Surrey, 2025-02-25 / The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame held its 17th Annual Induction Banquet on Saturday, February 15th at 3:00 PM at the Aria Conference Centre, on the suburbs of Vancouver.
Several changes in the event’s proceedings were made to energize the evening and attract new spectators. The presentation, equally remarkable, was different from previous years. Rather than speeches, the inductees were questioned about their careers by Franck Wood, the master of ceremonies. Champion speakers were also invited to share their stories and adventures. This part was particularly appreciated by the audience. It must be said that the speakers, all of whom had already been inducted, were Steve Baker, World Champion in the Formula 750, Steve Crevier, multiple Canadian road-race champion, and Peter Grant, two-time 750 Expert Dirt Track champion in 1979 and 1980.
Jordan Szoke traveled for the occasion and confirmed his participation in the CSBK championship with a 2025 Kawasaki.
The dress code was “business casual” and ties were not required. An effort was made to lower the price of the evening, despite the significant increases demanded by the conference venues. All these elements contributed to a very successful evening, as confirmed by Vada Seeds, General Manager of the organization.
The Inductees:
Blackfoot Motosport, represented by Douglas MacRae and Pat Chambers
Inspired by the power and unity of the Blackfoot Indigenous tribe, Blackfoot Motosports was founded in Calgary in 1970, quickly becoming a gathering place for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Under the leadership of Douglas MacRae, Jason Mitchell, and Patrick Chambers from 1988 onwards, the company experienced rapid growth, becoming a leading dealership in Canada.
The iconic “Wheel and Feather” logo of Blackfoot Motosports was omnipresent, from racing competitions to television shows, symbolizing the company’s success on all fronts.
Their commitment to customer service, their support for local and national programs, as well as their racing successes solidified their place in Canadian motorcycling history.
Carl Blomfeldt
Of Swedish origin, he began his career in the motorcycle world in British Columbia in the 1970s, quickly specializing in the world of dirt track and speedway motorcycles. His partnership with American rider Randy Green allowed him to dominate competitions in the northwestern United States and Canada. In 1986, they went to the United Kingdom to race in Speedway. After Green’s return to the United States, Carl opened a Speedway engine repair shop. He gained a reputation as a renowned engine builder, notably winning a World Championship. Retired in 2014, Carl returned to British Columbia, where he continues to be involved in the Speedway and flat track scene.
Steve Dick
For over 30 years, he represented Canada at international events on three continents, contributing to the rise of high-level motorcycle competitions in Westwood, British Columbia in the 1980s.
He began racing at Edmonton International Speedway at the age of 20, after modifying a Honda 125 Elsinore for racing.
He won a title in Alberta as a junior in 1978, the Canadian 125GP championship in 1980, and two CMA Superbike national titles in 1981 and 1982.
After a successful racing career, he mentored young riders, such as Steve Crevier and Brett McCormick.
Al Miles
Al Miles’ passion for motorcycle drag racing began in 1980 in Sturgis, where he met legends of the sport. Despite limited funding, he persevered, improving his skills with a Harley Panhead and then a Shovelhead in Edmonton.
In 1982, he began building his own dragsters, setting records and winning awards. His move to Nitro bikes in 1992 was successful but revealed reliability issues.
Faced with these challenges, he designed innovative engine cases and a “bulletproof” engine system that novices could use without breaking the bank.
Al continued to race, winning an impressive victory in Georgia shortly before the Covid pandemic.
Led Szmek
Passionate about mechanics from a young age, Led Szmek founded the Prince George Motorcycle Club and quickly specialized in modifying motorcycles for flat track. His expertise in welding and frame geometry led him to collaborate with renowned riders and create his own racing frames, which became highly sought after worldwide.
In parallel, he designed racing wheelchairs for champion Rick Hansen, contributing to his international victories.
Despite financial difficulties, Led Szmek persevered and continued to innovate in motorcycle frame design, even after slowing down his activities.
Today, he is considered a legend in the motorcycle world for his ingenuity and achievements.
Mackenzie Family (Dayton, Glen, Larry, Dan)
Dayton Mackenzie discovered his passion for racing at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the ranks, winning the Canadian Scrambler championship from 1954 to 1956.
His three sons, Glen, Larry, and Dan, followed in his footsteps, winning several national championships and participating in international competitions.
Glen found success on motocross and snowmobile circuits before an accident ended his career.
Larry shone on the international stage, becoming the first Canadian to place in a 125cc world event.
Dan also found success in motocross before turning to ice racing, where he won numerous provincial and national championships.
Bar and Hedy Hodgson Award:
Roger Boothroyd
From his teenage years, Roger Boothroyd immersed himself in the world of motorcycling, acquiring a 1947 Ariel 500 and joining the Victoria Motorcycle Club in 1961. His passion led him to participate in various competitions, including the Brentwood Reliability Trial, and to introduce his sons to cross-country and trials. Very involved in his club, he served on numerous committees and was rewarded, notably, with the prestigious Matson Award.
Passionate about motorcycling history, he contributed to the induction of emblematic figures into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Beyond his administrative involvement, he documented the history of his club through photos, films, and publications, becoming a living memory of motorcycling in British Columbia.
Historical Recognition:
Alec Bennett
Born in Northern Ireland, Alec Bennett immigrated to Canada with his family in 1905 and began his racing career on dirt tracks in British Columbia at the age of 16. In 1920, he left Canada for England to become a test rider for a motorcycle factory and a professional racer. Despite a short racing career of only 29 races, he achieved remarkable success with 13 victories, including 11 in classic races. Notably, he won the Senior Tourist Trophy three times and the Junior Tourist Trophy twice at the mythic Isle of Man, as well as several Grands Prix in Europe. Considered the most successful Canadian motorcycle racer of all time, he retired at the peak of his career and remains a legend in the sport.
Silent Auction
Attendees were able to participate in a silent auction featuring numerous motorcycle accessories and memorabilia. These items were generously donated by several partners, including BMW Motorrad, DP Brakes, Parts Canada, Suzuki Canada, Ducati Canada, and friends of the CMHoF. The sales were successfully conducted under the supervision of Carol Mathison.
Together, let’s keep Canadian motorcycle history alive
President Paul Germain welcomed the audience with these worDonation link: https://shorturl.at/M9HdEds: “Tonight, we welcome several legends who will share some of their stories with you. I would also like to remind you that the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization. We have recently lost a significant source of funding, and we need everyone’s help, individuals and businesses, to continue our public service mission.”
The next annual banquet will be held in Toronto.
To view the inductee biographies: https://canadianmotorcyclehalloffame.ca/media-releases
Donation link: https://shorturl.at/M9HdE
Main Contact: Vada Seeds, Executive Director, +1 226-750-0455, mclegends@aol.com
French Contact: François Cominardi, francois.sportmoteur@gmail.com
About the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Founded by Bar and Hedy Hodgson in 1999, the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame preserves and promotes Canadian motorcycle history for the benefit of the motorcycling community and public. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a non-profit association with charitable status. It is governed by an independent board of volunteer directors representing every region of the country. Since the first induction banquet in Toronto in 2006, over 150 distinguished motorcyclists and organizations have been inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
For information about past inductees, event sponsorship, the Roll of Honour and tax-deductible donations, visit www.canmoto.ca.
Source: Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame
