FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
TORONTO, ON – November 9, 2026 – The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) is pleased to announce its Class of 2026, recognizing an outstanding group of 16 competitors, builders, significant contributors and media professionals whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on Canadian motorsport.
Selected following a year-long public nomination process and evaluation by an 11-member selection committee, this year’s inductees represent the passion, excellence and innovation that have driven the sport forward across the country. Their achievements span grassroots racing, professional competition, technical development, event promotion, officiating, journalism and broadcasting, both in Canada and on the international stage.
Fourteen individuals will be inducted in the Competitor / Builder / Significant Contributor category, while two gentlemen will be welcomed to the CMHF via the Media category.
With the addition of the Class of 2026, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame will have honoured 342 individuals and organizations whose achievements and contributions have enriched Canada’s motorsport heritage.
“The Class of 2026 reflects the remarkable breadth of talent, commitment and leadership found throughout Canadian motorsport,” said Peter Lockhart, Board Chair of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. “These inductees distinguished themselves not only through their own accomplishments, but also through the positive impact they had on competitors, teams, organizations and fans. On behalf of the Hall of Fame, we congratulate this exceptional group and thank everyone who participated in the nomination process.”
The new class will be formally inducted at the annual Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Induction Gala, to be held February 20, 2027, during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.
Competitors / Builders / Significant Contributors
Jean-Paul Blais – Montreal, Quebec
Jean-Paul Blais is a visionary motorsports executive whose leadership helped elevate the Canadian Grand Prix and establish CART racing in Montreal. Through the Players Racing Development Program, he launched and supported generations of Canadian racing stars on international stages.
Marcel Demers – Sainte-Martine, Quebec
Marcel Demers has devoted more than three decades to advancing Quebec motorsport as a competitor, administrator, steward and race official. A former FSAQ president, he has played key leadership roles in karting, road racing and Formula 1 events.
Terry Di Francesco – Stouffville, Ontario
Terry Di Francesco is a championship-winning road racer, engineer, team owner and instructor whose six-decade motorsport career includes national titles, endurance victories and technical innovation. Renowned as a mentor and builder, he helped develop up-and-coming competitors, while exemplifying sportsmanship.
Michael Duncalfe – Zionsville, Indiana
Michael Duncalfe is a championship-winning racer, coach and entrepreneur who founded Exclusive Autosport, one of North America’s premier driver development teams. Through leadership, mentorship and innovation, he has guided numerous drivers, engineers and crews toward professional motorsport success.
Rolf von Engelbrechten – Ramara, Ontario
Rolf von Engelbrechten built an accomplished road racing career highlighted by the 1983 Canadian GT2 Championship and success in endurance competition. After retiring from driving, he continued shaping Canadian motorsport as a coach, instructor, and national race series director.
Burke Harrison – Sebastopol, California
Burke Harrison built an exceptional motorsports career as an engineer, chief mechanic and mentor, contributing to 83 professional race wins, seven drivers’ championships and five team titles. His technical expertise and guidance helped develop generations of successful racing drivers.
Alex Hledin – Hudson, Quebec
Alex Hledin is a world-renowned Canadian powerboat racing engineer whose innovative two-stroke engine development has powered multiple F1H2O World Championships. A racer, team owner, inventor and mentor, his technical expertise has influenced international marine motorsport for more than five decades.
Dwight Kennedy (D) – Edson, Alberta
Dwight Kennedy was a champion stock car racer, team owner and philanthropist whose investments transformed Western Canadian motorsport. Founder of the NPP Late Model Series, he supported racetracks, drivers and events while helping sustain grassroots racing for decades.
Kerry Micks – Mount Albert, Ontario
Kerry Micks enjoyed a standout almost four-decade stock car racing career, highlighted by the 1993 CASCAR championship, 24 national-series victories and record-setting consistency. As a driver, team owner and mentor, he had a major impact on Canadian stock car racing.
Jack Monaghan (D) – Windsor, Ontario
Jack Monaghan enjoyed a remarkable 43-year stock car racing career, earning 326 feature victories and 18 championships across Ontario and Michigan. Renowned for his smooth, clean driving style, he also helped shape the sport as a speedway co-owner.
Bryan Rashleigh – Caledon, Ontario
Bryan Rashleigh has enjoyed more than five decades of continuous competition, excelling in both ice racing and road racing. A record-setting champion, club leader and dedicated volunteer, he has become one of the most accomplished and enduring competitors in Canadian motorsport.
John Scotti – Kirkland, Quebec
John Scotti is a pioneering entrepreneur, drag racer and motorsport builder whose leadership has strengthened Canadian drag racing for more than five decades. Founder of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame, he created programs, opportunities and institutions benefiting racers nationwide.
Randy Williamson – St. Catharines, Ontario
Randy Williamson is a legendary chassis designer, engineer and motorsport builder whose innovations helped make Bicknell Racing Products a dominant force in dirt modified racing. Over four decades, his race cars have earned thousands of victories, championships and industry-wide respect.
Ronald Woltman – Ottawa, Ontario
Ron Woltman has dedicated more than five decades to Canadian motorsport as a competitor, organizer, race director, steward, journalist and mentor. Through leadership, officiating and advocacy, he has strengthened grassroots and professional racing while helping generations of participants succeed.
Media
Rod Campbell (D) – Toronto, ON
Rod Campbell was a highly respected motorsport communications executive, journalist and entrepreneur whose career spanned more than six decades. Through marketing, public relations and mentorship, he elevated Canadian motorsport internationally while helping shape modern racing communications and sponsorship practices.
Pat Gonsalves – Baysville, Ontario
Pat Gonsalves has been one of Canada’s most recognizable motorsport broadcasters and public-address announcers for five decades. Renowned as the voice of motorcycle racing, he also covered major stock car, road racing and international events while mentoring future commentators.
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About the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF): Founded in 1993, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame honours and celebrates Canadians whose achievements and contributions have shaped motorsport at home and abroad. Including the Class of 2026 inductees, the CMHF has recognized 342 individuals and organizations across categories such as Competitors, Builders, Significant Contributors and Media. Operated by the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation, the Hall is a not-for-profit charitable institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Canada’s motorsport legacy. For more information, visit CMHF.ca or contact info@cmhf.ca.
Media Contact: Nicole Lascelle – communications@cmhf.ca – (438) 355-7644
