2025 Inductee Darrell Midgley

Darrell’s racing career began at the age of eleven in GoKarts in 1971 and he quickly became a threat to win on a regular basis, compiling many wins and podium finishes including a National Championship in 1978.

In 1984 he began his journey in Stockcar racing and forty years later he continues to compete at a highly competitive level. His career kicked off behind the wheel of a Street Stock where he participated in a few races before swiftly moving up to a Greg Court-built Pro Stock. This transition allowed him to enter races in both the International Pro Stock series and various NASCAR weekly racing series events. He quickly found success, winning numerous races and breaking track records across the Northwest at renown speedways including Yakima, Portland, Spanaway, South Sound, Evergreen, Port Angeles and Western.

In 1987, Darrell made the leap to the NASCAR Winston Northwest Tour series driving a Howe chassis. The competition was fierce with notable drivers such as Garrett Evans, Pete Harding, Ron Eaton and Chad Little. His standout performances included second place finishes at Stateline in Idaho and Western in Victoria. In 1991, Darrell debuted a brand new Alien Race Cars Late Model chassis built by his lifelong friend and crew chief Ted Zerbin. Under Ted’s guidance and with a dedicated crew made up of Glen Crocker, Dean Pickup, Richard Carlson and Brent Patzack, Darrell enjoyed significant success. They posted numerous victories at tracks stretching from Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka California to Yakima, Vern and Penticton Speedways and back to back Canada 200 wins at Western Speedway and the prestigious Win River 150 at Shasta Speedway in Redding California.

In the 1990’s in addition to his Late Model racing, Darrell also enjoyed a successful stint racing IMCA Modifieds, winning in BC and Alberta as well as in the Redwood Acres Fall Spectacular. In 2006 and 2008, the team travelled to New Smyrna Beach Florida to compete in the World Series of Asphalt Racing. Throughout the years, friendships within the team continued to grow and expand as Brad Davies, Gord Davies and Gord Rendle all joined along with the next generation of crew members like Daryl Crocker, Brandon Carlson, Cole Pickup and Wyatt Pickup who all began attending the races and then crewing on the car.

Throughout his career, Darrell has cultivated a strong relationship with Dwight Kennedy whose unwavering support has been pivotal to his racing journey. He credits much of his success and the opportunities he’s had to race to Dwight’s encouragement and friendship. This partnership not only provided him with a platform to showcase his talents, but also reinforced the importance of camaraderie in the sport. Without Dwight’s backing, Darrell believes he would not have achieved the milestones he has, highlighting how vital strong relationships are in the racing community. This bond let Darrell drive the red, white and blue #81 Dodge pavement Late Model for Dwight and to compete on the dirt in Dwight’s Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model series. He enjoyed remarkable success on dirt, winning championships in 2009, 2015 and 2016 while compiling sixty-six top ten finishes, fifty-four top fives, and fourteen feature wins. He continues to race the #81 NP Late Model on the pavement to this day.

In 2007, following in the footsteps of his parents Reg and Ann Midgley who operated the Speedway in the 1970’s and ’80’s, Darrell took over operations of Western Speedway, marking the beginning of a successul sixteen year tenure. He implemented numerous facility improvements and introduced fresh ideas to keep racers and fans engaged. Notable events like the Boat Races, Eve of Destruction and the Hornet division became staples of the track. Darrell emphasized that the Speedway was in the entertainment business, ensuring that races were timely, well organized and efficient – traits that became synonymous with Western Speedway during his leadership.

Throughout his career, Darrell has always recognized that the heart of auto racing lies in the connections it fosters. The unwavering support of his crew, family and friends has been instrumental in shaping his journey making racing a cherished family sport that brings people together and creates lasting memories. For Darrell, racing has always been more than just a sport; it’s a family affair that has brought together generations of fans and participants, as highlighted by third generation pit crew members D J Crocker and Ryder Carlson.