Ken McDonald – Montreal, QC (Posthumous)

About

It's hard to say when Ken McDonald's passion for racing was born, probably at an early age.

From the garage with Pierre Bourret followed by his association with François Chalifoux in the early '70s, to Bill the 'Grumpy' Jenkins-his idol in the drag racing world-many drivers and car owners sought out McDonald's talents.

A few highlights from McDonald's racing mechanic career, to name but a few:

1-In 1976, the Chalifoux-Mcdonald team won all but one of the honors that season, earning McDonald the Mechanic of the Year award. His reputation grew.

2-In 1982 Claude Tétrault, another driver of the time, contacted McDonald one evening to have him check and repair his two carburetors. Tétrault sent them by Fedex to Lac Mégantic, where McDonald was living at the time. After repairing them, McDonald decided to take them to Tétrault himself to see him at the Molson Grand National. Tétrault qualified first that year and went on to win the GNM title.

In addition to his famous years in drag, McDonald was appreciated for his jovial, patient temperament. McDonald passed on his passion for racing to his sons Karl and Frédérick, and grandson Ken.

Thanks to the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, Ken McDonald's name will always be remembered.