Dragstrip Memories at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

On Sunday, April 13, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum hosted the final edition of Dragstrip Memories, and it truly turned out to be a wonderful farewell. With sunny skies overhead, the museum quickly filled with visitors eager to experience one of the season’s most anticipated indoor events.

This year saw one of the best turnouts yet, along with the largest collection of drag racing vehicles ever displayed at the event. Spanning the early days of the sport to modern times, the collection featured a wide range of cars, including front-engine dragsters, Pro Modifieds, classic Gassers, Stockers and Super Stockers. Each car had its own unique history, proudly showcasing the rich heritage of Canadian drag racing.

Dragstrip Memories was about more than just the cars. It also highlighted the people, the dedication and the culture behind the sport. Visitors explored an impressive collection of memorabilia, including vintage photos, magazines, videos and artwork.

Attendees enjoyed chatting with car owners and builders, who eagerly shared their stories and answered questions. The venue was filled with vendors selling drag racing-themed merchandise, while video screenings offered a glimpse into some unforgettable moments from the sport’s history.

One of the event’s standout moments was the presentation of the John Massingberd Memorial Award by the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA). This year, the award was presented to Michael Shane in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the motorsport community. With over 55 years of involvement, Michael is celebrated for his quiet generosity, innovative spirit and lasting impact on the sport.

A heartfelt thank you to Rob Potter and Tony Hayes for their years of dedication in organizing Dragstrip Memories. Their enduring commitment to drag racing has made this event truly special, and this final gathering is a reflection of their contributions to the community.

Although this was the final Dragstrip Memories at the museum, it wrapped up on a high note. The event brought together generations of racing enthusiasts and left everyone with lasting memories of an incredible day filled with history, horsepower and passion.