Canadian Nitro Nationals event mainstay —  Canadian Top Fuel pilot Todd Paton — was part of the Nitro program.  Todd laid down the most exceptional pass seen at TMP in twenty years. Paton legged it through the (1/4 mile timers) at 4.605 at 319.65 mph – just shy of track records set during IHRA’s nationals events held in 2006-07.

“Hollywood” Rick Kopp (from nearby Burlington ON) thrilled the capacity crowd with burner pops and plenty of smoke and thunder — as the “Bone Shaker” blasted down the strip the night sky was filled with a huge fireworks display to cap off the 16th Nitro Nationals presented by Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants.

The event’s IHRP Pro Mod program was impressive and included the first ever Eastern Canadian appearance of non other then 2024 NHRA World Champion Jordan Lazic!  Jordan (from Rutland BC) qualified #1 (3.700 secs) driving Jay Santos’ 2nd car — but unfortunately class eliminations scheduled for Sunday were cut short / rained out.   (*More details will be posted to DRC’s Pro Mod Portal).

The “True North Gassers” were in the house at TMP with series founder John Reid along with his son Aaron running their classic AA/GS 33 Willys against similar period correct race cars. They managed a best of 4.82 @145 1/8th. The gassers are a crowd favorite at TMP and include many of the entrants from USA.

After a long absence — veteran Nitro Funny Car racer Terry Haddock returned to TMP wheeling his Mustang versus the 3 Top Fuel cars present (including Smax Smith’s Ant Hill Mob car – photo below & also Mike Bucher – in Bob Leverich car).  Unfortunately Haddock did have tire spin issues resulting in aborted full pull runs.

Hometrack favourite Tony Pontieri (Bolton ON) made some test/exhibition runs with his IHRA circuit Mountain Motor Pro Stock Camaro.  Tony’s four passes were impressive — all within 5/100s : 4.13, 4.12, 4.15, 4.18 secs.

Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductee Paul Noakes had the “Wheeler Dealer” Chevy Nova Nostalgia Funny Car making laps at the Nitro Nats. Paul and his crew chief (father Brian) clocked in a best of  6.57 secs at 208.77 mph which thrilled the fans.

In the only incident of the event — Dan Germano from Western NY state, got into some water at the hit and turned right in a blink.  Dan was ok and the car suffered minor damage — but the team was finished for the weekend. Dan was competing in Outlaw Fast 16 race with his T/S Camaro.

A couple of impressive wheel stands were delivered at the event – one intentional and one not so much! Rick Ream returned with his unique Studebaker exhibition machine — while Aaron Grant went skyward with his cool front-motor dragster.

One of the few eliminators that was able to run to completion came for Can-Am Stock/Super Stock competitors.  22 cars took the tree for that –which was  a new feature included for the Nitro Nats event.  When the dust settled veteran racer Chuck Nagy driving his Chevy Cavalier claimed victory.