1960…
Originally formed in the 1960’s, members included Gord, Bob & Ron Martman, Gary Courser, Sam Moorehouse, Dennis Paquette, Gord Blow, Bruce & Mike Nunn, Warren Griffiths, John Allan, Tom Ingram, Rick Soles and others. Membership dwindled as business and family matters took more of the members’ time and the club was disbanded in 1969.
1992…
In 1992, Doug Lang received approval from the founding members to re-establish the Club as a fully operational car club based in Sidney. A constitution was written around the Society Act for non-profitable clubs and the Torque Masters Car Club Association was registered with the Province of BC on June 24th, 1992. President was Doug Lang, Vice President – Joe Iverson, Secretary – Sally Lang, Treasurer – Ken Iverson and Events Co-ordinator – Sherrie Iverson. Meetings were held in the original Sanscha Hall on Beacon Avenue
( now The Mary Winspear Center) and membership was open to all ages, car owners and non-car owners.
The current Mission Statement of the Club is: “To preserve and maintain interest in all makes and types of automobiles. To share our interest with all levels of our community. To be good role models and have fun.”
During that time, up to 60 members participated in the many local events the car club sponsored.
Two car shows each year – June at Saanich Peninsula Hospital (Olde Time Memories) and September (Automotive Extravaganza) on the grounds of Sanscha Hall and later on Beacon Avenue in the Sidney town core; Breakfast with Santa in December as a fund raiser for the Lions Club, runs / cruises to various automotive related shops (ie: powder coating, hot rod restoration, metal polishing, etc) Also picnics, dances, helping at national car shows for local car clubs and coffee evenings were a routine for Members.
The final major event was the 13th Automotive Extravaganza car show in 2005 in Sidney with over 200 cars and up to 5000 people participating. Over $ 5000 was raised for the Peninsula Hospital. It was agreed in early 2006, that the club would take a year off to give members a chance to catch their breath.
2007-08…
In 2007 Dave Rogers returned the club to an active organization, and ‘’The Old Time Memories Car Show’’ was revived and held at the BC Aviation Museum, Sidney, in conjunction with their annual Open House. More funds were raised in this manner for the Museum. The mixture of vintage aircraft and classic vehicles made for a fantastic show. Unfortunately, due to ongoing construction of their new hangar, the Open House and Car Show was cancelled for 2008.
2009…
With numbers dwindling again, the club was close to an end. However, Rod Allan took on the role of President with the idea to hold a “Meet & Greet” on April 8, 2009. It was a great success, with about 2 dozen interested people attending. Lots of ideas were discussed regarding what direction the members wanted the club to take on starting up again. By the end of 2009, the Club had new energy and enthusiasm and membership reached over 40 people with families included.
2010…
2010 started with a bang: the Club was ready to hold the historic Auto Extravaganza in September; there was a buzz in the local automotive world “The Torque Masters Are Back”. 2010 saw the Torque Masters Club put on many small “Meet & Greet” shows in and around Sidney and North Saanich area all in preparation for the big show held September 19, 2010 at the Mary Winspear grounds. The Torque Masters also had a ‘table’ at the local Sidney Thursday market nights to help create awareness. Although Mother Nature was not cooperating Sept. 19th, with mixed rain, 96 cars turned out. The Club with the help of the Rouges Car Club of Victoria raised $1500 for local charities and the 50/50 took in over $900 for the Sea Cadet 676 Squadron.
2011…
In October 2011, Rod Allan, having helped lead the club to its regained strength, stepped down as President and Cam McLennan was elected to fill the position. Most of the other Directors stayed on and the club had over 50 paid up members. 2011 marked the first year that the Auto Extravaganza Car Show was returned to the streets of beautiful downtown Sidney! The show was bigger and better than the previous years and the club has strived to maintain the "Extravaganza" atmosphere that the participants and spectators have come to expect.
2014…
In October of 2014 a new Board of Directors were elected, membership reached almost 100 members and their families! President, Todd Green, Vice Presidents, Ken Coward, Cam Mclennan, Lyle Soetaert, Tony Tyrrell, Wayne Atkinson and Ric Scambler carried on with traditional events and worked with the members to create an inclusive club that is open to all makes and models of vehicles as well as members of all ages.
2015…
The club began a Student Scholarship fund in 2015 with Scholarships being awarded to two Peninsula students that were enrolled in Post-Secondary schooling in the Automotive Trades. Three Scholarships were awarded in 2016 and another three were presented their Scholarship packages at the 2017 Auto Extravaganza Main Stage by the Mayor of Sidney, Steve Price.
2016…
In 2016 the Torque Masters obtained a club project car as a gift from the family of Christopher Tuele. (See "Club Car" tab) The goal of having a club car was to have members help put together and run a drag car to learn from one another while building stronger friendships.
Every year, the Club’s Board and Members demonstrate the energy and passion to continue strengthening the Torque Masters Car Club with new ideas, members, events and activities, while working with the community to support the hobby.
We look forward to more car events, such as our Summer Extravaganza, and more “Meet & Greet’’ outings to support local business and monthly garage tours or Club dinner functions that help us get to know each other. All of these encourage community spirit involving our classic or special interest vehicles. We look forward to your involvement and support to create a fun Club.