Some “long and loud” cars are at the forefront for making news within the Canadian drag racing scene….

Top Fuel Multi-tasking — Transplanted Canadian Todd Paton was a deserving recipient of another Top Fuel driving opportunity during last weekend’s rescheduled Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals. While his regular ride (Paton Racing TF dragster) remains in forced suspension within Canada (due to international border closure) Todd has seen some demand for his driving skills from other teams emerge this season. At Gainesville he took the wheel over for the Worsham Racing dragster owned by Chuck and Del — the same car he did drive at NHRA Brainerd during the summer of 2019. “I dropped some parts off to Del the other day and he told me to bring my driving gear to throw in their trailer – just in case.” said Todd — who has founded his own new company PDS. “I’m glad they trust me enough to have me step in when the occasion arises. This car has all the stuff to run well – but to contain costs the plan presently is to make one run in qualifying and then see what happens on race day.” At GV Todd qualified #15 but lost out to Billy Torrence in round one. The possibility exists that “TP” could see more action in the Worsham Racing dragster this year – NHRA’s two consecutive events in Texas could be on that team radar.

Top Tier TAD — Canada’s premier Top Alcohol racing team — Langley BC’s (Cowie Racing/Mundies Towing) remains in the hunt for the coveted NHRA Lucas Oil World Championship title. Driver Shawn Cowie and his talented group did race at the Gatornationals last weekend where once again they were quick and competitive. Shawn qualified #2 with a 5.209 secs — but was upset by Matt Cummings in round two by a 5.270 secs to 5.287 secs count. But as fate would have it — the team’s primary rival (and defending 2019 World Champ) Meagan Meyer also suffered a similar fate — exiting the same round. Megan and Shawn sit 1-2 atop the Lucas Oil World Championship rankings as the season now turns towards it final concluding races.

A Kenny Catch-Up — Another Canadian native driver also still within a potential NHRA World Championship mix is Kingston ON native Al Kenny. Al has a very comfortable lead within the NHRA’s Northeast Division 1 points standings for Top Dragster class racing (83 points) going into that geographical area’s final race of the season in Virginia this weekend. With a good showing there Al could cement his 4th career title at the NHRA divisional level. Kenny’s ranking in the world for Top Dragster points is currently within the “top ten” — and he could move even higher depending on what races his team chooses to attend the rest of this season. Al Kenny did win the NHRA Lucas Oil World Championship title for the Super Comp (8.90) division back in 2012.
Photos by Luke Nieuwhof and Dave DeAngelis