Twenty-three of Canada’s best drag racing proponents were inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame last weekend….
Accolades were handed out during the Second Annual Gala held at Hôtel Universel in Montreal, on Saturday, October 15, 2016. Among the inductees recognized this year was world champion Gianni Cantusci.
“I am honoured to be inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame among all these legends,” says Gianni Cantusci who was accompanied by his family and father Frank Cantusci, inducted last year.
“It’s a privilege to witness the class of 2015 welcome this year’s inductees,” says John Scotti, Founder of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “Seeing the positive reactions from members of the drag racing community at each annual induction, is truly a rewarding experience to be a part of.”
The newly inducted legends included racers, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, mechanics, track officials and track photographers, announcers, promoters and sponsors from St. Albert, Alberta to Windsor, Nova Scotia, who have made a lasting impact and significant difference in the development of the sport of drag racing in Canada and elsewhere.
Accompanied by family and friends, the 23 drag racing legends were honoured with a custom tailored ‘Blue Blazer’ bearing the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame logo and a custom designed Hall of Fame ring.
“With each new induction, the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Museum is expanding with new artefacts and memorabilia thanks to each inductee and the drag racing community,” says Bob Aubertin, Director of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame. “Not only are we recognizing some of our nation’s drag racing “Greats,” it also shows today’s generation just how far the sport has really grown.”
To be nominated into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, candidates must have actively been engaged at the top level of their categories for more than 25 years and have made a tremendous contribution to the sport. They must have established a national record as an individual or a member of a team (NHRA/IHRA national record or National Event Win). Other inductees may come from other drag racing areas such as (photographer, track operator, etc.) They must also reside or be an expatriate of Canada.
About the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame:
The Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that is based in Montreal, Quebec at 7905 Boulevard Provencher, Saint-Leonard (Quebec). Founded in 2014, by John Scotti, President of John Scotti Automotive Group, it is the only organization that recognizes drag racing professionals in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro-Stock and Sportsman categories.
List of 2016 Inductees:
1. Ken Achs, Saskatoon, SK
12. Ron Hodgson, St. Albert, AB
2. Jeff Arend, Thornhill, ON
13. Richard Jones, Ottawa, ON
3. Bob Beazer, Odessa, ON
14. Bill Kydd, London, ON
4. Vic Beleny, Welland, ON
15. Wayne Lang, London, ON
5. Gianni Cantusci, Ottawa, ON
16. Abe Loewen, Regina, SK
6. Guy Desjardins, Montreal, QC
17. Brian Mulligan, Cornwall, ON
7. Bob Elliott, London, ON
18. Norm Noddle, Wasaga Beach, ON
8. Rob Evans, London, ON
19. Harold Parfett, Edmonton, AB
9. Geoff Goodwin, Prince Albert, SK
20. Venice Perno, Stoney Creek, ON
10. Charlie Haviland, London, ON
21. Rob Potter, Dundas, ON
11. Vince Hazel, Windsor, ON
22. Bert Straus, Kitchener, ON
23. John Waldie, Embro, ON.
Posted by: Virginie Karagirwa
