Chapleau's Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race is staying off the track this year.
While preparations had been ramping up for the second annual event to be held July 14th to 16th - online ticket sales started last Thursday - the drag race committee and Luskville Speedway have announced it's cancelled just a month before it was to be held, promising all purchased tickets will be refunded and the event is scheduled to return next year, from August 16th to 18th, 2024.
They're citing the "devastatingly strong" wildfire season in Northern Ontario - which is expected to remain that way until the end of summer - which means the event's intended venue, the Chapleau airport, must instead be available and service uninterrupted since it's a central location for fire protection and a source of fire-retardant foam.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo expresses understanding disappointment with the news.
Bignucolo expresses optimism for next year, noting - as the Committee also does - that airstrip repairs and concrete pad preparation are planned for when the airport has more availability, and encouraging people to look forward to the 2024 races as he does.