Inducted 2009 – Significant Contributor – International
The Foundation created a new International Category in 2010 year and former Le Mans 24-hour winner Carroll Shelby of California was the initial inductee under this new category.
“I was delighted last fall, when the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation announced expansion of the Hall of Fame to include an International category to recognize people outside of Canada who helped develop and grow Canadian motor sport. It was no surprise to me that Carroll Shelby would be the first inductee.” said Paul Cooke, Comstock Racing Team Manager from 1963 to 1968.
“In the 1960’s, Carroll Shelby was hugely instrumental in helping Chuck Rathgeb’s Comstock Racing Team of Canadian drivers such as Ludwig Heimrath, Eppie Wietzes, George Eaton and Craig Fisher become household names as well as all being inducted to the Hall of Fame.”
Chuck Rathgeb forged a long-term relationship with Ford and Carroll Shelby and the Shelby organization worked directly with Comstock to field the Cobra 289, Cobra 427, King Cobra and Shelby Mustangs.
“History shows that the Comstock Racing Team was the most successful Canadian racing team ever seen at the time. The support given to Comstock under the direction of Carroll was invaluable,” concluded Cooke.
Shelby was inducted at a special gala to celebrate his lifetime achievements at the Canadian International Auto Show in February 2010.. The induction was done amidst 40 of the most significant cars that Shelby ever raced or built for others to race. Eppie Wietzes, one of the first Canadian inductees in the Hall of Fame, presented Shelby with his induction medallion while Paul Cooke presented him with a gold lapel pin.