The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) is pleased and honoured to announce that the 2026 John Massingberd Memorial Award has been presented to Greg Wicklum of Engineered Racing Services (ERS) in recognition of his more than 50 years of dedication, involvement and contributions to Canadian motorsports.
The award was presented during the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Induction Gala at Lamborghini Montréal in Montréal, Quebec.
Wicklum’s passion for motorcycles, speed and performance began at just 13 years old when he purchased and built his first motorcycle in the locker room of his parents’ apartment building. That early interest would lead to a lifelong involvement in the automotive performance industry and Canadian drag racing.
After learning the business alongside respected engine builder John Rossitter at Engineered Racing Services, Wicklum opened his own ERS location in October 1975.
Over the years, Engineered Racing Services became a familiar name throughout Canadian motorsports, known for its quality performance parts, customer service and commitment to supporting racers.
In February 2023, Greg and his son Lawrence joined a group of longtime friends, racers and performance industry veterans to discuss bringing ERS back to life.
While many were at a point in their lives when retirement could have been an option, they shared a desire to remain involved in motorsports, enjoy the sport they loved and pass their knowledge and experience along to the next generation.
Their attitude was summed up in one simple statement: “I am not done yet!”
Engineered Racing Services was reborn.
What began as a gathering of friends with a common passion has grown into a successful return to the Canadian performance industry.
Today, Greg and Lawrence Wicklum have continued that tradition, expanding the company’s involvement in Canadian motorsports while offering performance parts, automotive products and services to customers across the country.
Their racing sponsorship program, which initially supported three drag racing teams, has grown to include 21 teams, ranging from Junior Dragsters to Jet Cars, Nitro Funny Cars and Top Fuel Dragsters. Five of the supported teams include members of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Their involvement also extends to Super Stock oval track racing and Outlaw Midget competition.
Engineered Racing Services supports numerous Canadian racing organizations and programs, including the Canadian NHRA Championship Series, Can-Am Stock/Super Stock Series, Quick 32 Sportsman Series, True North Gassers, Race Cayuga Sportsman Series and Outlaw Fast 16 Shootout.
ERS also provides contingency sponsorship for NHRA Stock/Super Stock and Junior Dragster competitors and presents the Best Engineered Car Award.
Greg and Lawrence have also demonstrated their commitment to the future of Canadian motorsports through their involvement with the NHRA YES Program and STEM at Speed, initiatives designed to introduce young people to automotive technology, engineering and career opportunities.
Their support of racing teams, organizations and young competitors reflects a genuine commitment to giving back to the sport.
“I have known Greg Wicklum for many years, and his dedication to Canadian drag racing has never wavered,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher of the Pro Modified Racing Association. “Whether helping a racer, supporting a racing series or encouraging a young competitor, Greg has always been there for the sport. It is especially rewarding to see Greg and his son Lawrence working together and continuing the Engineered Racing Services tradition.
“Greg has given a great deal to Canadian motorsports, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of an award honouring my longtime friend and business partner, John Massingberd.”
The John Massingberd Memorial Award honours individuals who demonstrate the same commitment, dedication and passion for Canadian motorsports that Massingberd conveyed throughout his career.
Massingberd, a longtime motorsports media personality, was instrumental in promoting Canadian motorsports until his passing in December 2008 following a courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In the late 1980s, Massingberd and Mehlenbacher established Promark Motorsport International, which included Raceline Motorsport Television and SnowTrax Television. These media ventures helped bring drag racing, stock car racing, road racing, and truck and tractor pulls to a national audience.
Massingberd also co-founded Raceline Radio and worked alongside Erik Tomas to help establish Canada’s first nationally syndicated motorsports radio program.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, knowledge and enthusiasm for motorsports, Massingberd was a pioneer in Canadian motorsports broadcasting whose contributions continue to be remembered.
The annual award recognizes individuals who share his passion for the sport and whose efforts have helped strengthen, promote and preserve Canadian motorsports.
With more than five decades of involvement in the automotive performance industry, and his continuing commitment to supporting racers and racing organizations alongside his son Lawrence, Greg Wicklum is a fitting recipient of the 2026 John Massingberd Memorial Award.
Past Recipients
Carl Spiering, Fred and Betsy Smith, R.W. (Bob) Slack, Vern Christy, John Waldie, Tim Miller, Bruce Biegler, Harvey Silverthorne, Rob Potter, Erik Tomas, Michael Shane and John Scotti.
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