(Montreal, Quebec) On Saturday, November 19th, 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 6th annual Gala was held, for the first time, in the luxurious showroom of the Lamborghini Montreal dealership. Guests were able to view some of the world’s finest Lamborghinis, along with a special display of two factory drag cars, a 50th Anniversary 2018 Mustang Cobra Jet and a 2021 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, plus two hot rods, a 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible, and a 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster built by Joe Lowbeck.
This year, the CDRHF was proud to welcome 17 new inductees into the Hall of Fame, 5 of whom were inducted posthumously. Recognised by their peers as the highest honour in Canadian drag racing history, inductees from previous years, also attended the celebration.
The 2022 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Arnie Malcolm, track promoter – from Ottawa, Ontario.
Bill Clarke, racer – from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Bill Richards, track announcer – from Kitchener, Ontario.
Richard Mowat, racer – from Kitchener, Ontario.
Tony Pontieri, racer – from Bolton, Ontario.
Bill Sheppard, racer – from Lakeview, Nova Scotia.
Tim Boychuk, racer – from Edmonton, Alberta.
Charlie Kenopic, racer – from Renfrew, Ontario.
John Fletcher, racer & track promoter – from Waterford, Ontario.
Ken Murray, racer – from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Albert Branham, racer – from Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Glen Stahle, racer – from St. Clements, Ontario.
The 2022 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Posthumous Inductees:
Jim Ronaghan, team mechanic – from Alberta.
Dick Panter, racer – from Edmonton, Alberta.
John Massingberd, motorsports broadcaster – from Ontario.
George Foote, speed equipment distributor/retailer – from Toronto, Ontario.
Bob McJannett, publisher, speed equipment distributor/retailer – from Toronto, Ontario.
All inductees were presented with the custom-tailored CDRHF Blue Blazer 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 name would be placed alongside peers from previous Galas. The families of posthumous inductees were presented with a custom designed plaque in honour of their loved one’s accomplishments; a duplicate plaque will be displayed in our museum.
The Gala featured singer, Aldo Villani, and DJ Sam Peligrino, who provided premium entertainment throughout the course of the evening. Guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks, and a fine Italian dining experience, served by Ristorante Andrea. The 5-course meal began with a Pesto Bocconcini with Prosciutto and Melon, followed by a Penne Pasta Napolitana with Tomato and Basil, Chicken Involtini al Tartufo, Ossobuco-styled Nagano Pork, and Strawberry Shortcake and coffee for dessert.
Induction into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame requires an incredible amount of passion and dedication. It is an honour bestowed to only the best in the sport. To meet the candidacy requirements, nominees must have a minimum of 25 years of experience in drag racing, must reside in, or be an expatriate of Canada, and have competed at the top level of their category, or made a substantial contribution to the sport. Nominees come from all drag racing categories.
It has been two years since we have had the opportunity to host a Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala. We could not be more grateful for the wonderful turnout, for the delicious food, the quality entertainment, and most importantly, the time spent in good company. Congratulations to the 2022 inductees, whose achievements will forever be marked and celebrated in drag racing history.