FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(MONTREAL, QC) October 16, 2016- Twenty-three of Canada’s drag racing legends were inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame at the Second Annual Gala held at Hôtel Universel in Montreal, on Saturday, October 15, 2016. Among the inductees recognized this year was world champion Gianni Cantusci.

“I am honoured to be inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame among all these legends,” says Gianni Cantusci who was accompanied by his family and father Frank Cantusci, inducted last year.

“It’s a privilege to witness the class of 2015 welcome this year’s inductees,” says John Scotti, Founder of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “Seeing the positive reactions from members of the drag racing community at each annual induction, is truly a rewarding experience to be a part of.”

The newly inducted legends included racers, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, mechanics, track officials and track photographers, announcers, promoters and sponsors from St. Albert, Alberta to Windsor, Nova Scotia, who have made a lasting impact and significant difference in the development of the sport of drag racing in Canada and elsewhere.

The complete list of inductees can be found below.

Accompanied by family and friends, the 23 drag racing legends were honoured with a custom tailored ‘Blue Blazer’ bearing the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame logo and a custom designed Hall of Fame ring.

“With each new induction, the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Museum is expanding with new artefacts and memorabilia thanks to each inductee and the drag racing community,” says Bob Aubertin, Director of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “Not only are we recognizing some of our nation’s drag racing “Greats,” it also shows today’s generation just how far the sport has really grown.”

To be nominated into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, candidates must have actively been engaged at the top level of their categories for more than 25 years and have made a tremendous contribution to the sport. They must have established a national record as an individual or a member of a team (NHRA/IHRA national record or National Event Win). Other inductees may come from other drag racing areas such as (photographer, track operator, etc.) They must also reside or be an expatriate of Canada.

About the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame

The Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that is based in Montreal, Quebec at 7905 Boulevard Provencher, Saint-Leonard (Quebec). Founded in 2014, by John Scotti, President of John Scotti Automotive Group, it is the only organization that recognizes drag racing professionals in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro-Stock and Sportsman categories.

About Drag Racing

Drag Racing is the Fastest and Quickest form of Professional motorsport racing in the world today. Professionally built and driven race cars that compete, side by side, at speeds of over 332 mph (534.30 Km/h) in a 10,000 H.P. Top Fuel dragster in less than 3.680 seconds across the finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start-over a measured distance, most commonly 1/4 mile (1,320 ft. (402 m), with a shorter 3/16 mile (1,000 ft. (305 m)) for Nitro methane powered Top Fuel dragsters and funny cars.

List of Inductees

1. Ken Achs, Saskatoon, SK
2. Jeff Arend, Thornhill, ON
3. Bob Beazer, Odessa, ON
4. Vic Beleny, Welland, ON
5. Gianni Cantusci, Ottawa, ON
6. Guy Desjardins, Montreal, QC
7. Bob Elliott, London, ON
8. Rob Evans, London, ON
9. Geoff Goodwin, Prince Albert, SK
10. Charlie Haviland, London, ON
11. Vince Hazel, Windsor, NS
12. Ron Hodgson, St. Albert, AB
13. Richard Jones, Ottawa, ON
14. Bill Kydd, London, ON
15. Wayne Lang, London, ON
16. Abe Loewen, Regina, SK
17. Brian Mulligan, Cornwall, ON
18. Norm Noddle, Wasaga Beach, ON
19. Harold Parfett, Edmonton, AB
20. Venice Perno, Stoney Creek, ON
21. Rob Potter, Dundas, ON
22. Bert Straus, Kitchener, ON
23. John Waldie, Embro, ON.

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For more information or to request an interview:  Virginie Karagirwa, (514) 802-9093, virginie@pickering-communications.com