Some Mid-Winter highlights from Canadian drag racing…
Elbows Up! — One of the rising star new star classes within all of drag racing, Lil Gangstas, played part again within Drag Illustrated’s remarkable Winter Series. During that series’ U.S. Street Nationals (held at Bradenton FL – last weekend) – it was a Canadian racer who came out on top,
In the final round pairing of two northern natives it was Ontario’s Steph Mallais in his ’88 Mustang getting the win over Chris Scarlata (from Western NY state) in his ’70 Nova.
“In this class there is no qualifying — we run right off the trailer,” Steph explained. “I went 6 rounds only to win over a fellow Canada Heads Up series and Empire Outlaws competitor — and that’s pretty cool.”
Racing his Mustang — Canada’s Steph Mallais edged out fierce cross-border rival Chris Scarlet in the Lil Gangstas final round.
“This is crazy to be just invited within the 64 best cars,” Mallais added, “It’s a tough class. You get no time slips. You don’t know what you’re running. You’ve just got to run it to the line and see who comes out on top.”
He thanked partners All-In-One Auto, FuelTech USA, True North Turbo, and Priority Collision.
For Mallais this win combined with the fact he won three rounds at the previous series race (Snowbird Nationals in December) – does put him very high up in points with thus a real chance to win the overall Lil Gangstas’ season title (coming in February — World Series of Pro Mod finale).
Mallais’s ’88 Mustang is powered by a 427 CID SBF with a 98mm turbo. He has owned and raced the car since 1991. Steph placed 2nd in final CHU series Street 275 class racing last season but also won in the season points chase for the Empire Outlaws 5.50 index (at Empire Dragway in NY)
Almost Cannoli Time!
Event results for the DI U.S. Street Nationals almost featured a second Canadian racer visiting victory lane. For the event’s marquee Pro 10.5 title chase, it was Canadian class kingpin and ambassador Nick Agostino – who took runner-up with his reputed 1969 Camaro.
That championship final saw a pair of twin-turbo small-block-powered machines spool up. It was Jerry Morgano (from New Jersey) who was out of the gate first and paired that holeshot with a 3.905 secs at 195.65 mph to beat Agostino’s 3.934 secs at 200.00 mph.
But despite that final round shortfall, Agostino (from Markham ON) felt very gratified.
“This event finish has been a long time coming,” Nick confided post race. “We have been really close in the past but we just didn’t have everything line up for up us. I’m so happy we did well as the crew of Ralph Maio and Mike Ski really give 110% and they deserved every bit of it.”
“It’s a great feeling (for the team) when you can make every run down the track and have a great showing at big events like this.”
Ontario’s Nick Agostino displayed serious resilience and gained some solid early season momentum within the world class Pro 10.5 class racing scene – last weekend.
Nick had entered the world class 10.5 field after qualifying #4 with a 3.901 secs at 202+ mph.
His “Cannoli Express” Camaro is an RJ race car build which also features work by the Chassis Stop and Pandes Performance. At Bradenton they used their 496 CID SBC – custom built by Nick’s own company: NASH Competition Engines.
“The engine was our spare (back up engine) but that worked flawless all weekend,” Nick added. “Our primary (main engine) should be back in for the final series race.” (@World Series of Pro Mod event.)
Media Spotlight — A cool honour was bestowed recently to one of Canada’s top drag racing photographer talents as well as dedicated DragRaceCanada contributor – Blake Farnan – from Crystal Beach ON.
Blake, who is a regular event photographer for Ian Hill’s amazing Canada Heads Up drag racing series, deservingly did receive that group’s 2025 Media Award in recognition of his season contributions, during the CHP Awards Banquet (held January 24th @ the Crystal Fountain Event Venue – Markham ON).
“It’s a true honour to receive the 2025 Media Award for Canada Heads Up – it was a great surprise,” Blake said. “Thank you Ian Hill for selecting me. I have to thank all my sponsors, racers, race series, tracks, fellow photographers and track staff that make this all happen. Also thank you to family and friends and business partners.”
Posted with files by Luke Nieuwhof – Bruce Biegler – Blake Farnan
Photos by Luke Nieuwhof & courtesy of Jeff Gilbert
