Canadian drag racing fans are in for a serious treat this season courtesy again from a very prominent drag racing team!….
Edmonton-based Hodgson/Papirnik Racing are putting the finishing touches on a very special new Funny Car – coming this summer.
Here are some recent images from Victory Performance (Culver City CA) of the all new “Pacemaker/Bubble Up Firebird” — now assembled and edging close to debut.
The fantastic looking machine will help to remind and recapture some earlier essence from the infamous Jenner-Bonin-Hodgson race team which with driver Gordie Bonin was so successful during the 1970-80’s era.
“Last year I was going to pack it in – being the last one standing from the original Jenner-Bonin-Hodgson race team,” admitted team patriarch Ron Hodgson. “But then I was convinced otherwise. We decided to bring back this team theme – in an all new car and all new design.”
The 2022 Pacemaker/Bubble Up (1968 model Firebird) will frequent events within the NHRA’s Hot Rod Heritage Series, with skilled driver Ryan Hodgson at the controls and with legendary Bob Papirnik calling the tuning decisions.

The new Hodgson/Papirnick Firebird oozes with creativity – including this cutting edge rear wing design & assembly.
In addition they will be a centre of attention during the highly anticipated return of the Rocky Mountain Nationals – at home track RAD Torque Raceway – scheduled as part of the NHRA National Open event coming July 8-10th.
Sponsorship from Ace Racing, Silver Tiger Metals and Napa Auto Parts will be featured to the race team.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos Courtesy of Hodgson/Papirnik Racing