Two very significant late season event wins from veteran Canadian NHRA Sportsman racers…

The tail end of 2025 has produced a couple of major triumphs within NHRA’s Lucas Oil Racing Series level of racing — both east and west.

At last weekend’s Dodge Nevada Nationals, out at “The Strip” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it was seasoned class racer Eddy Plaizier (Edmonton AB) finally earning a first career NHRA national event level title.

For Plaizier, who’s long racing career has been a testament including numerous index class cars and who had recorded a number of event wins within both the NHRA LODRS and IHRA series’,  this win – within Super Gas 10.05 — was particularly gratifying.

Eddy defeated a truly big name studded S/G field — over seven rounds of competition — including running down non-other then defending NHRA Lucas Oil World Champion Val Torres in the final round (10.09 to 10.11 secs).

Eddy Plaizier collected a much deserved “first ever” NHRA national event triumph at NHRA’s Nevada Nationals.

“Quite the unbelievable feeling.” Eddy reflected. “I had previously placed 2 runner ups and had won a Jegs Allstars race here — but nothing compares.”

“That was some fierce competition with every round up against immense talent. Add in the challenge of different track and weather conditions through the week. For the final — I had so many thoughts — fans, crew, cameras — I had to block it all out, and focus on the task. But my son Casey set the car up to be close so I knew I could get there. Having all my family and friends here to witness – made it extra special!”

At Maple Grove Raceway’s iconic annual autumn event (Oct 24-26th), it was Stittsville Ontario’s Gianni Cantusci collecting a nice score — winning the Super Stock division at the NHRA Northeast Division Open “Dutch Classic”.

Racing his tried & true 2000 model Firebird (GT/LA), Cantusci who is one of Eastern Canada’s all time reputed top runners (& CDRHF member), defeated a 32-car field after qualifying mid-pack #13 (10.27 secs = .776 under).

Gianni Cantusci was the Super Stock champion for the 2025 edition “Dutch Classic”.

Gianni’s 5th and final round win-light was however — not for the light-hearted.

That match included a very close call when his opponent Julius Schonberger, after leaving the starting line first with his SS/MA ’55 Chevy, quickly crossed over into Cantusci’s lane and into a heart-stopping near miss position.

Gianni, after narrowing avoiding that — earned the automatic win light — and then idled down track and then off to victory lane.

Posted by Bruce Biegler

DRC File Photos by David Ostaszewski, David Smith, Mike Lacelle & Plaizier Racing