The Pro Modified Racing Association and what it represents to the teams, sponsors, media, race venues, and most importantly, its fans is very pleased and honored to present The John Massingberd Memorial Award to a deserving individual again this year.
The award will be presented this year during the Drag Strip Memories Show on April 13.
In keeping with the spirit of the PMRA, it is appropriate to recognize John Massingberd through this annual award. John was a national ambassador of Canadian motorsport in all disciplines through his keen insight and entrepreneurial creativity.
In the late 1980s, John co-established Promark Motorsport International, Raceline Motorsport Television, and Snow Trax Television with Bruce Mehlenbacher, two media ventures responsible for bringing Canadian motorsport to a greater audience and well-deserved prominence. Along with covering drag racing, stock car racing, road racing, and tractor pulls with Promark and Raceline Television, John co-founded and co-anchored Raceline Radio in 1993.
John was the executive producer of Canada’s first nationally syndicated motorsport radio program, the Raceline Radio Network, along with Erik Tomas. This show has been the only one of its kind in Canada.
John also co-produced and was the featured anchor and moderator on Snowtrax Television, a syndicated snowmobile program viewed throughout North America.
John’s no-holds-barred comments, perception of the sport, knowledge, and professionalism are missed, as are his unique vision, business acumen, and strong sense of dedication. He pioneered the field, breaking new ground in radio and television motorsports coverage.
In December of 2008, after a long and courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, John left the world that he loved at age 54.
John Massingberd was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame posthumously in 2022 and was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame posthumously in 2023.
Past John Massingberd Memorial Award recipients include Carl Spiering, Fred and Betsy Smith, R.W. (Bob) Slack, Vern Christy, John Waldie, Tim Miller, Bruce Biegler, Harvey Silverthorn, Rob Potter and Erik Tomas.
Drag Strip Memories will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is located on Airport Road in Mount Hope, just south of Hamilton, and provides ample free parking.
For more information, please contact Bruce Mehlenbacher at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.
This story was originally published on March 17, 2025. 
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