A new Canadian Pro Modified class circuit entity emerges for 2026!….
There is zero argument that Pro Modified class genre racing is the choice of a great many Canadian drag racing fans out there. In recent years within Canada itself however — having that retained within an actual circuit has been a stretch. But renewed hope for that very concept was revealed officially during last weekend’s Motorama Car Show in the GTA.
Ian Hill, who is and has been a driving force behind Canada’s fast-door car drag racing spectrum and who has very successfully evolved the Canada Heads Up Shootout Series to an impressive level — is behind what was probably an overdue and next logical step for Canadian Drag racing.
This coming summer Hill will also steer the new IHRP (Ian Hill Racing Productions) Pro Mod Shootout Series – an initial 5-event program that will be featured most prominently at Cayuga Dragway, but also will include Grand Bend Motorplex.
With some strategic financial backing, and decent prize money now being assured, the series does offer some enhanced class promise for Canadian Pro Mod class racer development.
Ian Hill
“A few years ago I was approached to consider adding Pro Mod to my efforts,” Hill revealed. “After inviting a few of those racers to come testing at my CHU events, word got out about our efforts and that grew into great discussions — particularly with racer/tuner Ralph Andreacchi and TMP owner Uli Bieri. We had put down some great ideas — so this year — it just seemed like the right time to pull the trigger!”
“We were heading into our 7th year of Canada Heads Up – Shootout Series (CHU) — and this Pro Mod series with be a mash up of sorts within that. Yes — it is an independent series — included within the processes and procedures I have — in a CHU type deal.”
“We have invited the Pro Mod class to run at the CHU race 1 and race 6 — and they (IHRP Pro Mod) will also be part of three other events – including the Nitro Nationals (July 4-5 – at Cayuga) and the Canadian Nationals (Aug 1-2 at Grand Bend Motorplex),” Ian confirmed.
The IHRP Pro Mod Shootout Series will utilize the existing CHU rules book, points sheets and be included at the season ending points banquet. The IHRP Pro Mod Series will run much like the local Pro Mod scene has been running at the special events for many years. It will run 1/8 Mile and utilize a .400 Pro Tree. Racers will qualify for an 8-car field, but payouts will now be including the #9-12 non qualifiers.
“We will run within the “local” Outlaw Pro Mod rules,” Ian added. “If it looks, sounds and acts like a Pro Mod — it must be a Pro Mod!”
Given the history and somewhat illusive and transitory nature for success for Pro Mod Series circuity within Canada (ie: CDRS — PMRA – USDS – WCPM – all who have ceased or diminished operations), Hill added his thoughts on that.
The new IHRP Pro Mod Shootout Series will provide additional space for independent Canadian team development.
“I believe the biggest difference with me is that I am Drag Racer,” he emphasised. “I have raced everything from the cheapest of bracket cars to class racing super stocks to running a heads up X275 quick enough to be number 1 qualifier at the largest radial event in the world.”
“On the flip side I am businessman. I am owner of two thriving industrial businesses in Niagara and I believe that putting these two very important pieces of the puzzle together is what makes me a strong promoter. I understand what the series needs to survive, I have an understanding what the tracks need to survive and I’m able to work with the racers and sponsors in a way to have everyone’s best interest in mind when making decisions.”
While the IHRP most certainly offers a welcome new foundation and refreshing starting point – fans cannot help but ponder about the future, with some other tracks worthy of inclusion. A prime example would be Quebec’s Napierville Dragway which has worked independently hard too to try to promote the PM category.
“Going forward, we have an extremely good relationship with the ownership of Napierville,” Ian clarified. “We had conversations about including them in the series — but we just couldn’t secure a schedule with them that fit for 2026. Most definitely, that does not mean we have ended conversations with them. Our series and our racers look forward to supporting their annual special event, and the series hopes we can include them in the future.”
“Right now the owners of TMP and GBM are integral to making this series get off the ground. “Their history supporting the local Pro Mod scene at special events spans years — but a harsh reality was that attendance (racer) was spotty. We hope bringing forth this series will help to encourage all local Pro Mod team owners, with results being we have a strong showing at all 5 of these initial events.”
(Editor’s Opinion: Ahhh — In a perfect world and in a perfect fit for Canada — an expansion of a series of this nature to a cross-Canada inclusive level – would be an amazing long term strategy!! Right now we can only hope — but kudos to IHRP for maybe re-setting that hook?)
Both Cayuga Dragway and Grand Bend Motorplex tracks have had extensive history in supporting Canadian Pro Mod class drag racing.
(Editor’s Note: DragRaceCanada will post results from all 5 IHRP Pro Mod Shootout Series races this season to our Nash Competition Engines presented “Pro Mod Portal” subsection”.)
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos by Bruce Biegler – Steve Lowry – Blake Farnan
