the burn box when a 1000+ horsepower pro-mod heats it’s tires, the adrenaline and race fuel are my kryptonite. It’s a true lifelong addiction that never goes away and this is a tribute to how West Coast Grudge is keeping that alive and well…
West Coast Grudge (WCG) was started in 2017 by Willie Peterson after a failed previous attempt at another organization with all the local heads up racers. He took the lead in planning and advertising not intending to run a race series, but felt there wouldn’t be anywhere to race when his car was finished if he didn’t. Having been handed what is now WCG takes more than one person to handle, especially when you have a business to run. Willie has his own shop (Xtreme Motorworks) where the primary focus is custom bikes and ATV’s. Partner Cory Sherbon has been by his side, and wife Jen Peterson working hard with clothing and advertising material. Pacific Raceways was, and still is, the chosen and preferred home track.
“We wanted a fast track and fast cars, but we didn’t want to exclude anyone from joining the action. As racers ourselves we know that whether you have a 15 second car or a 7 second car someone in town has your number and wants some action. Joining a series like West Coast Grudge might sound intimidating but there is really no pressure. Line up with friends, family, fellow racers, or call someone out.”
So where does the grudge part fit in? Well, sure there’s smack talk, call outs, and bragging rights in every way imaginable, but that’s where the intimidation ends with WCG. The all-inclusive, laid-back vibe brings a wide variety of both racers and spectators. Main focus is 1/8 mile, instant green, no time, heads up racing open to everyone. Classes include Index, Stick Shift, Mob275, Big Tire, and “Grudge” lanes that are open to anyone that wants to run their cars. This isn’t a traditional dial-in chase, it’s all about who’s on the other end first. Period. Always an all-out “run what ya brung” show that never disappoints!
There’s an average of half a dozen events each season, the biggest race to date (2021) was over 200 cars. No excuses for not making it to one to see what they’re all about! Plans include bringing more cars, fans, sponsors, and the fastest heads up racers from the west coast and beyond. Pacific Raceways was chosen because it’s a national level local track with a great crew. Many racers and sponsors have been in the series since day one including title sponsor Binford Metals. I’ve been a part of WCG media crew since 2019 and my niece has even opened the track with the national anthem. I make sure to attend Gaptoberfest- the season closing bonanza (weather permitting) in October. Every event with WCG is so photogenic, and I always get some amazing shots so long as I am on my A-game when a car drags it’s bumper 60 feet! Huge thanks to Jeremy Scrivner, the rest of the track staff, and most importantly the racers & fans that make it all possible. Thanks Willie, for answering my questions. Thanks Cory, for the help on & off the track. I look forward to future collaboration and hope I get to remain a part of the series as it continues to grow.
Source(s): Willie Peterson, West Coast Grudge
