CANADIAN CONNECTION

The Top Ten Canadian Drag Racing Stories Of 2022

Story by John Waldie

Last season was a memorable one in Canadian drag racing. In most cases, it was extremely positive with some incredible achievements taking place in Canada and some down south. That said there were also some sad but noteworthy events, as well.

With this in mind, we offer a listing of what were – in our opinion – the top ten Canadian drag racing stories of 2022.

As mentioned above, not all the top ten stories were happy ones. In fact, No. 1 was the sudden passing of Canadian drag racing legend Barry Paton. Known affectionately as ‘The Captain, Paton, 79, passed following the NHRA FallNationals, in Texas, in mid-October. He was a great racer, the patriarch of a great racing family, and was an all-around No. 1 fan of Canadian drag racing. Once again, we thank you, Captain!

Coming in at No. 2 on the list was the incredible Top Fuel performance orchestrated by Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame (CDRHF) inductee Rob Flynn, on the international stage, with Mike Salinas’ Indiana-based ‘Scrappers Racing’ Top Fuel team. During NHRA action, last season, the outfit – with Flynn as Crew Chief – scored four National event wins and a top-three finish in the competitive NHRA points chase. Congratulations to Rob on his great season.

At No. 3 are a trio of impressive performances, in the US, by Canadian racers. Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Jeff Veale earned his second NHRA National event win, in September, at Maple Grove Raceway. In that final, he bested fellow Canadian Shawn Cowie, who appeared in eight finals nationally and regionally in 2022, winning four times and finishing fourth in the final Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series TAD points.

And not to be overlooked, Scott Wildgust – from Stratford, ON –won his first National event when he took Pro Mod honours at the NMCA race in Bradenton, FL. Congratulations to all three of them for doing us proud, stateside.

Next on our list, at No. 4, were the NHRA National event wins, in Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series action, by Calgary’s Ken Mostowich and Al Kenny, on the international stage. Mostowich took the Super Comp win at the NHRA Nevada Nationals, in December. Kenny, originally from Kingston, ON, would finish runner-up in the final Top Dragster points after ending the season win a win at the Auto Club Finals. It was Kenny’s 50th season in the sport.

The No. 5 event was the return of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, in Montreal, following a two-year pandemic pause. You can read about the event and the new inductees elsewhere in this issue. An honourable mention goes to Canadian drag racing legend Ron Hodgson for hosting an inaugural Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Gala, which featured and honoured many of our western straight-line legends. 38 Inside Track Motorsport News

Coming in at No. 6 is the continued success and growth of the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series. Expanding beyond its southern Ontario roots, with the support and encouragement of Montreal’s John Scotti, the popular tour now encompasses events at Grand Bend Motorplex, Empire Dragway, Toronto Motorsports Park and St. Thomas Dragway, with a non-points date slated for Milan Dragway.

Next on the list, at No. 7 is the major renewal of the Nitro Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park, as well as the local family and educational initiatives being offered by the legendary ‘Cayuga’ facility.

No. 8 on our list is the rejuvenation of the Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend Motorplex. Following a two-year absence, the event returned, last season, to excellent fan attendance and enthusiasm. The 23rd annual edition of this event – the longest running National event in Canada – is scheduled for August 11-13 in 2023. Over 350 race cars are expected. Similarly, we offer a ‘thumbs up’ to GBM’s sister track, St. Thomas Dragway, which is striking a popular chord with its racers and fans, featuring Nostalgia racing groups and CanAm racers.

The introduction of the World Drag Racing Alliance made big news last season. In addition to tracks all around the US, the newly created group became the official sanctioning body of several Canadian racing facilities – including Grand Bend, St. Thomas and Shannonville – earning the WDRA the No. 9 spot on our list.

Last, but not least, 660 Bracket – under the leadership of Can-Am event winner Drew Buckner – again proved the resilience of our local facilities and the importance of supporting them. Getting back to No. 1 on our list, Barry Paton would certainly approve!

Oh yeah, an an honourable mention to veteran Canadian drag racing journalist Bruce Biegler, who recently retired to Australia, leaving a huge void. He’ll be inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, in late February. Congrats and thanks, Bruce! IT