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MONTREAL, Quebec - Kevin Wicke was honoured at the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame tonight, inducted into the Hall of Fame during its 10th Anniversary Gala, at the Armon Plaza Montreal Airport Hotel in Montreal, Quebec. Kevin joined an elite group which includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists, and sponsors who have been honored for their contributions to the sport. "I'm humbled, blessed, and truly fortunate to be recognized by my peers," said Wicke about his induction. "I've been lucky enough to turn my passion into a lifelong career, and I'm grateful for everyone who's been part of the journey."
"Kevin Wicke represents everything that is so special about our sport of drag racing," said John Waldie, an inducted member of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame and the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. "Not only is Kevin a great competitor with an outstanding crew, but he is also an excellent business leader within our community and the industry itself, and he has also chosen to put his son literally in the driver's seat of his own race car. His induction into our country's drag racing hall of fame is very well deserved." Kevin has been surrounded by the people who've been there throughout his racing career. His wife Katrena, his son and current K&K Racing Team driver Kayden Wicke, and the crew that's felt like family for decades - Kevin and Rhonda Zimmer, Dennis and Cathy Culliton, Dan Culliton and Janet Neumeister, Derek and Deanna Dotzert, Kody Wicke and Kara Lee Brennan, and Bruce Mehlenbacher and Carolyn Ellerker.
Kevin's love for drag racing began at just 17 years old, on the streets outside Stratford, Ontario. His drive, determination, and passion for speed soon became the foundation of a lifelong career. More than four decades ago, that same passion led him to build his own speed shop - now proudly known as K&K Racing and Performance - a business that continues to thrive and fuel the sport he loves. His record speaks for itself. Over the past 45 years, Kevin has won numerous races and championships including: • 2003 ~ IHRA Divisional Event - Hamilton, Ohio • 2006 ~ IHRA Canadian Nationals - Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, Ontario • 2006 ~ Canadian Top Sportsman Championship • 2007 ~ IHRA Northern Nationals - US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin, Michigan • 2007 ~ Canadian Top Sportsman Champion • 2009 ~ Quick 32 Sportsman Series Points Championship • 2010 ~ Quick 32 Sportsman Series Points Championship
Kevin's son Kayden Wicke has been given the driving duties for the K&K Racing Team and carries on the team's professional tradition of winning races. Kevin's crew chief, Kevin Zimmer, has been with Kevin for over 37 years along with long-time crew members Dennis and Dan Culliton, Derek Dotzert, and Kody Wicke-a true testament to the man and the team.
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