(Photos by Bob Boudreau) – Sanair Super Speedway in Canada was a longtime host of NHRA national events. The longstanding name was Le Grand National (then followed by a company’s name like Molson, etc). For 21 years the NHRA would make the trip over the border to bring fans in the Montreal area the biggest drag racing show on the planet and during that time some crazy stuff happened. From airplanes hitting the christmas tree in 1975 (photos of that coming), to Don Prudhomme suffering an incredible wreck in 1989 (video of that here), the place was drenched in its own unique history.
Some people blame the Canadian government’s move to try and ban leaded fuel for the stoppage of NHRA’s race at Sanair, but since the IHRA has been heading up there over the border for years now and the Canadian drag racing scene is still going strong, we suspect other elements may have been behind that decision and the leaded fuel deal was as good an excuse as any. After all, if the IHRA is hosting profitable races up there (and trust us..they are. We’ve been to them!) why didn’t NHRA return? Who’s to say.
Anyway, in the early 1970s Sanair was as nice a track as you’d find anywhere in the world and these photos start to tell the tale. Consider this an appetizer because we have hundreds more Sanair NHRA photos coming your way this week and next thanks to Bob Boudreau. This guy rules and his photos are boss!
Photo 16 (vega fc with don wheaton chev grill)
240 Gordie Bonin being backed up by Gord Jenner sponsored by Ron Hodgsons Pacemaker Automotive. Awesome photos…more please.!
rip 240
My good friend \”Duwayne Engness from Fargo, ND ran the \”Hot Sauce\” funny car and competed with many a superstar. He was the first to bring the Taco business to the area with his restaurants. He also owned the local drag strip that fielded 250 to 300 cars consistently. At one time held the \”Top Gas\” record with NHRA….nice to see him recognized….if there are any more pictures of him out there a would sure wish a shout out. Thanx