The 2025 Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Induction Gala is presented by Clubine Motorsports, Martella Motorsports and MW Generational Wealth. And we’re grateful to the support of JMF Motorsports for their sponsorship of the JMF Motorsports CMHF Rising Star Award.
On behalf of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame and all of our sponsors and partners, congratulations to the members of the CMHF ‘Class of 2024,’ as well as to all of your families, teams, fans and supporters.
And on behalf of Canadian racing fans, thank you all for your contributions to Canadian motorsports.
Table of Contents
Gala Schedule
Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
John Bassett Theatre • Saturday, February 15, 2025
3:30 p.m. Doors Open for Guests. Silent Auction Opens (3:30-4:20 p.m.) and runs until 8:00 (after Inductions)
4:15 p.m. Doors to Studio Open for Guests
4:30 p.m. Lights Down, Opening Video, Opening Comments by Emcee Todd Lewis & Peter Lockhart
4:40 p.m. In Memoriam, Supporter Recognitions and Nomination Procedure Updates
5:00 p.m. International Category Award Announcement and Gala Presenting Sponsors Introduced
5:25 p.m. Induction of Class of 2024 Begins
6:45 p.m. JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award Presented
6:55 p.m. Closing Remarks
8:00 p.m. Silent Auction Ends
8:50 p.m. Bar Closes
9:00 p.m. Function Closes
(above) Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductee James Hinchcliffe, at last year’s Induction Gala.
Photo by John R. Walker / oneword
CMHF Board CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
CMHF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Peter Lockhart (Board Chair)
Greg MacPherson (Vice Chair)
Bruce Thompson (Treasurer)
Robin Virtue (Director & General Manager)
Jeff Atkinson
Denis Cadotte
Laurence Himel
Nicole Lascelle
Derek Lynch
Dr. Hugh Scully (Chair Emeritus)
Paul Cooke (Honourary Board Member)
Ron Fellows (Honourary Board Member)
Todd Lewis
Lindsay Riddell
Joel Robinson
Scott Samuel
Michael Taylor
John Magill (Honourary Board Member)
Sid Priddle (Honourary Historian)
For information about the CMHF, visit www.CMHF.ca or contact us at info@cmhf.ca.
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame would like to thank the Presenting Sponsors of the 2025 Gala Induction Ceremony, Clubine Motorsports, Martella Motorsports and MW Generational Wealth, as well as Rising Star Award sponsor JMF Motorsports.
The Hall would also like to recognize the support of the many companies and individuals who have helped to make the Gala and the Official Event Program possible.
We encourage you to support those who support Canadian motorsports whenever possible.
TO THE 2025 INDUCTION GALA CEREMONY FOR THE CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hall, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending tonight’s Induction Ceremonies.
With tonight’s 32nd Induction Gala, we will have welcomed 308 Honourable Members (in the form of individuals, teams and organizations) into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
On behalf of myself and the Board, it is an honour to pay tribute and to celebrate the individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Canadian motorsport throughout the many decades that our sport has existed.
Tonight, we celebrate and welcome 13 new Honourable Members. Twelve represent drivers (including the Showdown drag racing team), owners, team members and builders and one distinguished himself in the Media category.
Congratulations to all the new members, as well as their families and team members who supported them through their careers and afterward.
In addition to the Class of 2024, the Board has selected John Force as our 2024 International Inductee. Our 2024 JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award Recipient is outstanding young stock car racer Kyle Steckly.
I would especially like to thank our trio of Gala Presenting Sponsors, Clubine Motorsports, Martella Motorsports and MW Generational Wealth for their wonderful support. I would also like to recognize our long-term Rising Star Award sponsor, JMF Motorsports. As well, I would like to thank the entire volunteer CMHF Board for their efforts and support in making this event possible.
Thank you all for being part of tonight’s special event celebrating Canadian motorsport and those who distinguished themselves in so many ways. I hope you enjoy the evening.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Lockhart
Board Chair, Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. President, Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation.
About The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF), operated by the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation, is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to honouring and recognizing the efforts, achievements, and contributions of Canadians in the realm of motorsport, both domestically and internationally.
Established in 1993, the CMHF began inducting members in its inaugural year. With tonight’s inductions, the Hall of Fame has now welcomed 308 distinguished members, teams, and/or organizations in recognition of their accomplishments in Canadian motorsport.
These men, women, organizations and companies have earned their privileged place in the Hall of Fame. Induction categories include Competitors, Motorsport Builders, Team Members, Significant Contributors and Media, along with an International category that honours individuals and corporations significantly contributing to Canadian motorsport.
Originally a physical museum, the CMHF transitioned to an online presence, as maintaining a physical location proved unsustainable. The CMHF now permanently resides online at CMHF.ca, offering an accessible and continually updated platform to share Canadian motorsport stories, both within and beyond Canada.
Annually, the CMHF hosts an induction ceremony, a highlight of the Canadian motorsport industry calendar. In recent years, these ceremonies have been integrated into the Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Over the years, the gala has featured notable guest speakers such as John Surtees, Dan Gurney, Jacques Villeneuve, Andrew Craig, Ron Fellows, Don Panoz, Brock Yates, Johnny Rutherford, Ross Brawn, and others. Recent ceremonies have attracted over 300 attendees and have included a highly successful Silent Auction. The induction event, silent auction, and the CMHF’s popular Celebration of Speed track events are the primary fundraising activities for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
(Top right) Canadian racer Scott Goodyear during his 2003 acceptance speech. (Above) The Class of 2023 at last year’s Induction Gala.
Photos by Greg MacPherson (Goodyear) and John R. Walker / oneword (Class of 2023)
How to Nominate Someone...
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations year-round, with the deadline for Class of 2025 submissions set for July 31, 2025. The public plays a crucial role in the selection process by submitting nominations through the online portal at CMHF.ca.
Peter Lockhart, CMHF Board Chair, explained, “People often ask how inductees are chosen for the Hall of Fame. The process truly depends on motorsport fans nominating individuals they admire. It’s about highlighting those who’ve made a significant impact in Canadian motorsport.”
To be eligible, nominees must have retired from competition for at least three years, or, if still active, have been involved in motorsport for at least 21 years. Full details on the nomination process and the online submission form can be found at www. CMHF.ca.
Nominations should be submitted electronically to the Chair of the CMHF Nominee Selection Committee and the CMHF General Manager. Each nomination will be reviewed and refined as needed before being forwarded to the independent
CMHF Nomination Selection Committee at the close of the nomination period in late July for evaluation and scoring.
In early September, the Selection Committee will meet to set a “cut-off” score for the new class of inductees. The Committee Chair will then present the recommendation to the Board for confirmation. The names of the successful nominees will be shared confidentially with the Board, and the CMHF Board Chair will inform the successful candidates and their nominators before a public announcement in September.
The inductees, selected through this thoughtful and community-driven process, will be honored at a ceremony in February 2026, celebrating their exceptional contributions to Canadian motorsport.
(Top) Class of 2003 inductee Doug Kennington, racer / presenter Robert Wickens and then CMHF President and Class of 1994 inductee Ross de St. Croix at the 2004 Gala. (Above) Class of 2005 inductee Jim Thompson, driving Miss Supertest. Photos by Dave Franks (top) and CMHF Archives (Thompson)
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
Kyle Steckly JMF Motorsports Rising Star
By Bryce Turner
A regular tradition at the CMHF is the Rising Star Award, presented to an up-and-coming Canadian racer who is marketable, has demonstrated winning talents and has shown a strong desire for a career in motorsport.
In the second year of a five-year commitment, JMF Motorsports returns as the presenting sponsor of the JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award. The recipient of the award will receive a $25,000 cash prize to assist them in achieving their goals.
Past recipients have spanned the worlds of stock car and open-wheel racing, both in North America and overseas. As the eighth winner of the JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award, 2025 recipient Kyle Steckly joins a distinguished list of past Rising Stars – Lance Stroll, Cayden Lapcevich, Nicholas Latifi, Raphaël Lessard, Marco Signoretti, Mac Clark, and Patrick Woods-Toth.
A stock car racer from southwestern Ontario, Steckly had his busiest and most successful season to date in 2024. He ran two series full-time, returning to defend his championship in the APC United Late Model Series in his home province, while debuting in the ASA STARS National Tour super late model series in the U.S. He also made select starts in the NASCAR Canada Series.
The Milverton, ON driver heated up as the season progressed on both sides of the border. He recorded just one top-five in the opening three APC Series races, though that top-five was a win at Flamboro Speedway.
Steckly then went on a streak of top-two finishes during a five-race span. That stretch saw two runner-up finishes, along with a win at Delaware Speedway and a pair of victories at Sauble Speedway. Entering with a comfortable lead in the standings, he finished seventh in the finale to secure his second straight title.
Steckly’s progression in the APC Series showed, with increased success in his third full-time campaign. His four
wins in 2024 matched his previous career total of four series victories, while his nine top-tens and 3.11 average finish were also single-season bests.
“Our first year, we finished second in points and got Rookie of the Year; that was a big learning year for us, travelling around,” Steckly told InsideTrackNews.com. “We learned so much those last two years; we came in this year and we knew exactly what we had to do from the very first race…I think we really capitalized on our car and on our team in everything we did.”
In ASA STARS, Steckly also improved as the calendar flipped. He recorded two top-tens in the first five races, before a win in the prestigious Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway in July. That began a streak of four straight top-six results, before he ended the year with a 12th-place finish at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Steckly is used to being hands-on in his racing efforts, working on the cars before climbing behind-the-wheel when competing for his family’s 22 Racing team. That work ethic has helped him learn more about the race cars and what he needs.
“Ever since I was young, racing go karts, we weren’t going racing unless I was in the shop, working on the car,” Steckly told Inside Track in 2023. “I definitely am appreciative of that because it’s paid off in the end. When you respect your equipment and you understand how much work and how much effort these guys put in to make it possible, it makes you respect whatever it does a lot more.”
Competing for Rette Jones Racing in ASA STARS, Steckly was able to focus on being the driver, a new role that was still beneficial. He finished runner-up in the points standings in his rookie season, with a 9.2 average finish.
“I can let those Rette Jones guys, Mark Rette and (the crew), get the car dialed in for me,” said Steckly. “I just focus on making sure I’m doing my job out on the track and I’m learning quickly. That’s a bit different from back home, which is nice, and it took me a while to learn that, but once we got our program together, we started meshing really well.”
Steckly also experienced new success in the NASCAR Canada Series, the country’s top level of stock car racing. He made limited starts in the previous two seasons, with two top-fives in eight prior starts. That included a podium on the dirt track of Ohsweken Speedway.
The 19-year-old showed significant improvement in a field of seasoned veterans, recording three top-fours in three starts, headlined by his first career road course podium, a third-place finish at the historic Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Steckly hopes to run a similar schedule in 2025, with an increased focus on the U.S.
Kyle Steckly is the 2024 JMF Rising Star Award Recipient.
Photo by Steve Traczyk
LEE BENTHAM
Starting out as a driver himself, Lee Bentham’s career includes a number of Canadian connections in a coaching capacity. Bentham’s racing career began in karting between 1981 and 1992, where he won 19 championships across several series, racking up 224 wins and 310 podiums, while competing in five Karting World Championships in Europe.
Bentham won the 1994 Canadian Valvoline Touring Car Championship before moving to Formula Atlantic the following season. He recorded eight podiums en route to a runner-up finish in Formula Atlantic in 1996 before joining the Player’s Forsythe Racing team and finishing fifth in Indy Lights in 1997.
Bentham won the Formula Atlantic championship with Forsythe Racing in 1998, on the strength of two wins and five podiums. He recorded a race win in 1999, when he finished sixth in the Formula Atlantic championship.
Following his driving career, Bentham went on to become a renowned driver coach. He returned to Forsythe Racing’s Formula Atlantic program, where he coached Canadian James Hinchcliffe in 2006. The following year, he coached Canadian Robert Wickens, with the same team and series. He was a driver coach with Pacific Coast Motorsports at the Champ Car/IndyCar level in 2008, before holding that role with AIM Autosport in 2009.
Bentham was the driver coach for Canadian Zachary Claman DeMelo from 2010 to 2012 before taking on a slightly different role at the IndyCar level. He’s served as the Head of Driver Development for Ed Carpenter Racing since 2012, helping a long line-up of drivers including Josef Newgarden, Ed Carpenter, Rinus VeeKay and Mike Conway.
JUD BUCHANAN
COMPETITOR / BUILDER / RACE SUPPORT
Since trying his hand at auto slalom in 1976, Jud Buchanan went on to achieve success as a driver, supporter and motorsport builder at the grassroots level. Buchanan won four class titles and an overall points title in the Ontario Auto Slalom Championship between 1979 and 1984, while also winning a class title in the Canadian National Auto Slalom Championship in 1983. Buchanan competed in the Rally of the Tall Pines from 1999 to 2001 and won numerous events in the Ontario/Quebec Winter Drivex Rally Series between 1999 and 2005. When the Targa Newfoundland tarmac rally came along, Buchanan got involved as a competitor, builder and team manager, servicing a 1967 Acadian Canso that he co-drove to a string of success between 2002 and 2011.
Buchanan finished third-overall and second-overall in Targa Newfoundland thrice each, while finishing first-overall among Canadian teams twice. He was awarded the Gold Targa Plate Award for being a top finisher five years in a row, before being presented the Platinum Targa Plate Award as a top finisher for seven straight years. Away from the driver’s seat, Buchanan established the Ontario Time Attack Championship and served as a national sporting director for CASC, where he introduced the first computerized scoring system for the National Auto Slalom Championship in 1984. He held various leadership roles with CASC during the 1980s and has recently served as a member of the Ontario Time Attack technical committee. As a motorsport supporter, Buchanan spent 15 years as the Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. motorsport lead, establishing sponsorship programs for events, series, teams and drivers, including the Canadian Tire Formula 2000 Championship, FF1600 Championship in four provinces, Canadian Rally Championship and multi-time Canadian Rally champions Frank and Dan Sprongl.
DENIS CADOTTE
As a motorsports volunteer for nearly five decades, Denis Cadotte has helped with the operation of some of Canada’s most notable road races. Cadotte first got involved as a teenager, helping in the media centre at the Formula 1 Canadian GP in 1978. He then assisted Montreal’s F1 Operations department in building and preparing the course for the Canadian GP between 1979 and 1981.
Cadotte served in various roles as part of the track intervention team at the Canadian GP, Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières and Circuit Mont-Tremblant since 1981. He was general manager of the Canadian GP’s volunteer organization ACIND from 2007 to 2013, worked for team services at the Canadian GP from 2014 to 2018 and has dispatched emergency vehicles as the chief communicator in the tower since 1997.
Cadotte spent eight years as clerk of the course at Mont-Tremblant, helping organize the Champ Car race at the track in 2007. He was the vice president of Auto Sport Québec (then known as FSAQ) from 2009 to 2011, where he organized ice racing and karting competitions throughout the province. He’s also worked as the sports director for Groupe de Course Octane and as a member of the Canadian Motorsports Response Team.
In addition to his involvement with Formula 1 in Montreal, Cadotte was part of the training committee for the NASCAR races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve between 2006 and 2012. He also helped organize IndyCar’s Edmonton event in 2011 and 2012. Cadotte’s efforts extend to the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, where he’s served as a board member since 2013.
SCOTT CAMPBELL
Based out of Saskatchewan, Scott Campbell has rose through the karting ranks to achieve success on the international stage, while also helping the next generation of drivers from here at home. Campbell started out in Honda J2 karts in 1991, collecting many trophies during the 1990s, includes two Screaming Eagles (pole) and a Duffy (winner) at IKF events in the U.S. He also won the F125 Canadian Champion title in 2000.
Campbell punched his ticket to 10 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals between 2003 and 2016, while racing mostly at events in Western Canada. As part of the Canadian National Team, his Grand Finals appearances took him across the globe, from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt to Sarno, Italy. He recorded six top-ten finishes in those 10 Grand Finals events.
Three of the Rotax events saw class podiums for Campbell; he won the DD2 Masters class at La Conca, Italy in 2010, finished runner-up in the DD2 Masters class at Portimão, Portugal in 2012, and finished runner-up again the following year, in New Orleans, LA. In other competitions, he raced in the Challenge of Americas in 2009 and was the ASN National Champion in 2010.
Away from the driver’s seat, Campbell has served as race director at his home track and other facilities. He formed Scott Campbell Racing in 2017 to support racers of all ages and has coached Canadians at international and European events since 2018. He analyses data from onboard computers and reviews it with the racers as part of the coaching. He also supported Western Canadian drivers and worked as a photographer and assistant announcer at the 2019 Grand Finals in Italy.
JOHN & FRANK CASALE
BUILDERS
Brothers John and Frank Casale have helped provide the thrill of short track racing to fans in the Hamilton, ON area for decades, with over 50 years of consecutive and un-interrupted ownership of the 1/3-mile Flamboro Speedway. The Casales purchased the track in September 1972, looking to bring talented late model drivers to the province after the decline of the Super Modifieds.
Flamboro regularly saw ASA Late Model competitors stop by in the early 1980s, while they were in the region for ASA races at nearby Cayuga Speedway. Series such as the Oswego Supers and Can Am Midgets were also big draws back in the day. The track’s rich history extended to Canadian talent, with battles between the likes of legends Junior Hanley and Don Biederman.
The Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints visited from the Midwest in the early 2000s, where Indiana racer Rick Baker set the Flamboro track record of 13.89 seconds. The Casales continued to attract big time events to their speedway, including a Canada Day race in 2011 that featured NASCAR stars Jimmy Spencer, Ernie Irvan and Ken Schrader. The Gold Rush late model race brought NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace to the track in 2013 and 2014.
Flamboro has continued to host marquee events under the ownership of the Casales, including the track’s annual Gold Rush and Frostoberfest events, along with stops from the NASCAR Canada Series and APC United Late Model Series in recent seasons. The brothers have also worked to modernize Flamboro over the last few years, with more room in the pits and tech updates, including free WiFi and a platform that allows fans to stream the PA feed on their smartphones.
CLIFF DAWSON
From the driver’s seat to the control tower, Cliff Dawson’s motorsports career has seen him involved with a variety of road racing series. Dawson’s passion for the sport started in his teenage years, when he built a hot rod at 15-years-old and was paid to drag race a Chevy at the age of 17. He later got involved in open-wheel competition, racing in Formula Ford from 1974 to 1976. He moved up to Formula Atlantic in 1977, piloting a Brabham BT38 at tracks across Quebec and Ontario.
Dawson purchased another Formula Atlantic car in 1981 and continued in the series through 1986. He also purchased a Formula 2 March 832 and competed across the U.S. and Canada in the Can-Am series for a handful of seasons. He was runner-up in the two-litre challenge and was a representative for that division.
Following his racing career, Dawson served as Chief Steward for the Honda Michelin Series, Magna Endurance Series, Michelin Enduro, Motorola Cup, Quebec Formula Ford and Formula 2000, and Quebec ice racing. He joined Formula Atlantic as the series’ Director of Operations and Logistics Coordinator from 2000 to 2007, where he was asked to work in race control as an Assistant Steward; that role included filling in as Series Steward for events in Toronto and Mexico.
During his time as a steward, Dawson started a company called Pro Racing Management in 1998 to help other drivers competing in international events. He continues to be involved in local motorsports, helping young drivers learn the ropes.
JOHN JONES
From an ice surface in Northern Ontario to the Brickyard in Indiana, John Jones has experienced success at both the grassroots level in Canada and in major racing series south of the border. Jones’ first motorsports milestone came in Thunder Bay, ON, where he won an ice racing championship in 1983. He continued onto open-wheel competition, winning the Formula 2000 Canadian championship in 1983 and 1984.
Jones then joined the sports car ranks, where he recorded seven top-ten finishes in ten SCCA Trans-Am starts, with a best finish of second-place. He competed in the IMSA GTO class in 1985, winning the class championship on the strength of seven victories, including wins in the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
Jones spent three seasons in FIA Formula 3000, recording a pole position and a best finish of second-place. He also moved to the CART/IndyCar ranks, where he spent the better part of four seasons, recording 11 top-tens and an average finish of 14.1 in 41 career starts. His best finish was seventh, on four occasions, including in the 1988 Molson Indy Toronto.
Jones won CART Rookie of the Year in 1988 and was the fastest rookie qualifier in the 1989 Indianapolis 500, where he finished 11th. Following his CART starts, he spent three seasons in IMSA GT World Sports Car in the mid-1990s and raced in Indy Lights in 1997.
TONY MORRIS, SR.
COMPETITOR / BUILDER / RACE SUPPORT
Originally from Scotland, the late Tony Morris Sr. started his motorsports career in motorbikes as a teenager, before competing in endurance and rally racing events in the early 1960s. Morris came to Canada in 1967, with a pair of Cooper Minis gifted to him by British Leyland, where he was a test driver. He won the C and D Sedan championships from 1967 to 1970 aboard the Minis.
Morris switched to a Camaro Heavy Chevy in 1970 and won regional championships in 1971 and 1975. He won a couple of notable events in the early 1970s and became national champion in Sedan A2 in 1974. Morris moved to production class cars in the BF Goodrich Honda Series in 1977, recording two runner-up points finishes before becoming series champion in 1979 and 1980. He also competed in Canadian Rally Championships and later raced in the Players GM Motorsport West Series from 1987 to 1992.
Outside of the race car, Morris was in charge of the racing division at Dunlop Tire Company during his time in Europe. He was later the team manager for Frank Allers, who won five Players GM West championships. He spent multiple seasons as the head driving instructor and track manager at Westwood Motorsport Park, before helping with the design and safety of a new track in Mission, BC, following Westwood’s closure.
Morris was the official Western Canada FIA Track Safety Inspector in the late 1980s and was a key contributor in setting up the Vancouver Indy street circuit. He also took care of Porsche Canada’s Western media cars and was a TV personality through his show Auto Check. He was a longtime council member of the SCCBC and also provided tires to Western Canada racers through Circuit Tire.
NIGEL MORTIMER
COMPETITOR / BUILDER / RACE SUPPORT
With over 50 years in the motorsport industry, Nigel Mortimer helped boost the grassroots road racing scene in Ontario. As a driver, Mortimer competed in Solo 2, Solo 1, four-stroke karts, shifter karts, stock cars, GT2, F1600, Formula Mazda, Formula Libre, Miata Challenge, F3000 and Targa Newfoundland. He won his class in the 2004 Targa Newfoundland. He’s also won multiple technical and achievement awards between F1600 and Motorsport Club of Ottawa (MCO), including the MCO Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 and MCO Race Driver of the Year in 2004.
Mortimer started his own team in 1990, which at one point consisted of nine F1600 cars and four Formula Mazdas, making it the largest race team in Canada at the time. Mortimer Racing won the Ontario Formula Ford Championship in three straight seasons, from 2007 to 2009, winning both the overall and diamond class championships in 2007. The team has also competed in SCCA Formula Atlantic. Mortimer Racing is still active, most recently fielding six Formula Mazdas, four Miatas and two F2000 cars.
In addition to his race team, Mortimer has helped the next generation of drivers through multiple decades as an auto racing driving instructor and as a teacher at racing schools, high performance driving schools, slalom schools and winter driving schools. He’s also established new road racing divisions in the region. He started the Formula Libre Club, sanctioned by Quebec’s FSAQ, in 2010, created the Formula Libre Challenge Series and Miata Challenge Series at Calabogie Motorsports Park, and started the Formula Libre class at Calabogie and Mont-Tremblant. He currently serves as director of the Ottawa SportsCar Club and as a member of the Ontario Race Committee.
MICHAEL NEY
Through his roles with automotive manufacturers and other companies, Michael Ney has supported Canadian racers and events for nearly five decades. Ney started out with Rothmans Canada from 1976 to 1986, sourcing sponsorship for teams in CASCAR, the Canadian GP and the Paris to Dakar Rally. He helped bring the first International World Sports Car Championship event to Canada, at Mosport, and coordinated activities and promotional events for the Rothmans Porsche World Sports Car entry.
Ney worked at Porsche Canada from 1986 to 1989; during his time with both companies, he helped develop the Rothmans Porsche Series for Porsche 944 cars, a series that featured notable drivers, including Scott Goodyear, Ludwig Heimrath and Paul Tracy. He coordinated sponsorship support for an all-Canadian entry at Le Mans in 1986 and developed the National Porsche Turbo Cup Series in 1987. He also assisted Goodyear in getting a factory ride with Audi and established the Porsche Advanced Driving School.
Ney then worked for Nissan Canada and Infinity Canada in the 1990s, helping develop the Nissan Grand Prix of Mosport and managing a Nissan factory entry in the Firehawk Canadian National Series. As president of Ferrari Quebec and Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, from 1999 to 2005, he oversaw the rebuilding of the track and achieved sanctioning with the FIA. He introduced Lance Stroll to karting and developed the Sommet des Légendes vintage event.
Ney continued to support racing as president of Pace Motorsports Inc. from 2009 to 2023. He helped develop a TV series for the Canadian Touring Car Championship, built an automotive training and activation company for high-performance driving events, and executed corporate media events and product launches, for a wide variety of automotive manufacturers, in this role.
MURRAY TIMM
COMPETITOR / BUILDER
Starting at short tracks in his home country, Murray Timm advanced his motorsports career to a longstanding role with one of NASCAR’s premiere teams. The Waterloo, ON resident started out racing hobby cars and modifieds in Southern Ontario in the 1980s, where he spent nine seasons behind-the-wheel. He also worked at Star Racing Engines from 1986 to 1993.
Timm was a crew member for Canadian driver Peter Gibbons in ARCA from 1994 to 1995, before moving to North Carolina to pursue a career at the sport’s highest level. He joined Hendrick Motorsports as a fabricator, progressing from the shop to the track, where he was a tire changer on Terry Labonte’s team. He also worked on pit crews for Jeff Gordon, Ricky Craven and Kyle Busch.
Timm continued to work as a crew member and fabricator across the three national NASCAR series, while becoming the aero specialist at Hendrick. He helped with Hendrick Motorsports’ transition to the NASCAR Cup Series’ current spec car and was part of 13 Cup championships with the team. Away from the shop, he started an organization called Pit Crews for Kids, part of the Hendrick Marrow Program, that visits the Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit at Duke University Hospitals. He also won the Papa Joe Hendrick Award in 2019, an award of excellence that’s voted on by company employees.
Outside of his working hours at Hendrick, he started his own race team, winning the CARS super late model championship in 2015 as crew chief, with his son as the driver.
SHOWDOWN F.C. TEAM
After starting their motorsports careers separately, Bob Reynolds, Pat Reynolds and Roger Bateman joined forces to go on a successful 20-year run with their Showdown Funny Car Team. The trio got involved in the sport as owner-drivers in the early-to-mid-1960s, before Bob and Pat started working together in 1976; as co-owners of an NHRA Econo Funny Car, they spent four seasons together, with Bob as the driver.
The duo combined efforts again in 1983, partnering with Roger Bateman, as the group became co-owners of an NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car; Bob served as crew chief, Pat as crew member/team manager, and Roger as the driver. The Showdown team went on a two-decade run, securing six Canadian NHRA Open championships, two AHRA World Championships, and the 1998 NHRA Division 6 Top Alcohol Funny Car title.
Bob won the 1998 NHRA Division 6 Jerry Verheul Memorial Sportsman Crew Chief of the Year honours during the team’s championship season. The trio also won a notable event down under, taking home the Australia Funny Car Challenge victory in 1989. The Showdown team was consistently competitive and a regular winner in NHRA divisional racing, picking up multiple track records in Western Canada and the U.S. along the way.
The team raced at many tracks across British Columbia, the Prairies and the Western U.S., while Bob and Roger also went south for roughly five races each winter in Puerto Rico and Aruba between the late-1980s and 2001. The trio went their separate ways after the 2003 season, with Bob serving as crew chief on various Top Alcohol Funny Car teams through 2010. Roger raced and crew chiefed various cars in NHRA divisions 5, 6 & 7 until 2021, winning three NHRA Division 5 Top Alcohol Funny Car championships and the 2009 IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals.
JERRY PRIDDLE
MEDIA
Through decades of media relations and marketing experience, Jerry Priddle helped promote some of Canada’s most notable racing events, series and drivers. Priddle started his career at Wheelspin News and Mosport Park between 1979 and 1987, before holding various roles for Priddle Event/Edelman Group from 1988 to 1996. He managed PR, ticket sales and the event media centre for the Toronto and Vancouver Indy races for several seasons, while holding a similar role for English Canada at the 1988 and 1989 Canadian GPs.
Priddle was in charge of media relations for the Player’s/GM Series east and national events for five seasons, while also being a key member with the Player’s Driver Development Program in the mid-1990s, which included media training for drivers. With Edelman, he managed the Player’s CART/Indy PR team for three seasons, including media relations for Jacques Villeneuve, during his Indy 500 and championship season, and the late Greg Moore.
Priddle was the director of PR and advertising for Bridgestone Canada from 1996 to 2002, managing F1-related and IndyCar programs in Canada, including sponsorships and hospitality at Canada’s F1 and Indy events. He also worked with the Bridgestone Racing Academy. Priddle then joined Mosport as vice president from 2005 to 2010, overseeing marketing, PR, sales, sponsorships and hospitality programs.
In 2011, Priddle created his own company, Accelerate Marketing & Communications, where he continues to work with the historic track now named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP). He managed PR and advertising, while proving communications support, at major events in the 2010s, including the NASCAR Truck Series races; he now supports communications during CTMP’s major event weekends. Priddle has also worked on PR programs for BFGoodrich Canada, Michelin Canada, and the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross event in Toronto through Accelerate.
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info Support the Hall... Consider Donating
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is sustained by the proceeds from our annual Induction Gala, Silent Auction, the popular Celebration of Speed track days, the CMHF Merchandise Store and from donations from generous individuals.
These initiatives are all vital to our fundraising efforts, allowing us to celebrate and preserve the rich legacy of motorsport in Canada.
Last year, we were excited to announce a new long-term partnership with JMF Motorsports, who are the presenting sponsor of the JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award. Going forward, the recipient of the JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award will receive $25,000 thanks to the generous support of JMF Motorsports. This collaboration highlights the remarkable talent of young Canadian racers and provides
them with significant financial support to help them pursue their racing dreams.
We are deeply thankful to our current donors and sponsors for their continued generosity. As a registered charitable organization, we are pleased to offer tax receipts for all donations.
The CMHF is always looking to build new partnerships with individuals and organizations who share our passion for celebrating and promoting Canadian motorsport. If you are interested in supporting our efforts or learning more about potential partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@cmhf.ca.
(Please note: Charitable tax receipts for all donations will be issued by the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation, Charitable Registration # 856357660-RR0001).
In Memoriam
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
While we celebrate the new Members being inducted into the CMHF this evening, we also remember the Members who have passed away since the last Induction Gala. The CMHF extends condolences to the families and friends of those who have left us. We celebrate their accomplishments and thank them for their contributions.
Last summer, the CMHF hosted a Celebration of Speed event at Circuit ICAR. Photo by Paolo Pedicelli
Jacques Duval (Class of 2010)
Wally Dallenbach, Sr. (Class of 2021)
Bert Straus (Class of 2003)
Inductees By Year CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
1993
Bill Brack
John Cannon
Billy Foster
Imperial Tobacco
Bob McLean
Chuck Rathgeb
Peter Ryan
Bill Sadler
Gilles Villeneuve
Eppie Wietzes
1994
David Billes
George Chapman
Ross de St. Croix
Mike Duff
George Eaton
Bob Hanna
Jimmy Howard
Horst Kroll
Norm Namerow
John Ross
1995
Dale Armstrong
Francis Bradley
Trevor Deeley
Brad Francis
Frank Hawley
Ted Hogan
Norm Lelliott
Harvey Lennox
“Dizzy” Dean Murray
Derek Oland
Kay Petre
Ron & Eve White
1996
Warren Coniam
Doug Duncan
Bernie Fedderly
Craig Hill
Harvey Hudes
Graham Light
Molson Breweries
Ted Sturgess
John Williams
Walter Wolf
1997
Wallie Branston
Craig Fisher
Jim Gunn
Billy Kydd
Ed Leavens
Roger McCaig
The Mehlenbacher Family
David Wildman
1999
Gary Beck
Maurice “Mo” Carter
Castrol North America
Yvon DuHamel
Grant King
Ray Peets
2000
Gordie Bonin
Jacques Couture
Junior Hanley
Bob Hayward
Ludwig Heimrath
Ron Hodgson
Gordon Jenner
Ernie McLean
Greg Moore
Earl Ross
Dr. Hugh Scully
2001
Art Asbury
Don Biederman
Jean-Paul Cabana
Terry Capp
Eldon Rasmussen
David Sehl
Bill Sharpless
Richard Spenard
Jacques Villeneuve
2002
Ken Achs
Dick Baker
Pete Bicknell
Jacob DeRosier
Scott Goodyear
Jim Hallahan
Guy Lombardo
Barry Paton
Bob & Leone Slack
Roy Smith
2003
Walter Boyce
British Empire Motor Club
Jack Canfield
John Cordts
Harry Greening
Taisto Heinonen
Bert Straus
2004
Larry Bastedo
Alice & Jim Fergusson
Jack Greedy
Helen & Bob Harvey
Doug Kennington
2006
Bob Atchison
Alec Bennett
John Bird
Jacques Dallaire
John Duff
Lorne Leibel
Dan Marisi
Ted Powell
Lloyd Shaw
Bruce Simpson
Robert Theoret
2007
Jack Christie
Scott Fraser
Geoff Goodwin
Ted Gryguc
Alan Labrosse
Bill Mathews
Tony Novotny
2009
Carl Bastedo
Alan Bunting
CRCA
Doug Fairchild
Wayne Kelly
Bill Lefeuvre
Norm Mackereth
Michel Mercier
Jim O’Donnell
F J Smith
Bruce Vessair
Gary Vessair
Carroll Shelby (Int’l)
2010
Paul Cooke
Jacques Duval
Bob Elliott
Roger Peart
Herbie Rodgers
Jean Theoret
John Webster
Norm Woods
Bobby Rahal (Int’l)
Professor Sid Watkins (Int’l)
2011
Rudy Bartling
Ben Docktor
Robin Edwardes
Norm Ellefson
Dick Foley
Paul Manson
Greg Sewart
Michael Andretti (Int’l)
2014
John Chisholm
Ralph Luciw
Alex Tagliani
Don Thomson Jr.
Sir Jackie Stewart (Int’l)
2015
Antoine L’Estage
Peter Gibbons
John Edgar Petrie
Jordan Szoke
David Whitlock
Multimatic Mtrsprts.(Int’l)
2016
Drs. Jacques Bouchard
& Ronald Denis
Terry Dale
Peter Lockhart
David Mathers
Major-Gen. Lewis MacKenzie
Chris Pfaff
John Powell
Sid Priddle
Legendary Motorcar (Int’l)
2017
Doug Crosty
Francois Dumontier
DJ Kennington
Jim Robinson
John Sambrook
Scott Steckly
Jim Tario
Jacques Villeneuve
Honda (Int’l)
2018
Len Coates (Media)
Gerald Donaldson (Media)
Dave Franks (Media)
Graham Jones (Media)
Pierre Lecours (Media)
Dean McNulty (Media)
Tim Miller (Media)
Jeff Pappone (Media)
Dan Proudfoot (Media)
Erik Tomas (Media)
2019
Gary Magwood
Allen Berg
Robin Buck
Ed Hakonson
Larry Caruso
Normand Legault
Bruno Spengler
McLaren Racing (Int’l)
2021
John Bondar
Patrick Carpentier
Bertrand Godin
Brian Graham
John Graham
Colin Hine
Kandy Mitton
Howie Scannell
Scott Wilson
1998
Tom Burgess
Sandy Elliott
Ron Farmer
David Greenblatt
Tom Johnston
Tom Jones
Jim Kelly
David T. Morris
Al Pease
Ross Pederson
George LeMay
Rollie MacDonald
Jean-Paul Perusse
Gordon Reelie
Mark Rotharmel
Brian Stewart
2005
Bill Adam
Frank Allers
John De Gruchy
George “Pete” Henderson
Brian Robertson
Jack Smith
Jim Thompson
Harold Wilson
2012
Bob Armstrong
Jimmy Carr
John and Sharon Fletcher
Ron Fellows
Stompin’ Tom Walters
Mario Andretti (Int’l)
2013
Diana Carter
John Magill
Scott Maxwell
Norris McDonald
Paul Tracy
Nigel Mansell (Int’l)
2020
Myles Brandt
Jim Bray
Danny Burritt
Kevin Dowler
Louis-Philippe Dumoulin
Mike Miller
Alex Nagy
Nathalie Richard
Anne Roy
Steve Robblee
Dr. Robert F. Seal
Ron St. Clair
Kenny Wilden
Doug Woods
Lawrence Partington (Media)
Bernie Ecclestone (Int’l)
Glenn Styres
Bill Zardo Sr.
Philippe Brasseur (Media)
Clare Dear (Media)
Gerry Frechette (Media)
James (Jim) Martyn (Media)
Frank Orr (Media)
Allan de la Plante (Media)
Wally Dallenbach Sr. (Int’l)
2022
AIM Autosport
Uli Bieri
Chris Bye
Gary Elliott
Terry Epp
Robert Giannou
Carl Harr
Dave Lloyd
Derek Lynch
Bob MacDonald
Dick Midgley
Scott Spencer
Bruce Biegler (Media)
Pfaff Motorsports (Int’l)
2023
Claude Aubin
Jeremy Dale
Mark Dilley
James Hinchcliffe
Ernie Jakubowski
Norman Jennings
Brad Moran
Patrick Richard
Didier Schraenen
Frank & Dan Sprongl
William (Bill) Vallis
John Waldie
Kuno Wittmer
John Massingberd (Media)
John Wally Nesbitt (Media)
Dario Franchitti (Int’l)
2024
Lee Bentham
Jud Buchanan
Denis Cadotte
Scott Campbell
John & Frank Casale
Cliff Dawson
John Jones
Tony Morris, Sr.
Nigel Mortimer
Michael Ney
Murray Timm
Showdown Funny Car Team
Jerry Priddle (Media)
John Force (Int’l)
Silent Auction
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
The Silent Auction is a great opportunity for Induction Gala attendees to bid on exciting motorsport related items in support of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Silent Auction go directly to the Hall.
Bidding takes place throughout the evening and will close shortly after the conclusion of the induction ceremony. Thank you to everyone for your generous donations, and to those of you who bid on, and purchase our Silent Auction items! This year’s Silent Auction items include:
• 2025 Honda Indy Toronto Tickets at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto – 2 three-day VIP Club Credentials. Event and Trackside Suite access. IndyCar Paddock access. Food and beverage service included. Two Pit Passes with Race Mode stickers. Access Pit Lane throughout the entire event weekend. Valued at $3,262.
• 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada Tickets at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal – 2 Three-day Platinum Grandstand Row A tickets. Valued at $1,870.
• 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Chevrolet Grand Prix Tickets at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - 2 Three-Day Grand Prix Club Passes with Trackside VIP Hospitality. Valued at $735.
• 2025 Pfaff Motorsports IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship VIP Experience - 2 VIP hospitality passes, 2 single event credentials at any remaining IMSA races (excluding Long Beach). Valued at $1,000.
• Buff-It Car Detailing Gift Certificate. Valued at $625.
• 2025 Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Celebration of
Speed Track Day tickets at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park2 ride along passes. Valued at $150 each.
• Limited Edition FEL Motorsports Omologato Chronograph Wristwatch. Valued at $1,125.
• Simpson Race Helmet Signed by Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Crew Chief Chad Knaus, Crew Chief Greg Ives, Crew Chief Alan Gustafson, Crew Chief Cliff Daniels, No. 48 Alex Bowman, No. 24 William Byron, No. 9 Chase Elliott and No. 5 Kyle Larson. Valued at $1,250.
• Paul Tracy Signed Framed Painting - “Winning Is Everything” By Paul Huntington. Valued at $500.
• Nigel Mansell Framed Painting - “Ultimate Mansell” By Gavin MaCleod. Valued at $450.
• John Force Signed Peak Team Race Shirt. Valued at $450.
• John Force Signed 1/24 Limited Edition Diecast Funny Car. Valued at $275.
• Chase Elliott Signed No. 9 NASCAR Baseball Cap. Valued at $100.
• Handmade Carbon Fibre Formula 1 Pen. Valued at $100.
Celebration of Speed CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is excited to announce the return of its popular Celebration of Speed (COS) events in 2025. The long-running event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) will take place on Monday, August 4. And for the second consecutive year, a Celebration of Speed will also be held in Quebec, with the date and location to be confirmed.
The COS at CTMP will feature a Ride-Along and Track Day program on the Grand Prix circuit at the renowned racing facility, located an hour northeast of Toronto. Last summer, the ICAR Complex, north of Montreal, hosted the inaugural Quebec Celebration of Speed event.
Open to automotive and racing enthusiasts, these events are fundraisers for the CMHF, matching members of the public (aged 10 and older) with experienced race and track day drivers, along with their incredible vehicles.
COS events are not a competition of speed. Ride-Along and Track Day drivers are instructed to operate well within the limits of their vehicles and personal skill levels.
CTMP Ride-Along ticket holders will experience 3 sessions of 3 laps each in their choice of participating vehicles for
only $100 per ticket. Additional 3 session and single session tickets will be available for sale trackside on event day.
A wide variety of exotic and high-performance cars are available, with marques such as Audi, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Mustang, Porsche, and others regularly represented.
Up to 30 Ride-Along drivers and their high-performance cars are expected to participate in the COS events.
“We bill this event as offering people the ‘ride of their life’ in some very exciting automobiles, driven by highly skilled, experienced track drivers,” said Peter Lockhart, Board Chair of the CMHF. “The events are a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved, as Track Day participants also have the opportunity to experience high-speed action by piloting their own cars on challenging tracks.”
All proceeds from the COS events will support the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation, which operates the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. CTMP Ride-Along tickets and Track Day passes will be available on the CMHF. ca website, starting in early May. Details about COS Quebec will follow when available.
CMHF.ca Website & Social Media Feeds
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info
By Nicole Lascelle
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is revving up for an exhilarating 2025 with the highly anticipated launch of our new and improved website this spring! This sleek, user-friendly platform is being designed with motorsport enthusiasts in mind, offering exciting new features that celebrate the incredible legacy of Canadian motorsport while embracing its thrilling future.
Among the many enhancements are a brand-new Rising Star Award section, where you can discover and follow the journeys of the young talents shaping the future of motorsport. There’s also a dedicated Patron page to honour the generosity of the supporters who make our mission possible. But that’s just the beginning. CMHF.ca will remain the ultimate destination for everything Hall of Fame, from captivating profiles of inductees who defined eras of motorsport to essential updates on can’t-miss events like the Induction Gala and the Celebration of Speed. The new website will also streamline the nomination process, making it easier than ever for fans and enthusiasts to nominate the extraordinary contributors who deserve a place in the Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, we’re already deep into our ambitious effort to digitize and share decades of Canadian racing history, preserving and showcasing the unforgettable moments that shaped our sport. From iconic road races to heart-pounding stock car events, rallying, and roaring drag races, our treasure trove of archival footage captures it all. These historic videos, some dating back to the 1970s, are already available on our YouTube channel, alongside exclusive inductee profile videos from past galas. This growing digital archive ensures fans can relive the magic of Canadian motorsport from the comfort of their homes.
CMHF MERCHANDISE STORE
Gear up and feel the thrill of Canadian motorsport history with exclusive merchandise from the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame!
Our online store offers motorsport enthusiasts a variety of unique items that capture the spirit and legacy of racing in Canada. Check out our official merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs and more. Go to CMHF.ca and click on the STORE tab at the top-right of the page. Or scan the QR code below and go directly to CMHF.ca/store.
Shipping is free for orders over $100.
And watch for a limited supply of T-shirts, hoodies and hats that will be on sale at the Induction Gala and Celebration of Speed events.
Don’t miss out on the action! Follow us across all our social media platforms for the latest news, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Canadian motorsport. Connect with us and be part of the excitement:
From the drivers and innovators who shaped our sport to the stars of tomorrow, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame is your gateway to the past, present, and future of racing in Canada. The journey is only just beginning, and with so much in motion, 2025 promises to be a thrilling ride. Buckle up and join us as we celebrate the heart-pounding excitement of Canadian motorsport like never before!
CMHF Board Members & Contact Info International Inductee John Force
Recognizing legendary racers, teams and manufacturers from outside of Canada, that have had a significant impact in motorsports, the CMHF honours an International Inductee each year.
The International Inductee for the Class of 2024 is John Force, a drag racer who is one of the most successful NHRA Funny Car drivers of all time. The 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion has 157 career wins, 269 final round appearances and holds more all-time records than any other driver in NHRA history.
Force started his career at drag racing’s highest level as a relative unknown, going winless during his first decade of competition. He made his first career final round appearance in 1979 and went 0-for-9 in his first stretch of final round races.
The Yorba Linda, CA driver finally broke through in 1987, beating Ed McCulloch to record his first career NHRA victory. The win came here in Canada, in the Molson Grandnational at the Sanair drag strip, near Montreal, QC. Earning the iconic Wally trophy, as an NHRA race winner, his Canadian triumph was the start of a dominant stretch.
Force won at least one NHRA Funny Car event for 22 consecutive seasons, from 1987 to 2008. He won his first NHRA Funny Car championship in 1990, which he successfully defended the following year. He then went on a stretch of 10 straight championships, between 1993 and 2002. His most recent title came in 2013, where he became the oldest NHRA World Champion, at the age of 64.
Force has experienced no shortage of milestone moments
throughout his career. He surpassed Don Prudhomme’s record of 35 Funny Car victories in 1994, during a season where he won 10 times. He surpassed Bob Glidden’s NHRA career victory record in 2000, with his 86th win.
In 1996, Force became the only drag racer to be named Driver of the Year, an award that covered all forms of American motor racing. Force has been a constant top-ten points finisher across recent decades and has qualified first in 167 NHRA Funny Car races. His best career elapsed time is 3.820 seconds, while his best career speed is 337.33 mph.
Success hasn’t been limited to Force’s efforts behindthe-wheel. His John Force Racing team has won 23 NHRA championships overall, with drivers including Tony Pedregon, Robert Hight and daughter Brittany Force.
Sixteen time NHRA Funny Car Champion John Force is being honoured as this year’s CMHF International Inductee.
