Presented by KHR — some more snippets of recent happening things within Canadian drag racing….

Much Appreciated Nitro Fumes — Calgary’s Darkside Racing has been busy giving the province of Alberta some very nice doses of “nitro” so far this season. After running their car at Medicine Hat Drag Strip over the Father’s Day weekend they followed that up with an appearance at Central Alberta Area 53 Raceway (near the community of Forestburg AB). “We put on a Nitro Show for the racers, volunteers, fans and spectators there,” said Kelly Fedorowich. “The initiative was spearheaded by Reid Rorem who two weeks earlier had successfully completed our 2-day “Top Fuel Crew Member” training program. He had such a positive experience — he went home and raised the funds to bring us out!” A total of 14 businesses and individuals contributed to the exhibition. Next up for the determined team will be an appearance (July 10) on location at the New Horizon Mall in Calgary as part of Stampede Caravan’s “Breakfast for Dinner” event. “We’ll be firing up to help kick off the 2021 Calgary Stampede!” Kelly added.
Developing Family Affairs — A couple of recent and revealing appearances at Toronto Motorsports Park involving some famous Canadian drag racing families – both with late model machines. The history rich Fletcher Family (John, Danny & Bill) unveiled their off-season acquisition — a 2014 model Cobra Jet Ford Mustang which was formally owned by American Mike Skinner. Danny Fletcher will drive this machine this summer which is powered by a 2.9 litre (whipple charger) and can fit into both FSS/D or FS/A classes. Fans can look for that car and team to further develop within the mix of Eastern Canada’s Can-Am Stock/SS circuit. Anthony and Amo Paone (who both own Mountain Motor Pro Stockers) were also at TMP – but this time with a NHRA factory stock legal 2013 COPO Camaro – a machine that was purchased recently from John McIntyre. Anthony made some test runs in that car — which has an LS 427 motor program. That Camaro will see a transition of driver in the future with Amo’s son Nicholas (22 years old) eventually taking over the cockpit. DragRaceCanada will post additional details on both team developments – coming in the near future.
Close to “Double Down” — Transplanted Canadian racers Al and Jason Kenny came very close a team “double” during NHRA’s marquee and recent Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Norwalk OH (June 27th). The Kingston Ontario natives (who now live in PA) both went to the final round in their respective categories. Al Kenny won in Top Dragster when he combined a perfect light in the final (.000 RT) with a winning run of 6.285 secs (6.27 dial) to edge out Anthony Bertozzi. Jason Kenny, who finished 2nd in final NHRA Lucas Oil World Championship points last year, went to the S/G final round but lost out to Jeremy Mason on a red light start. The Kenny’s have in the past “doubled up” in NHRA victory lane – doing it 2X at the divisional level.
Tough Transition — Canadian fast street car proponent, racer and promotor Ian Hill had a tough go with his recently acquired GTO last weekend — when he collected both guard walls at Cayuga Dragway. During that unfortunate incident Ian — who is the driving force behind the popular Canada Heads Up Series – was making only his second appearance with it — a car which he bought last winter that was formally owned by Quebec’s Luc Angers. Thankfully Ian was not injured seriously — however the car which did take major hits on both sides (and while still being evaluated) may not be repairable.

Posted by Bruce Biegler

Photos by Bruce Biegler – Dave DeAngelis – Tony Hayes and Courtesy of Darkside Racing