CDRHF GALA INDUCTION CEREMONY

Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame honours latest inductees

Story by Brodie Elias Vandewater

OnNovember 19, the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame hosted an evening of celebration in honour of those who have made significant achievements and contributions in the world of professional drag racing.

The sixth annual gala was held – for the first time – in the luxurious showroom of the Lamborghini Montreal dealership. In addition to some spectacular Lamborghinis, the room also featured two factory drag cars, a 50th Anniversary 2018 Mustang Cobra Jet, a 2021 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, two hot rods, a 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible, and a 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster built by Joe Lowbeck.

During the event, the CDRHF welcomed 17 new inductees, five of whom were honoured posthumously. Recognised by their supporters, peers and past inductees, induction into the CDRHF is the ultimate recognition for high achievers in Canadian drag racing.

Inductees were presented with custom-tailored, blue CDRHF blazers, and a personalized ring and display case. As is tradition, the inductees were invited to sign the CDRHF’s Book of Honour – as well as the ‘reunion hood’ – where their names will be memorialized beside those who signed at prior galas.

The families of posthumous inductees were presented with custom-designed plaques, duplicates of which will be displayed in the CDRHF museum.

To be eligible for induction to the CDRHF, nominees must have a minimum of 25 years experience in drag racing and must reside in – or be an expatriate of – Canada. Successful candidates must have competed at the top level of their category, or made a substantial contribution to the sport.

The November Gala was the first in two years, due to the pandemic. Congratulations to the 2022 inductees, whose achievements will forever be marked and celebrated in drag racing history. IT

2022 Cdrhf Inductees

(Main) The Induction Gala for the Class of 2022 for the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame took place Nov. 19 at the Lamborghini Montreal car dealership.

(Above) The living inductees received personalized rings, while the families of the deceased new members were presented with plaques.

- Tim Boychuk, Racer (Edmonton, Alberta)

- Albert Branham, Racer (Sherwood Park, Alberta)

- Bill Clarke, Racer (Darmouth, Nova Scotia)

- John Fletcher, Racer & Track Promoter (Waterford, Ontario)

- George Foote, Speed Equipment Distributor & Retailer (Toronto, Ontario) *

- Charlie Kenopic, Racer (from Renfrew, Ontario)

- Arnie Malcolm, Track Promoter (Ottawa, Ontario)

- John Massingberd, Motorsports Broadcaster (Ontario) *

- Bob McJannett, Publisher / Speed Equipment Distributor & Retailer (Toronto, Ontario) *

- Richard Mowat, Racer (Kitchener, Ontario)

- Ken Murray, Racer (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

- Dick Panter, Racer (Edmonton, Alberta) *

- Tony Pontieri, Racer (Bolton, Ontario)

- Bill Richards, Track Announcer (Kitchener, Ontario)

- Jim Ronaghan, Team Mechanic (Alberta) *

- Bill Sheppard, Racer (Lakeview, Nova Scotia)

- Glen Stahle, Racer (St. Clements, Ontario)

* Posthumous

IT