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Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame

THE John Massingberd Memorial Award presented at CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION GALA

John Scotti honoured as newest recipient

MONTREAL, QC – The John Massingberd Memorial Award has been presented by the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) to a new, deserving individual who represents the same commitment, dedication and passion that John Massingberd conveyed for the sport of auto racing.

Massingberd, a long-time motorsports media personality, was instrumental in promoting Canadian motorsports until his passing in December of 2008 after a long and courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

This year’s award was presented to John Scotti on November 8 at the 10th Anniversary Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala at the Armon Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

John Scotti has been passionate about the sport since he was 16, working as a mechanic for his mentor, John Dingman, who was one of the leading mechanics for performance racing engines. This led Scotti to pursue a career in the automotive industry, in which he has become an icon. Continue reading

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CARL SPIERING HONOURED AT CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

Inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame

MONTREAL, QC – Carl Spiering was honored tonight into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame during its 10th Anniversary Gala at the Armon Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

“Thank you to the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame for this incredible acknowledgement,” said Carl Spiering. “When I started drag racing, I never in my wildest dreams thought about this honor, but when I got the call, I was pretty darn excited. It certainly would not have been possible without the support of my family, my crew, my sponsors and of course the fans that buy the tickets to support our sport.”

A total of 13 nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year at a ceremony celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing.

“Congratulations Carl Spiering on your induction into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame!  The CDRHF recognizes your commitment, innovations and impact you have made to the sport of drag racing,” said Paul Tlustos, Marketing Communications Manager (Retired) Eaton’s Electrical Business Canada. “Carl’s many supporters and fans will be pleased to learn of his induction. I feel privileged to have witnessed just a small part of his successful journey.” Continue reading

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KEVIN WICKE INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME

Honoured for his contributions to the sport of drag racing

MONTREAL, QC – Kevin Wicke was honoured at the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame tonight, inducted into the Hall of Fame during its 10th Anniversary Gala, at the Armon Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

Kevin joined an elite group which includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists, and sponsors who have been honored for their contributions to the sport.

“I’m humbled, blessed, and truly fortunate to be recognized by my peers,” said Wicke about his induction. “I’ve been lucky enough to turn my passion into a lifelong career, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of the journey.”

A total of 13 nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year at a ceremony celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. Continue reading

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THE JOHN MASSINGBERD MEMORIAL AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

Presentation to take place November 8 during the 10th Anniversary CDRHF Gala in Montreal

CAYUGA, ON – The Pro Modified Racing Association and what it represents to the teams, sponsors, media, race venues, and most importantly, its fans, is very pleased and honoured to present The John Massingberd Memorial Award to a deserving individual again this year.

The award will be presented this year during the 10th Anniversary Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala on November 8 at the Armon Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

In keeping with the spirit of the PMRA, it is appropriate to recognize John Massingberd through this annual award. John was a national ambassador of Canadian motorsport in all disciplines through his keen insight and entrepreneurial creativity.

In the late 1980s, John co-established Promark Motorsport International, Raceline Motorsport Television, and Snow Trax Television with Bruce Mehlenbacher, media ventures that helped bring Canadian motorsport to a broader audience and well-deserved prominence. Along with covering drag racing, stock car racing, road racing, and tractor pulls with Promark and Raceline Television, John co-founded and co-anchored Raceline Radio in 1993. Continue reading

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MEHLENBACHER FAMILY HONOURED AT CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

Bruce A. Mehlenbacher and Bruce F. Mehlenbacher inducted to the CDRHF

KIRKLAND, QC – Two generations of Mehlenbachers were honoured tonight at the 7th annual Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees Gala, which took place in front of a full house at Lamborghini Montreal, in Kirkland Quebec.  A total of 16 nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, with the Gala celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing.

The Mehlenbachers joined an elite group of Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees past and present, that includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists, and sponsors.

“I am thrilled, but I am also extremely honoured for my father and the Mehlenbacher family to receive this recognition.  It is a very special tribute to me and my family” said Bruce F. Mehlenbacher.  “I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to John Scotti and Bob Aubertin, on behalf of myself and the Mehlenbacher family, for honoring my father and me.  This induction into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a great honour.”

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2023 CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME inductions to be celebrated on Raceline Radio Network

Tune in for CDRHF Inductees Gala news

CAYUGA, ONTARIO – Bruce Mehlenbacher will once again be a featured guest on the Raceline Radio Network broadcast, hosted by Erik Tomas and heard coast-to-coast across Canada, the week of November 5, 2023.

Of discussion will be the 7th annual Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees Gala, which will take place at Lamborghini Montreal, in Kirkland Quebec on Saturday November 4.  A total of 16 nominees are to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, with the Gala celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing.

An elite group of Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees past and present, that includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists, and sponsors will be in attendance.  Mehlenbacher will update listeners regarding this year’s inductees.

Erik Tomas and Bruce Mehlenbacher are both enshrined in The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

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2022 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Press Release

Montreal, Quebec – The Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame was thrilled to celebrate another year of outstanding achievements from the drag racing community. The 6th Edition of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala was held, for the first time, in the showroom of the luxurious Lamborghini Montreal Dealership on Saturday, November 19th.

Inductees from previous years, and their families, were invited to this evening of celebration, where they enjoyed the annual induction ceremony, dinner, live entertainment, and the many beautiful cars on display. 17 new inductees were welcomed into the 2022 Hall of Fame; they were presented with the traditional custom-tailored blue CDRHF blazer and personalized ring.

Arnie Malcolm from Ottawa, Ontario.
Bill Clarke from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Bill Richards from Kitchener, Ontario.
Richard Mowat from Kitchener, Ontario.
Tony Pontieri from Bolton, Ontario.
Bill Sheppard from Lakeview, Nova Scotia.

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2022 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame

Montreal, QB – The Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame was thrilled to celebrate another year of outstanding achievements from the drag racing community. The 6th Edition of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala was held, for the first time, in the showroom of the luxurious Lamborghini Montreal Dealership on Saturday, November 19th.  Inductees from previous years, and their families, were invited to this evening of celebration, where they enjoyed the annual induction ceremony, dinner, live entertainment, and the many beautiful cars on display. 17 new inductees were welcomed into the 2022 Hall of Fame; they were presented with the traditional custom-tailored blue CDRHF blazer and personalized ring.

Arnie Malcolm from Ontario
Bill Clarke from Nova Scotia
Bill Richards from Ontario
Richard Mowat from Ontario
Tony Pontieri from Ontario

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Drag racing greats inducted at Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame gala

MONTREAL, QUEBEC — For the fifth straight year, the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame (CDRHF) recognized the significant contributions of a select group of Canadians considered by their peers to be legends in the world of competitive drag racing.

Among the 16 Canadian nominees from across Canada and the U.S. inducted this year are four world champions, and—for the first time since the CDRHF was founded—father and son nominees. To date, 116 Canadians have been inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, 15 of them posthumously.

“As in previous years, each of the individuals nominated has had considerable input into the sport of drag racing. Their influence is felt to this day and it is thanks in part to their impressive legacy that the sport enjoys the popularity it does,” says John Scotti, founder of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “It is indeed an honour to pay tribute to their outstanding accomplishments as we welcome these new legends into the Hall of Fame.”

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22 new members inducted at Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame’s 3rd Annual Gala

MONTREAL, QC — Twenty-two Canadians were recognized for their contributions to the world of drag racing during the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame (CDRHF) 3rd Annual Gala held at the Sheraton Hotel, in Laval, Quebec.

“Each individual inducted into the Hall of Fame, strengthens the legacy of the sport of drag racing,” says John Scotti, Founder of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “It’s an honour to welcome these legends and pay tribute to their outstanding accomplishments.”

The nominees included world drag racing champions, drivers, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, mechanics, track owners, announcers, and graphic designers, from across Canada and the United States. Two of the 22 inductions were posthumous.

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