Cape Breton Drag Racing Association upgrades facilities
News release
Improvements will allow motorsports club to attract and host national, international events
November 2, 2022 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The economic opportunities in Atlantic Canada are as varied and diverse as its communities. The Government of Canada supports organizations that build on existing local strengths to attract more visitors and events, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy.
Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $65,975, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to the Cape Breton Drag Racing Association (CBDRA). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This contribution is helping the CBDRA add a full-time power supply, upgrade wiring, and enhance lighting, safety and security at the Cape Breton Dragway in Sydney. A fifth racing lane is being added and key areas of the track repaved. Computer controlled digital scoreboards are also being purchased to provide instant race results. The upgrades are expected to be complete by the end of the year and will support the racetrack in becoming a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) sanctioned facility. With this designation, the motorsports racing group will be able to host larger scale events, draw more spectators and generate more revenue for local businesses in Cape Breton.
This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to working with communities to find opportunities for growth and build a stronger local economy.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canadian non-profit organizations, like the Cape Breton Drag Racing Association, are part of the fabric of their community. By developing fresh approaches and innovative ways to grow their operations, they are creating new economic opportunities for the region and offering new and exciting tourism experiences.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
“With upgraded facilities, the Cape Breton Drag Racing Association will be able to host national and international events in addition to Atlantic regional events. As more people experience the speed and excitement of motor racing paired with our Cape Breton hospitality, businesses in and around Glace Bay, Sydney and surrounding communities will continue to thrive.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso
“The Phase III infrastructure upgrades for Cape Breton Dragway will provide the best motor racing experience possible. Soon, we will have a first-class facility that is already a topic of conversation around the Maritimes. It’s been a vibrant year around the track with an influx of racers from other provinces who all share our excitement about the enhancements.”
- Gary Pozzebon, President Cape Breton Drag Racing Association
Quick facts
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The Cape Breton Drag Racing Association (CBDRA) is a non-profit recreational association in operation for forty years that aims to promote a lifelong enjoyment of motorsports.
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For the last six years, the CBDRA has been staging Atlantic regional points racing at the Cape Breton Dragway in Sydney.
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Races take place over five weekends a year, attracting 150 to 200 competitors and 4,000 to 5,000 spectators. There are races for children, people with street cars, and professional races.
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Racing is finished for 2022 and will resume in June 2023.
Associated links
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Gary Pozzebon
President
Cape Breton Drag Racing Association
902-565-6505
for_maz@hotmail.com
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