Eastern Canada’s longest running single drag racing series, which concluded it’s 18th season in 2015, produced a first time winner…
Niagara Falls Ontario’s Chuck Nagy who has been a very active participant within Canadian Sportsman drag racing for 42 years straight (wow!) has won the 2015 Can-Am Stock/Super Stock series points chase — in dominate style.
Chuck Nagy’s GT/TA GMC Sonoma
Racing his very consistent GMC Sonoma pickup – Nagy vaulted into an early season points lead and then basically never looked back. He combined regular race event participation with numerous late round finishes (including 2 wins in 4 finals) to take the championship by a wide margin by seasons end.
For Nagy, who has consistently placed in the top 5 or top 10 within the Can-Am series pretty much since it’s inception, this overall points championship was his first.
Chuck Nagy
“2015 was one of my best seasons ever,” admitted Nagy, who also placed well at some DSE Sportsman Series and IHRA Pro-Am events last summer. “I’ve been a track champion 7 times – but his is my first overall series championship.”
“In our circuit the points system is based on your five best event finishes,” Chuck clarified. “My season was going along pretty good and after winning the Saturday night race over the Labour Day Weekend at TMP I knew it was unlikely anyone could catch me – and that turned out to be true.”
Chuck has been racing his GMC Sonoma since fabricating it himself in-house back in 2005. It has a motor program (350 CID rated @ 295 hp) that was prepared by Precision Automotive in Niagara Falls. Over it’s history the truck has set and reset the NHRA record 3X and won 3X too at the IHRA national event level.
“I’m very pleased to bring a championship to longtime sponsors KC Auto Parts and Revs Full Throttle Power Sports,” he continued. “My valued associate sponsors Great Lakes Brewery, PTS Haulage, Precision Automotive and Karbelt Speed and Custom also all helped the cause.”
Over it’s 18 year run the Can-Am Stock/Super Stock series has come a very long way in both reputation and resolve. Originally a one race deal first fomulated by Brad Widerman and John Waldie, London’s Doug and Greg Box then managed several races from that start — and a series was born.
An important foundation for the series was created when Smith Performance Specialties became it’s title sponsor. It was taken to the next level when FJ and Betsy Smith took over the reins with a lot of support from Gene Emes, before his very untimely passing a few seasons ago.
A new group of racers are now at the Can-Am Stock/SS helm lead by Dan Velenosi, Rob and Amanda Becker, Tony & Anne Marie Valerio and Frank Federico.
“A big thank you has to go out to all the organizers and volunteers that make this series successful and fun,” Chuck noted.
Here are the official Top 10 Final Points Standings for the 2015 season
1) Chuck Nagy – 28
2) Brian Clayton – 21
3) Victoria Smith – Tony Valerio – Chris Lozon – Rob Becker (tied) – 18
4) Robert Park – 15
5) Wally Clark – Frank Federico (tied) – 14
6) Mike McGrath – Vince Giglio – Glen Baker (tied) – 13
Defending 2014 Can-Am series champion Brian Clayton finished 2nd in points for 2015
Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Wally Clark finished tied for 5th with Frank Federico in 2015 points.
Post and photos by: Bruce Biegler
