Approximately 10,000 spectators descended upon Grand Bend Motorplex on the August long weekend to enjoy three days of excellent weather and ideal drag racing track conditions as part of the facility’s legendary and long-running WDRA Canadian Nationals event. Special thanks go to Paul Spriet, Korey Herman and crew, along with racer input from Todd, Mark, Tony, Ralph, Jay, Angelo, Dan, Travis, Big Sal, and Al.
Top Fuel — The Paton and Leverich families put on an incredible show (Barry would have been so proud!), hitting speeds over 297 mph. Could we see 300 mph (500 km/h) and three-second passes next year?
A/Fuel Shootout — Jeff Veale and Jeff Chatterson delivered low five-second runs at over 260 mph (more than 450 km/h) in the quarter mile.
Pro Mod — Claude St. Maurice scored a $7,500 win over Austin Vandergeld in an eight-car shootout, with runs in the 3.7–3.8 second range. Jay Santos reset the track record no fewer than four times, ultimately stopping the clocks at 3.622 seconds and 209.91 mph (349 km/h) in the eighth mile.
Drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney signed autographs, while fans also enjoyed nostalgia gassers (two classes), nostalgia and alcohol funny cars, nostalgia dragsters, and four jet vehicles—including the “Hellfire” truck.
Other Notable Winners — Rob Gray topped Paul Couil (driving the former Kenny Lang IHRA World Championship ’53 Corvette) in Top Sportsman.
In Top Dragster, Jessie Searson ran a 4.78 dial. Jeff Talbot took home $2,500 in No Box, while Jessie Searson added another $2,500 with a Box win.
For complete results, consult the Grand Bend Motorplex Facebook page and results postings. Special thanks to Paul Spriet and Larry Satchell.
Overall, it was a great fan experience. Combined with the recent Toronto Motorsports Park Nitro Pro Mod and exhibition presentation, the NHRA’s expansion in Canada, and Canadian Daryl Cuttell’s new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association, our drag racing sport appears poised to enter an exciting new era in this country.
