Eastern Canada’s drag racing scene will kick into a higher season gear this coming Fathers Day Weekend….
Grand Bend Motorplex will host the first major feature race of 2018 for the area — the “Napa Ultimate Showdown 1″ (presented by Ideal Supply) race June 15-17th.
This race, which originated and then gained a great reputation as the “Stratford Spectacular” during previous seasons, will in fact be combined with the Napa Ultimate Showdowns Series event this year. The circuit, as fans will recall, did host multiple events over the past couple seasons divided up between Grand Bend Motorplex and also TMP’s Cayuga Dragway. But instead of that, for 2018, it, in conjunction with the Stratford Spectacular will put it’s emphasis on this single race.
In previous seasons — the USDS had been part also for both Cayuga’s Canadian Nitro Nationals and Grand Bend’s Mopar Canadian Nationals. Those events, although now not official Napa USDS designated circuit races (for 2018), will continue to be supported by series racers.
For area racers and fans the upcoming event does offer serious potential with a pretty impressive product and payout. Fans can look forward to some solid entertainment including Jet Cars, a TAFC match race, a AA/FA match race, and also those erratic Outlaw 10.5 cars in a qualified eliminator.
The backbone strength of the Napa USDS will also be carried forward with qualified fields and full eliminators offered up for Pro Mod, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster cars. Racers there will be in competition for some lucrative potential payouts.
(Pro Modified will be $7,000 to Win; $2,500 to Runner-Up; $1,600 for the semis; and $1000 to the quarters (with non-qualifiers getting $300. Top Sportsman & Top Dragster , the fastest bracket racing classes in Canada, will see $5,000 to Win; $1,500 to Runner-Up; $750 for the semis; and $250 for a quarter final finish).

Pro Modified class cars will get some top billing at Grand Bend Motorplex’s Ultimate Showdown 1 event – next weekend.
The event will also showcase Grand Bend’s very own and highly reputed Thunders Series program for ET Bracket cars which will also feature an significantly expanded event purse this weekend – due in thanks to the enhanced involvement of various local Stratford businesses.
“The Ultimate Showdown 1 organizing committee, with support from the Stratford & Area business community are increasing the event purse to over $60,000 for 2018,” confirmed GBM’s track owner Paul Spriet.
In addition this race will also feature a Harley Davidson bike class category which has been added to Sunday’s program.
“It was important for us to add a motorcycle element to the Ultimate Showdown event. For many years this weekend has been “Fathers Day Harleys by the Beach,” Paul continued. “We wanted that aspect to continue and for those racers who supported us in the past to be welcomed at this event.”Saturday only.
And just like in previous years, spectators will benefit from carload pricing ($40/car, Saturday, Sunday or both), thanks to the Stratford & Area Businesses. New for 2018, entry for any motorcycle (with or without a passenger), will be only $15 (Saturday, Sunday, or both). Motorcyclists are also encouraged to plan their trip to the track by visiting CruisetheCoast.ca, a local initiative by Tourism Sarnia-Bambton.
The weekend will also include a car show and potential participants should note that for the first 50 cars – entry for driver and car is free – with passengers $10 each.
As an added bonus, all racers buying tech cars for the weekend will be able to Test & Tune for FREE on the Friday night. For more information on this event, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com, and to plan your journey to the track, visit www.cruisethecoast.ca.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
DragRaceCanada File Photos by Bruce Biegler & Brennan Shortall