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John Massingberd Memorial Award The tradition Continues

Harvey Silverthorn and Bruce Biegler Newest Recipients!

TORONTO, ON – The John Massingberd Memorial Award has been presented to two new deserving individuals who represent the same commitment, dedication and passion Massingberd conveyed for the sport of auto racing.

The awards were presented at the 7th Annual Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo at the International Centre Toronto to Harvey Silverthorn and Bruce Biegler.

The presentation followed the Raceline Radio Network podcast with Raceline Radio Network anchor Erik Tomas and guest Bruce Mehlenbacher, both Canadian Motorsport Hall of Famers,  from The Racing Zone stage at Motorama.

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

Harvey Silverthorn has dedicated his life to the Power Sports and Automotive motorsport industry.  Harvey built Wiseco Piston Canada on 15 years of experience in the motorcycle industry and did an incredible job launching, promoting, and maintaining the company.  His passion and commitment was prominent as the face of Wiseco Canada for over 35 years.

Harvey supported the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the Pro Bike and Sled Series from the very beginning, both with sponsorship and personal assistance with his wife Marion at events.

Harvey semi-retired in 2015 but continues to share his vast knowledge and expertise, while spending quality time with his son Adam, daughter Becky and their families.

Adam Silverthorn accepted the award on behalf of his Father.

During 34 years as Marketing Manager with Canadian Pacific Railway, Bruce Biegler developed an extreme interest and devotion to Drag Racing into national prominence as a photographer, editorial contributor and reporter dating back to the 1970’s.

A very long and impressive list of noted publications Biegler contributed to include: National Dragster, Wheelspin News, Popular Hot Rodding, Hot Rod magazine, Performance Racing News, Inside Track Motorsport News, Mopar Muscle Magazine, Camaro Performance Magazine, Chevy High Performance Magazine and Mopar Magazine.

Biegler is most proud of his founding, managing and editing of Drag Race Canada, the most prominent and visited website for Canadian drag racing.

He was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2018.

He and his wife Myrna are relocating permanently to Australia this June.  He plans to enjoy “semi” retirement but will remain involved with Australian drag racing and rock music and concert media.

Greg MacPherson from Inside Track Motorsport News accept the award on Biegler’s behalf.

The John Massingberd Award honours a national ambassador of Canadian Motorsport in all disciplines through his keen insight and entrepreneurial creativity.

In the late 1980’s, partnered with Mehlenbacher, John established Promark Motorsport International and Raceline Motorsport Television, two media ventures responsible for giving Canadian motorsport the prominence it deserves.

Along with coverage of drag racing, stock car racing, road racing, and tractor pulls with Promark and Raceline Motorsport Television, Massingberd and Mehlenbacher teamed to co-found and Executive Produce The Raceline Radio Network in 1992. Massingberd co-hosted broadcasts with anchor and radio veteran Erik Tomas.

Raceline Radio remains Canada’s first and Canada’s only nationally syndicated motorsport radio program that celebrates 30 years on the air in 2022 as Canada’s National Radio Motorsport Authority.

Massingberd also co-produced and was the featured anchor on SnowTrax Television. This successful syndicated TSN program entertained in both Canada and the United States.

All who knew John quickly recognized his larger than life stature. With his warm, friendly but firm handshake, to his quick wit and genuine charm, John had an amazing ability never be at a loss for words.

He was a pioneer in his field, breaking new ground in radio and television coverage of Canadian motorsport.

In keeping with the spirit of the Pro Modified Racing Association, it is appropriate and all together fitting to recognize John Massingberd with this annual award.

 

Past Recipients:

Carl Spiering

Fred & Betsy Smith

R.W. (Bob) Slack

Vern Christy

John Waldie

Tim Miller

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