Recognition @ 2026 CDRHF induction ceremony and gala!….

Last weekend in Montreal – the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame (CDRHF) was proud to reveal it’s 2026 Class of Inductees, who were formally welcomed into the Hall of Fame at the CDRHF Induction Gala on Nov 7th — at John Scotti’s Lamborghini Montreal, located a Kirkland, QC.

The annual Induction Gala again brought together members of the drag racing community from across North America to celebrate individuals whose achievements, dedication and lasting contributions have helped shape the sport of drag racing in Canada and beyond.

This year’s class represented the many different people who have contributed to the sport’s history, from those behind the wheel to the builders, crew chiefs, officials, promoters, media and industry figures whose work has helped Canadian drag racing earn recognition on the international stage.

The 2026 Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees:

Larry C Dobbs — (Welland, ON) — Along with teammate Fred Speight, Larry became known for his driving, behind the wheel of the “Kardiac Kids” alcohol funny car, winning multiple IHRA championships.

Canadian TAFC class icon – Larry Dobbs

Nathan Sitko — (Edmonton, AB) — Multiple national event winner, driving the Pacemaker Bubble Up Nitro Funny Car, becomes a 3rd generation Sitko to be inducted.  Nathan is the 2026 World Champion for NHRA’s Hot Rod Heritage Series!

Mike Gondziola – (Saskatoon, SK) — The AHRA 2000 World champion Pro Mod racer, holding multiple track records across Western Canada.

Mid-Canadian Pro Mod class standout – Mike Gondziola

Wendell Howes – (Kiersteadville, NB) — NHRA national record holder and avid Mopar-brand proponent — multiple race winner and instrumental in the development of the sport in Atlantic Canada.

Canadian Mopar-brand extraordinaire drag racer – Wendall Howes

Dan Fletcher – (Waterford, ON) – Starting off as mechanic, Dan moved to announcing at many of drag racing’s premier events over the last 40 years, later joining the on-track action with their family-run Fletch racing team.

Steve Lecours – (Whitby, ON) — Being an NHRA tech official for 50+ years, Steve has certified the bulk of drag race car chassis in Eastern Canada.

Grant Eldridge – (Surrey, BC) — With three NHRA national records and two NHRA Winternational victories, Grant has had his fair share of success in the west coast’s drag racing scene.

Mike Konopacki – (Hampton, ON) — One of the most decorated motorcycle drag racers for anywhere in North America, Mike has a multitude of
achievements, including winning 16 AMA/Prostar national championships between 1992-2009.  In the year 2009 he took 3 national championships in three different classes.

Canada’s all time winning Sportsman Motorcycle drag racer — Mike Konopacki

Suzanne G. Poirier – (Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, QC) — Crew chief for Gerard Milette’s NHRA national event winning entry, her welding and car-building skills have earned his car three best engineering awards.

Ken Mostowich – (Calgary, AB) — With six NHRA national event wins and a variety of other trophies, Mostowich was and remains still a standout contender in Super Gas and Super Comp class racing.

Posthumous Inductees (2026) – Zenon Kotelko – Gary Waldner — Fred Farndon — Fred Speight.

CDRHF inductees – both past and present!

Together, the members of the Class of 2026 represent decades of achievement, innovation and dedication to drag racing. Their accomplishments span generations and disciplines, reflecting the depth of Canada’s contribution to the sport both nationally and internationally.

Preserving Canada’s Drag Racing Legacy — For generations, Canadians have played an important role in the development of drag racing, earning championships, setting records, developing groundbreaking race cars and technology, operating racetracks, building successful teams and helping grow the sport on both sides of the border.

The Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame exists to ensure those accomplishments and the people responsible for them remain part of Canada’s motorsport history.

The Class of 2026 will add another chapter to that history, recognizing individuals whose influence can be measured not only through victories, championships and records, but through the lasting impact they have made on the sport and the generations that have followed them.

Posted by Paul Vaillancourt (CDRHF)
Photos courtesy of CDRHF & DragRaceCanada File Photos

Link to CDRHF Official:  HERE