The highly anticipated first ever event for IHRP will include a next heritage step for an acclaimed Canadian team…
This coming weekend’s lineup for the first Canada Heads Up Series race of 2026, and including the debut of Ian Hill’s IHRP Pro Mod Shootout Series, will include the return and next phase for the Wildgust Family Racing team (from Stratford ON).
That event (at Toronto Motorsports Park) will see a debut for a new Canadian Pro Mod car effort and including the first ever class appearance for evolving young lady racer – Sienna Wildgust.
The new team car is a 1968 Pontiac Firebird built by skilled fabricator Ryan Hindrichsen and his staff from RH Racecars (Kelowna BC) which is scheduled to begin testing imminently this week.
That “all Canadian” race car will also feature an “all Canadian” motor program oversite, confirmed Scott Wildgust.
“This car was purchased from Gordie Abougoush last winter and then came to the Wildgust Family Racing shop in Stratford — where our team went to work preparing the car for the 2026 season,” Scott revealed.
The Firebird will feature a twin turbo 521 BAE Hemi which will be serviced by Nash Competition Engines for the 2026 season. Outlaw 10.5 class standout (and NCE owner) Nick Agostino will be working closely with the team as they make the transition from mechanical blown Pro Mod engine applications over to the world of EFI and Turbos.
“It’s going to be different,” Scott added. “In my entire racing career I have always raced mechanical fuel injection supercharged engine combinations, so there is going to be a learning curve for myself and our team. But having Nick Agostino offer to help guide us along that route — is a big plus.”
Another positive for the team is the inclusion of “WilyWes” Goddard (Ariss ON) – who will also have a lot of input with this program.
The event will also mark the return of the Wildgust name into drag racing. That follows a business-related simpatico coming after his deep involvement with Mike Clark’s Smokies Garage racing team and also some limited NHRA Pro Stock class driving appearances for Sienna (2024).
Scott Wildgust
“We as a family are really looking forward to coming back home to be with our fans, friends, and family after 5 years of racing mostly across the United States,” he emphasised. “Our family business at home continues to grow and having this new great local 5 race series with Ian Hill Productions is a rather perfect scenario for us.”
The Wildgust Family Racing team will take a calculated approach to 2026 with no big agenda set in stone.
“We simply want to learn about this kind of race car and get Sienna familiar by making as many laps as we can,” Scott added.
For Sienna, who did make history by becoming the first ever Canadian female racer to licence and compete in NHRA Pro Stock, she is excited about the newest challenge and opportunity.
“Racing Pro Mod has been a lifelong goal of mine – it’s truly is a dream come true,” she said. “After envisioning it for years, to now actually finally have the chance to strap into one of these cars and compete is something I’m incredibly thankful for. I’m excited to get back behind the wheel, continue learning, and make the most of every pass down the track. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store!”
Sienna Wildgust
“But one of the most special parts of this experience is getting to do it all alongside my Dad,” she winked. “Having him as my Crew Chief makes this journey even more meaningful. We’ve spent countless hours together at the track over the years, and now getting to compete in Pro Mod as a team — is something I’ll never take for granted.”
DragRaceCanada will post results and highlights from the first ever IHRP race and CHU event #1 for 2026 – coming next week.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelis & Courtesy of Wildgust Family Racing
