DRAGSTRIP MEMORIES SHOW

By Bob Sumak

Just prior to the start of the Canadian drag racing season, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on the grounds of Hamilton, Ontario’s airport played host to the annual Dragstrip Memories Show.

By all accounts, it was once again a huge success. The Museum usually has full displays of its collection of warplanes throughout the huge hangar. But for this event, the planes are moved to one side of the hangar, freeing up space for the car show. Still visible, this layout creates a fantastic backdrop of warplanes, which makes for great pictures.

Word of this event continues to spread, and the main parking lot was filling up fast just after the show opened. Once inside, it was clear that the organizers had done a great job with the car and vendor placements.

The quality of the vehicles was excellent, and the variety was impressive. Everything from full blown dragsters, A/Gas cars, Super Stocks, muscle cars, novelty cars, motorcycles and even a skidoo!

Looking at some of the vehicles, Gary Judges’ beautiful 1957 Ford two- door post took him five years to build. Originally created as a ‘business class’ model with no backseat, the original 272 V8 has been replaced with a 427 high power, dual quad engine.

Another neat vehicle was in the East London Timing Association (E.L.T.A.) display.

The car is an Altered dragster that Scott Haviland restored as a tribute to his father, Charlie Haviland.

Paul and Patti Shill were also at the show, with their ‘Very Cherry’ Super Stock which races at Toronto Motorsports Park.

As great as the cars were, it was also a great to speak with the owners who are all still very passionate about their cars and drag racing. I would also suggest that if you haven’t been to the Canadian

Warplane Museum, you make a point of visiting it.

Their collection of warplanes is phenomenal, especially the legendary Lancaster Bomber which is one of just two in the world still flying. You can also book short flights in most of their aircraft for an unforgettable adventure. IT