Recognizing the deep tradition for motorsports within Canada is getting another boost….

This is something that has been brewing for a while and the Canadian Motorsports scene in general will soon reap the dividends.   

Spurred on by a proud notion that was first established by the Toronto-based Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame (established 1993) and then later complimented by Montreal’s Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame (established 2015) — Western Canada will now have it’s very own honour roll — with the establishment of the Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame – based from Edmonton.

The WCMHF which came to fruition officially in September last year, has now announced details for hosting it’s inaugural gala and induction ceremony – this coming April 18th — in Edmonton.

The newly established WCMHF is in fact the latest project and idea from Canadian Motorsports icon and highly successful car dealer and businessman Ron Hodgson — who is the Chairman.   Ron has surrounded himself with some highly competent and experienced people, including Vice Chairman Bruce Willox, as well as a director’s list that includes some famous names like Terry Capp, Jim Bell and Bob Ebertz.

Ron Hodgson, who has been inducted into the both the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame already, and is unquestionably best known for his very successful ventures within the sport of drag racing, confirmed that the new Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame is and will be all encompassing for Western Canadian motorsports.

Ron Hodgson

“Four or five years ago Ron and I met with the Edmonton City council to first pitch this idea,” revealed Director Terry Capp (also a member of the the CMHOF (2001) and CDRHF (2015)) . “Initially we had cooperation going and were working towards having the motorsports hall of fame included in the aircraft museum at the Edmonton Municipal airport. But unfortunately after a subsequent municipal election — the Municipal Airport was shut down and that idea fell through.”

“After that Ron and I continued to discuss various other options,” Terry continued.  “During the 60th anniversary celebration of the CCHRA (Capital City Hot Rod Association) last summer — we brought up the subject again and affirmed our intent to make the WCMHF happen — and now it has.”

It is true that the Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame is now within a process of building necessary funding so it can find a permanent home and then move forward into the future successfully.  This inaugural April event is expected to help further establish that notion and build more momentum. 

In total 37 names have been nominated to become the first members of the Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.  That list represents drag racing, road racing, oval racing and two forms of motorcycle racing.  Other categories recognized are race track promotion, drifting and sports builders.  5 very famous Western Canadian motorsports names – who have since passed away — will also be honoured and included.

Terry affirmed that while there is no direct or indirect affiliation with either the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame or the Canadian Drag racing Hall of Fame — both those groups were greatly helpful with ideas and suggestions.

Kim and Rob Reeves – owners of Castrol Raceway — will be inducted into the WCMHF

For drag racing — the 2020 nominated list of inductees contains some of the most popular and influential people for our sport within Canada.  That includes – Rob and Kim Reeves (Castrol Raceway) as well as many prominent and talented drag racers both past and present — Jim Bell, Shawn Cowie, Richard Chevalier, Wally Protz, Garnet Rose, John Evanchuk, Tim Nemeth, Ken Beauchemin, Gary Egbert, Wade Sjostrom, Jerry Gordon and Brent Seaman.

Legendary Canadian Top Alcohol Funny Car driver John Evanchuk will be given some much deserved career recognition.

Nitro Nostalgia Funny Car racer Tim Nemeth (from BC) and his wife Nancy.

Canada’s current overall top rated drag racer – Shawn Cowie — is on the 2020 WCHOF induction list.

(**Editor’s Note — The Western Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame campaign for raising funds includes the development of a very attractive raffle opportunity — with that winning ticket claiming a brand new 2020 Corvette.  We will post more details and a hyperlink to support that cause and to potentially score a C8 for yourself in the not too distant future!)

For more information visit the WCMHF official site:  HERE

Post and photos by Bruce Biegler