NHRA’s Cornwall Quality Tools US Nationals included an important exhibition component – the latest round for the 2025 Legends Nitro Funny Car tour (featuring the Nostalgia FC class).

And that scheduled 8-car field produced a major win for the legendary Hodgson Racing Team (from Edmonton) – spearheaded by Ron and Ryan Hodgson, who prevailed with the team’s newest driver, Nathan Sitko. 

The Hodgson Racing Firebird, sporting the team’s iconic and legendary “Bubble Up & Pacemaker” motif — found their stride after qualifying #5 for the program.

Nathan Sitko, who has done some amazing driving since only joining the team last season, took the measure of Todd Miller and Geoff Moise in rounds #1 and #2, before posting his best run of the event at a perfect time — the final round.  His 4.757 secs at 235.15 mph pushed his team to victory lane while final round opponent (and low ET car) Jon Capps shut off due to tire spin.

“It’s over a week later and we’re still riding high from Indy,” Nathan stated. “It’s really is hard to put into words what this event win means.”

“This win is the biggest accomplishment of my racing career, but it belongs to our entire team, our sponsors, and especially our families who make it possible for us to chase this dream. To hoist a Wally at Indy is every drag racer’s dream — I’m so grateful for the support of my wife and kids, because without them I couldn’t do what I love at this level.”

“This “Bubble Up” Funny Car is more than just a race car — it’s a piece of Canadian drag racing history,” he added.  “So to bring the team back to the Indy winner’s circle (Gordie Bonin – 1979) more than four decades later is really something to be proud of.  It is something I’ll never forget.”

Posted by Bruce Biegler

Photos by Dave DeAngelis