PHOTO REPORT: Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame welcomes new members

TORONTO, ON – On Saturday night, in front of a capacity crowd in the Glenn Gould Studios in downtown Toronto, seven motorsports personalities were recognized and rewarded for their efforts and contributions to the sport during the 19th Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Norris McDonald had the privelidge of hosting the CMHoF Gala on Saturday, September 28.

The Hall of Fame Selection Committee drew from a cross-section of Canadian motorsports, with the variety of recognized disciplines ranging from dirt and drag racing, to stock cars, sports cars and open wheel competition.

Every auto racing enthusiast in Canada should know the name Ron Fellows, and now he has his rightful place in the CMHoF.

Mario Andretti is one of the most famous racers in the sport’s history. He was inducted into the CMHF’s International category.

Co-hosted by the Toronto Star’s Wheels Editor Norris McDonald and CMHoF Chairman Dr. Hugh Scully, the evening’s gala identified Tom Walters (competitor: stock cars), Jimmy Carr (competitor / management: dirt track), Bob Armstrong (competitor / builder / significant contributor), John and Sharon Fletcher (builder) and Ron Fellows (competitor) for their contributions.

Long-time Stock Car racer Tom Walters (left) was inducted into to the CMHoF.

Cindy Armstrong accepts the late Bob Armstrong’s plaque, on his behalf.

Completing the list of award recipients, as an International Inductee, was legendary competitor and motorsport ambassador, Mario Andretti. The newest Hall of Fame members spoke briefly of the relationship with Canadian motorsport, most sharing anecdotes from their racing experiences.

Dirt track legend Jimmy Carr joins the other inductees in 2013.

There were many former Hall of Fame Inductees in the audience at this year’s Gala, with drivers such as Scott Goodyear, Eppie Wietzes, Bill Brack and Horst Kroll joining Joanne Villeneuve, wife of the late Gilles and mother of F-1 world champion Jacques, at the celebration.

John and Sharon Fletcher were honoured this year in the Builder Category.

Following the official ceremony, a casual ‘Meet and Greet’ took place in the Studio Lobby, allowing the patrons an opportunity to obtain a photo and autograph from the gathered motorsport legends.