RACE NEWS 2023

RENNIE'S "TWIN TENS
STARTS JULY 27-28/04
$10000. SAT & SUN
BRACKET BONANZA 43
AUG. 1-2-3-4
QUAD $10,000.
 BIG DOG  SHOOT OUT


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COVER: THE FACES OF LUSKVILLE DRAGWAY, JUST A FEW OF THEM
BITS FROM THE PITS  SEPT 25/23

*NHRA officials and Heartland Motorsports Park, jointly announced that the final event at the facility will take place on Aug. 11-13 with the Menards NHRA Nationals presented by Pet Armor. According to a social media post made by the owners of the track, the primary reason the track is closing is ever-increasing property taxes accessed by Shawnee County, where the track is located. Heartland Motorsports Park, which was originally known as Heartland Park, was opened in 1989. The 700-acre facility has an NHRA-certified quarter-mile drag strip, a 2.5-mile road course with multiple configurations, a 2.1-mile motocross track, a dirt oval track, and 23 acres of paved paddock that can accommodate autocross and drifting events. This is just another terrible sign for our sport as yet another "BIG" drag strip goes by the way side. I know it always sounds like a marketing strategy from my side, but support you local drag strip so we can keep the doors open.


  *Yes the banquet is two months away but don't leave it to the last minute, tickets will be send by email all tickets must be purchased prior to event, NO PAYMENT AT DOOR. If you are wanting to book a room do so by using the booking code ADM to get in on the block of rooms that has been set aside for us. Tickets purchase after Nov. 1st will be $10.00 more expensive so get it done fast. Phone number for the motel is: 1-833-425-5112


*We have been in contact with Scotty Richardson for a Drag Racing School as part of next years Drag Week, and it looks like it might happen, in fact Scotty has indicated he will stay for the week and race the Bracket Bonanza Weekend. As everyone knows Richardson is one of the winingest bracket racers of all time, and just won the Summer Fling at Columbus with his older brothers Camaro. It doesn't seem to matter what he drives he wins and brings a TON of experience and knowledge to any seminar he puts on. We will have more to say about which day, what it will cost later this fall.

*Many of the Luskville Dragway regulars went to Napierville and Bonfield this past weekend and like Luskville Dragway racers do, they did very well. Brock Goodmaire who will be the first to tell you Luskville is his home track won Super Pro and Bonfield, Larry Lepine won Semi Pro and Parker Sequin won Jr. Down in Napierville Dave Rennie won a $5000. dollar race beating Fred Anger in the finals of super pro. WELL DONE GUYS
THE FACES OF LUSKVILLE DRAGWAY: SEPT 25/23
We have often talked about the people that make up what I believe is the most family friendly drag strip, the faces of Luskville Dragway are truly a diverse group, but all make up the atmosphere that comes from the small NHRA race track. The index picture is just a sampling of some of those, and is in no way all of them as the front page is just not BIG enough to hold them all. Yes from the many advertisers that race there, to the people who run the Jr. Dragster program, to those that supported all the upgrades, to those that support the clean ups, to those that do what ever they can to make each and every weekend something special, they truly are a incredible group of people. One of the things that I will take to my grave is this amazing support of our race track. No not everyone is always happy and that's to be expected, not everyone is going to agree with every decision that we make, but when there is a disagreement its discussed and put behind us as we all want what is best for drag racing and what is best for Luskville Dragway, and the support that is given to the track is unmatched. Our Jr. Dragster program is one of the best in Canada if not North America when it comes to our kids that race Jrs. and more is planned for next year, when there will be a number of movie fun nights, $5000. to win at the Bracket Bonanza, and much more. If anyone was part of the Lewis Gagne weekend they saw another example of how the racers do everything they can to make our track different, Lewis filled the tractor bucket full of beer & Ice and then drove through the pits offering it to all. How about the lending of a dragster chassis by Francois Roberge to Randy Bellefeuille to finish the season when theirs was damaged in a trans explosion. I could go on and on and would need another page to list them all, but it is what makes Luskville Dragway different than any other race track in the country. If your part of this large racing family you will understand and know excatly what I'm talking about, if your not then maybe you should be.
BITS FROM THE PITS  SEPT 18/23
*The Season is not over but it is fast coming to a close, only two more Saturday cruise nights at Luskville Dragway, Super Tour Finals at Napierville, then most of us will be done for the summer. But even though the season is over, the work is not as winterizing Luskville Dragway is no easy task and will take a couple of weeks. We are also planning on some more improvements as we expand the parking down the track, and put in a number of runways that will be available to those that want one. these will be very long run ways and perfect for someone with a big unit, we can also design it to your liking if you so choose.


*We are extremely please to announce the signing of a brand new advertiser for 2024 and beyond. Pikes Small Engines has come on board and its good news for all. Tyler Pike is a former Jr. Dragster racer from 20 years ago, but has not forgot Luskville Dragway. Tyler now owns and operates his small engine shop in Vars, Ontario. But here is the good news, once a month (all our big races) Tyler will be setting up shop right at Luskville Dragway to service any and all Small engine machines you have. So say you have been avoiding the oil change on your golf cart, or the plugs in your scooter, or your generator needs fixing, ANYTHING like that he will do right at the track. Welcome aboard Tyler.
WE ARE FAMILY AT LUSKVILLE DRAGWAY IS A HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT FOR SURE: SEPT 18/23
 As Diane and I tore out the old flooring in the tower this past week, and continued our promise to keep making Luskville Dragway better for everyone, it was easy to reflect on what has gone on since 2020 as far as improvements go. And make no bones about it, MANY RACERS, AND ADVERTISERS played a major part in a lot of it, and for that we and the racing family at Luskville Dragway will be forever grateful. From the rebuilding of the entire race track, to the installing the concrete safety walls last fall, Our Racing Family played a BIG PART in making that happen, and I think it’s safe to say something like this just does not happen at other race tracks. Yes, when racers and companies from as far away as Sudbury, Quebec City, Montreal, Southern Ontario and obviously the Ottawa/Gatineau Are do what they have done I think it’s remarkable. So installing the new tower floor seems like such a little job compared to what has gone on the last 3 years, it’s still making what we have better, and its not the only thing that will happen this fall. As I have said many times, we run Luskville Dragway for you the Bracket Racer, and you the street car enthusiasts, and that will be the way it always is. I hope that we have made it loud and clear how much we appreciate the support we have be given, from everyone we will work hard to make you feel like you made the right decision.
Many race tracks will talk about the family atmosphere that surrounds their place every race day, but I don't think anyone can match what goes on at Luskville Dragway each and every weekend. On any given weekend you can see pot lucks going on, or racers stepping in to help other racers, the Jr. Dragster program that is better at Luskville Dragway than any other track, and will be better next year. The racers appreciation breakfast is just another sure fire sign of how we are one big family at Luskville Dragway. But I think this past appreciation breakfast and wall of fame induction proved how close we all are at Luskville Dragway. Brian Ackers was one of the family and we lost him this past off season  to cancer, but one of Brian last wishes was that his celebration of life be at Luskville Dragway and that is where he wanted his ashes to be for the remainder of time, and that was accommodated for Brian. Brian will be someone we will never forget and we will keep is loved "Quick Draw" Jr. Dragster award alive forever.
BITS FROM THE PITS  SEPT 11/23
*The $5000. To win Jr Dragster Saturday at the 2024 Bracket Bonanza has not taken long to take off and we are only 1500.00 away from having the day sponsored. This means the kids will not have to pay a large entree fee for this event, and if past years are any indication the buy backs will be covered as well. We will also be designing a special T-shirt for the Jrs. that will be totally different than the Bracket Bonanza T, as these will be 2024 "Little Car Nationals" T-shirts. I continue to be overwhelmed by the support that Luskville Dragway receives each and every year.

*The silly season is already underway and it starts off with the Jr. Dragster class where Cole Krottner will be in a new car for 2024 as his has been sold to Logan Gagne. Whether its the thoughts of winning $5000. at next years Bonanza or not, but this is a early start of the off season, new cars. Logan's Dad says they are going to keep all four Jrs. and keep one as a back up car as the boys move up the ladder to faster cars. Cole's new car is not quite ready to be announced but he will be in a Half Scale car much like his nephew and team mate Julia Malcolm. Crew Chief on those cars, Derek, said he would prefer two cars very much a like to be able to compare them to each run they make.

 *Please note the change in Drivers Meeting for 2024, it has been moved to April 6th in order to have a band Saturday Night after meeting and practice tree party.

*Luskville Dragway and Super Tour Supporters Ted Barnes and Andrew Strick where off too Columbus, Ohio right after the last Super tour race at Luskville Dragway. Well they are winners at Luskville Dragway and they were winners at The Summer Fling. No it wasn't the $100,000. that Scotty Richardson won but it was a win. Ted was the lucky recipient of the best reaction time and took home a weather station for doing so, go get em guys as the week long race continues, Friday saw a major rain storm come through and put a hold on everything.

*Alexandra Victoria-Lyne Barker, remember that name one day you will see it on the side of a drag car LOL,, Congratulations to Rachel and Brandon Barker on the birth of their baby girl. Alexandra went over the scales at 6 lbs. 6.oz with a wheelbase of 21 inches. Think its safe to say this young lady just might become a drag racer as both her parents are, as well as Grandma Vicki, and Grandpa Mike Ogilvie, as well as Aunt Ashley and Uncle Daniel. Mike still has Ashley's Jr. Dragster hanging on the wall in his race shop in Jasper, Ontario. We all wish the Barker Family the best as life changes very much in a positive way.

 
LOUIS GAGNE TRUCKING WEEKEND  :
The actual racing season comes to and end early this year at Luskville Dragway as we accommodate the Super Tour Dates in October, so for the first year in six we wont have our annual Spooktacular race. Many people disappointed in that none more than the kids who thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and trick or treating at the track. So the Gagne Trucking weekend becomes our final points race of the season, and there is only 3 cruise nights after that and we are done, at Luskville Dragway. You may see the October race back in 2024 only time will tell. So with many expecting a slow turn out Friday many where surprised when a number of motorhome teams showed up early to get the weekend off on the right foot. What time of year is it, well Dave and Pam Rennie who are very much a part of every Friday Night, both were off to play hockey, yes hockey.
So as the Sun came up on Saturday it was apparent we where going to have some good racing, with 30 Super Pro Cars on the property, and yes I know that is a lot less than the week before but 80 is not going to happen every weekend no matter what track you are. But even though the numbers were less than what they were the before the racing was as exciting as then. Jr Dragsters who where running for some extra money thanks to Ralph Hewitt, John Chambers and the Weavers boiled down to Audree Alarie and Kate Adams with Alarie taking the win. The Nostalgia Class was taken by Bruce Evans and his 1968 Chevelle. Semi Pro would Larry Lepine Jr do double duty as he would run Super Pro and Semi Pro and do very well in both, but would win Semi Pro over Gab Jensen in the finals. The Super Pro Finals had a previous winner in Max Gauthier and a driver who was praying for a win this year. Russ Adams would come to the line in the finals against Max and Russ would do his job on the tree, holding plenty and taking the win light and the $2500. first place prize money. So now it was time for everyone to enjoy the Louis Gagne Tractor Bucket of Beer and enjoy they did.
Sunday was another great weather day and even though Derek and Troy where a little late getting up, track was scraped like it always is. But then it was time to celebrate the life of Brian Ackers who we lost this past spring WAY to early in his life. Brian was one of those guys you could not help but like, in fact you could not help but love his big smile, his witty humor and his all round great guy attitude. Breakfast, Wall of Fame induction spreading of ashes at Luskville Dragway like he had requested, and Joel Morgan doing a burnout with some ashes on the car as a fitting tribute. Brian you may be gone but as long as i run Luskville Dragway you will not be forgotten. When racing got underway we told everyone we would where shooting for 3 pm to be completely done, and we may have been 2 minutes late taking pictures in the winners circle. Jr. Dragster went to Kate Adams, Semi Pro was Gabe Jensen, and Super Pro would see Russ Adams double up on his Saturday win. Kyle Jessup went into the semi finals with a dragster and a door car still in and had the chance of being only the third racer in our history to run himself in the final, but that did not happen when he went .003 red with the roadster.
BITS FROM THE PITS  SEPT 4/23
*With the Super Tour Race weekend now behind us, we start looking forward to the Lewis Gagne Trucking Weekend, Racers Appreciation Breakfast and Wall of Fame Induction. This year we will be putting Brian Ackers Picture on the Wall during the post breakfast ceremony, and their could be something extra special as well. Brian will join many people who have played a big part in Luskville Dragway and many who have passed on,WAY to soon. The Wall was started when Diamond Jim Crownhart died, and he has been joined by some very well know drag racers from Luskville.

*You may have noticed that we have started to install a large bill board at the entrance to Luskville Dragway that comes in off of Tremblay Road. We have the holes dug and the main poles in and want very much for it to be part of your welcoming next season. This is something that will look very much like the winners circle sign and will be about that size. We are offering racers and companies to be part of this for a price, would you like to have your car on the "Welcome Race Fans" sign for a five year period contact me or Derek.

*Big news coming out of this weekends race was the announcement that next years Bracket Bonanza will see the richest Jr. Dragster Purse in Canadian History happen. The "Little Car Nationals" on the Saturday of the Bracket Bonanza will feature a $5000. To win first place prize money. We where overwhelmed by the support that came in on the very day we announced what we where trying to day, and Now it is DONE. So on Saturday August 3/2024 the Jr Dragsters will run for what is usually a Super Pro first place prize. And let it be made very clear this is not going to see a Big Increase in entree fee to cover it, this is being done by a number of advertisers and drag racers support..
SUPER TOUR RESULTS, FAST, HOT AND ACTION PACKED TO SAY THE LEAST: AUG 4/23
The Fall Bracket Nationals has never been as big as the Bracket Bonanza, never has and probably never will be as the Bonanza is the Bonanza. But this years event gave the big one a run for its money for sure. With a forecast the most promoters would prey for the turn out was short of Bonanza numbers but not by a lot. The Bracket this year had 100 super pro and the Fall race had 80 nothing to laugh at, and in all likely hood a number that most tracks would die for. Friday would see the completion of a race that never got finished back in October of 2022, but that was all put to rest this weekend with Russ Fraser taking home $1500. as he met and defeated Steve Ballantyne. Super Pro was a LARGE field of cars which broke down perfectly to a door car and a dragster in the finals. Pam Rennie who along with her husband Dave have been tearing up the drag strip this season would once again head the finals against Roch Beaudion and his beautiful Camaro. Pam would be slightly better on the tree and that's all she needed to turn on anther win light this season. Following the race another tradition took place as the women's only golf cart race was up, and here too it was not as big as the Bracket Bonanza one, but it was big and it was FUN, just ask the ladies.
So then it was on to Saturday and yet another nice day for drag racing, and drag racing we did and in my opinion one of the most fun days EVER. Jr, Dragsters who did not get to race on Friday made up for it on Saturday with some great runs, and Parker Sequin taking the finals over Emi Roberge. Semi Pro would once again se Stephen Ballantyne make his way to the Finals but to also have to settle to the bridesmaid spot as Chantal Grenier did her job and took the win light. Chantal much like Pam Rennie have shown that they are a force to reckon with in Drag Racing, Girl Power is alive and well. Super Pro was a 80 car field, and yes not as big as the Bonanza but we where missing some cars that we really thought would be here, and we could have come closer to the 100 mark for the second time this season. Young Max Gauthier was the talk of the track when all was said and done as he beat Frank Anger off he starting line and to the finish line for a $5000 dollar day. Then it was time for Super Mario Movie for the kids old school out side, with candy and popcorn, then it was Anger fun with the Bacon Bar B Que and party. SUNDAY< SUNDAY, SUNDAY.
So with another perfect day in the forecast for Sunday the hopes where that the day would go as smoothly as Saturday did, and in fact it actually went even smoother. Time trials started right on time at 8 am, after Derek and Troy had done a number on the track to make sure it was once again as good as it gets.
The Jr. Dragster Class would see Maverick Anger with a bounty on his head for the second day, and would go all the way to the finals where Leah Monagham would take the win and the $100. US compliments of Jake Hodge. The Jr's got to run for a great deal of bonus's thanks to a number of advertisers and racers, In Semi Pro Mario Labelle would meet and defeat Wes Clarmo in the finals in what would be two very similar looking Camaro's other than color. Super Pro was a great story as Brock Godmaire finally finished the deal when he beat Louis Gagne in the Super Pro Final to put the flying frog in the winners circle for the fist time ever.
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