Grand Bend Motorplex enters “full prep mode” for biggest annual attraction!…
The dates July 31-Aug 2 will once again see Southern Ontario and area drag racing fans flock to the confines of Grand Bend Motorplex when that facility hosts one of Canada’s most famous and longest running independent drag racing events.
For 2026, the storied Canadian Nationals will include a new title right sponsor with Gulf Race Fuels now assuming that role.
The August long weekend event promises again to deliver both a great dose of excitement and competition — with racer talents of various levels showcased.
“This is the largest Canadian Nationals version we have put on in a number of years,” said GBM Owner & President Paul Spriet. “Thanks to Gulf Race Fuels coming onboard as the title sponsor — our emphasis is very much to showcase again the great Canadian talent we have in this country.”
Some things to look for that coming weekend would include:
Top Fuel Match Up — Two Paton Racing dragsters will be featured with Todd Paton and Cameron Ferre driving! Todd Paton, who recently came very close to resetting Canada’s all time quick and fast 1/4 marks (at Cayuga’s Nitro Nationals – 4.605 secs at 319.65 mph) — will have his cars fully loaded gunning for both ends of Grand Bend Motorplex track records.
A Fuel Extra! — After experimenting with the concept a few times very successfully — GBM will once again present a 4-car injected nitro show. Chatterson Racing (from Brantford ON) will field 2-cars for the first time ever! (Details: HERE) and will take on Windsor’s Brian Peeters and Manitoba’s Clif Bakx within a “Chicago Shootout” style 1/4 mile event. Bakx’s super popular “The Bull” will feature a Canadian driver at this race with Daniel Flewelling (from Thunder Bay) making his track debut. All four cars will be targeting the current AFD track records set by Daniel Mercier — (5.298 secs & 285.71 mph).
Daniel Flewelling (from Thunder Bay) will make his GBM driving debut.
Funny Car Inclusion — The weekend will feature both nitro and alcohol powered Funny Cars – both Canadian and from the USA. That list includes the return of “All Star Dodge” and “Chi-Town Hustler” nitro burners and the Canadian alcohol powered machines fielded by Larry Dobbs (driver Ryan Stack) and Paul & Brian Noakes.
Pro Mods on Tap! — Ian Hill’s new production IHRP Pro Mod Shootout Series will present their 3rd event for 2026 – with a field close to 15 cars expected. That will be a 1/8th mile shootout for valuable series championship points and prestige.
Potentially the largest Pro Mod field of the year for within Canada is expected for the Gulf Race Fuels Canadian Nationals.
Jet Setters! — A cool variety of Jet-powered machines will partake including a return of the ridiculously awesome “Hellfire” Freightliner raced by Ontario’s Russ & Jenn Lethbridge. GBM will also bring in a USA-based 4-car jet Funny Car team and there is also a high likelihood that Canada’s newest Jet Dragster driver (Otis Symon – from St. Thomas ON) will make some runs in a car recently purchased from Hanna Motorsports.
Russ & Jenn Lethbridge
“We are working on possibly adding in the AA Gasser group, some 7-secs capable front motored dragsters and having a Pro Stock match race (between Pontieri and Paone),” Paul Spriet added. “The weekend will include TD and TS racing as individual classes along with our ET Sportsman program — Box, No Box, Junior and Bike/Sled — all with attractive purses.”
For more information on the event including advanced tickets – link: HERE
Posted by Bruce Biegler
DragRaceCanada File Photos
