J.D. Potié
OTTAWA Nov. 16, 2019
Over 100 from the region and beyond gathered at the Hilton . . .
Garden Inn near the Ottawa Airport, as the Luskville Dragway hosted its annual awards banquet to finish the year off in style.
According to the track’s owner and operator Arnie Malcolm, it was one of the most successful year-end banquets that he could remember.
Malcolm explained that, in the past, the banquet was very formal and everyone dressed up with shirts and ties accordingly.
In the last couple of years, the folks at the Dragway have implemented themes to each banquet, which has made them much more festive.
Since a lot of people from the track are heading on a cruise down south in the month of March called the Luskville Dragway Booze Cruise 2020, this year’s theme was Caribbean Cruise. The atmosphere as well as people’s Hawaiian shirts and leis made it apparent.
“Everybody was in a pretty relaxed mode,” he said.
With racing season having been over for around a month, the event was a reunion of sorts, bringing all of those who spent the summer racing each other up and down the quarter mile track in Luskville.
The event kicked off with around an hour of socializing over cocktails followed by a sit-down dinner.
After dinner, Malcolm stepped on the podium to deliver a speech about some of the highlights of the past year and thanking everyone for attending. Then, he announced the respective award winners for the 2019 racing season.
In addition, two figures who have been involved in local drag racing for over 50 years – Eddie Decooman and Rolly Doucette – were officially inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
The event was capped off with a dance party where many attendees mingled over drinks, while others participated in a limbo contest.
With another year in the books, Malcolm said he’ll spend the winter putting together programs, visiting advertisers and setting up schedules to prepare for next spring.
“The season’s over, but it’s not over,” he said. “We’re basically working on next year.”
Award recipients
Rookies Jr. Dragster – Cole Krottner,
Jr. Dragster – Ryan Clarmo
Semi Pro Rookie of the Year – Howard Foley
Super Pro Rookie of the Year – Carl Soucy
Semi Pro Champ – Wes Clarmo,
Super Pro Track Champ – Ashley Ogilivie
Napa Auto Parts Super Tour Champ – Kyle Jessup
Canadian Bracket Super Tour Champ – Derek Malcolm
Canadian Super Tour Pro Champ – Derek Malcolm
Door Car Title – Butch Douglas
Driver of the Year – Ashley Ogilvie
