Parker Thompson wins 2019 GT Sport Class Canadian Touring Car Championship

In an action packed race weekend at Circuit Trois-Rivières, Parker Thompson clinched the 2019 Canadian Touring Car Championship title for the GT Sport class. With two races remaining in the 10 race schedule, Thompson has mathematically secured his first sports car title, piloting the #1 New Road Automotive Group / Speedstar Motorsport Audi R8 LMS GT4 to dominant victories in seven of eight championship races.

Participating in two CTCC races as part of the annual GP3R Nascar weekend, the twenty-one-year-old Alberta native saw his perfect season to this point, come to an end in Race 1 on Friday night. After leading the opening 10 laps of the race, Thompson was forced to retire after receiving contact from the #27 GT Cup while the pair navigated lapped traffic.

For Race 2 on Saturday, Thompson started from pole-position and held top spot among GT Sport competitors for the duration of the 40-minute race. The win gave Thompson 946 points in the 2019 CTCC series, nearly double the total of his nearest competitor. He is set to win the championship in only his first season driving sports cars, and helps New Roads Automotive Group and Speedstar Motorsport extend their list of achievements in racing.

Parker Thompson
“Trois-Rivières has become one of my favourite places to go racing. The venue has an incredible atmosphere that always leads to a great event. Between great race action, and fun laps in some great Audi sports cars for a few special members of the crowd, we put on a great show. Throughout the weekend, the New Roads Automotive Group and Speedstar Motorsport team really demonstrated to everyone what they are all about. I’m so fortunate to get my introduction to the CTCC with such a great team, and I’m proud to be able to reward all their hard work with a 2019 Championship.”

Results CTCC Rounds 7 & 8 – GP3R

Qualifying – (PDF)
Race 1 – (PDF)
Race 2 – (PDF)
Overall Standings (HTML)

Next Events

August 15 – 16 – IP2000 Series Test – Gateway Motorsport Park, IL
August 23 – 24 – CTCC Round 9 & 10 – CTMP, ON

August 24 – 25 – IP2000 Round 12 – Gateway Motorsport Park, IL
August 30 – 31 – IP2000 Round 13 & 14 – Portland International Raceway, OR

About Parker Thompson

Red Deer, Alberta native Parker Thompson is regarded as one of Canada’s premiere racing drivers. He started racing karts at age 8 and his natural talent and competitive drive quickly elevated him to international level competitions. By age 13 he was ranked 3rd in the world in Rotax Max karts. Now 21 years old, Parker continues his successful career racing on the Road to Indy, and in multiple sports car series.

Related Topics:feature GT3 Cup Canada Parker Thompson

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Simone Biles Fails To Stick The Landing Going After Riley Gaines

Published on June 9, 2025

Bruce Dowbiggin

Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them. George Orwell

Or, in the case of Olympic legend Simone Biles, only gymnasts believe in the incendiary issue of trans men competing in women’s sports. Biles, who has made a secondary career as an object of pity, took exception when former swimmer Riley Gaines, an opponent of trans men competing against women, sent a picture of Minnesota softball team that recently won a state title with a pitcher who is reported to be transgender.

“Comments off lol,’ Gaines wrote in response to the post which wasn’t permitting any comments from the public. “To be expected when your star player is a boy.”

That brought Biles into the fray. ‘You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. ‘You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! ‘But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!’

She then poked Gaines again, saying: ‘Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.” (Gaines husband is 6-foot-4)

The loser reference was to Gaines having lost to a trans swimmer in an NCAA race. Since then Gaines has launched a campaign to outlaw biological males from competing with cisgendered girls and women. She has testified in the U.S. Congress and has appeared in numerous interviews espousing a position supported by the vast majority of Americans.

One might think the proof of this position— unquestioned as recently as a decade ago— would be obvious. But Biles and gender radicals who’ve tried to make trans into the Emancipation Proclamation of the 21st century are not giving up the fight.

Here’s someone named Nancy Armour in USA Today. “There is no scientific evidence that transgender women athletes have a physical advantage over cisgender women athletes, but that hasn’t stopped Gaines from claiming they do..” When legislation banning trans men in girls/ women sports was presented in the U.S. Congress 106 Democrats voted against the motion. The chattering class on CBC, MSNBC and CNN likewise have a cohort of those opposing the ban.

But it was the outburst from Biles that most appalled fans who’d worshipped her as the GOAT of Olympic gymnastics and then sympathized with her victimization by Dr. Larry Nasser. Even when she bailed on her teammates at the 2024 Games they cut her slack. But suddenly a woman who’s preached against body shaming and intolerance was deriding a fellow athlete’s body and mocking her complaints.

Critics were quick to post Biles’ hypocrisy about compassion, citing her own tear-stained testimony about how she was taken advantage by a doctor. Here’s how we described her psychological distress last August during the Olympics. “Prominent among them was gymnast Simone Biles who described the abuse she’d suffered from a male trainer and on social media as the greatest female gymnast in history. Even as she added more golds to her mantle she’d seemed unable to find peace in her accomplishments.

“Due to mental blocks, she’d had to step away from the sport for a time to get her head straight. She had a lot of company from fellow competitors who described sexual harassment and intimidation on social media for their unhappiness. (Hence the constant mental health commercials on the TV broadcasts.)”

Now the same role model is mocking Gaines? It seems unthinkable. As for the claims that men have no advantage against women, it was pointed out that there are zero women who try to reverse the equation, going into men’s sports. They show the hard truths about competitive records of men versus women in a range of sports. They describe the physical risks for women playing against larger, stronger men. Here. Here. And here.

It’s still stunning to see Biles toeing the radical LGBTQ line while asking for traditional pity of a victimized woman herself. Or the amount of support that the cause has garnered from progressives throughout society. When did people became so obtuse about the growth this societal contagion?

We wrote earlier this year about how such notions take hold. MacDonald Laurier Institute fellow Mia Hughes charted a history of similar social contagions such as bulimia and multiple-personality disorder. “In 1972, British psychologist Gerald Russell treated a woman with an unusual eating disorder involving binging and purging. Over the next seven years, he saw a further 30 woman presenting with the same condition. In 1979, he wrote a paper published in Psychological Medicine, in which he gave it the name bulimia nervosa….

“Then something remarkable happened. The illness swept the globe like wildfire… affecting an estimated 30 million people by the mid-1990s, the majority of whom were teenage girls and young women. The explanation for this rapid spread is what philosopher Ian Hacking calls ‘semantic contagion’ – how the process of naming and describing a condition creates the means by which the condition spreads. The epidemic of multiple-personality disorder in the 90s was spread this same way… Multiple studies demonstrate the media’s culpability in the spread of social contagions.”

The new contagion is trans athletes. USA Today is just one example of how influencers try to legitimize campaigns to boost their own self esteem. As the battle to reverse the trans incursion shows, there are only too many willing to play politics in the gender debate. Like the pro-Palestinian movement in North America the trans athlete hoax exists is a bubble where reality and fiction can co-exist, knowing they’ll never be put to the test.

Orwell called it doublethink “the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.” Biles and the liberal elites have it mastered. Nursing their grievance while finding it a fault in others.

Bruce Dowbiggin @dowbboy is the editor of Not The Public Broadcaster A two-time winner of the Gemini Award as Canada’s top television sports broadcaster, Bruce is regular media contributor. The new book from there team of Evan & Bruce Dowbiggin is Deal With It: The Trades That Stunned The NHL & Changed Hockey. From Espo to Boston in 1967 to Gretz in L.A. in 1988 to Patrick Roy leaving Montreal in 1995, the stories behind the story. In paperback and Kindle on #Amazon. Destined to be a hockey best seller. https://www.amazon.ca/Deal-Trades-Stunned-Changed-Hockey-ebook/dp/B0D236NB35/

Alberta

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame to Induct Class of 2025

Published on June 4, 2025

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

Final Interviews CompletedThe final interviews for this year’s inductee vignettes are officially complete! We were thrilled to welcome Honoured Members Brian and Robin McKeever, along with a couple of members of the 1981–1989 Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team, to the Hall for their final filming sessions. Their visits were filled with great stories, laughter, and reflections on the incredible journeys that led them to induction.

These vignettes capture not only the accomplishments of our 2025 Inductees but also the heart, passion, and dedication behind each of their contributions to sport in Alberta and beyond. With the final edits now underway, all that’s left to do is celebrate.

We can’t wait to share their inspiring stories with everyone at the Induction Ceremony on June 7. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a night to remember!

This newsletter is sponsored by Hockey Alberta Foundation

Honoured Member-Megan Delehanty

Rowing Athlete – Inducted 2007Megan Delehanty was born and raised in Edmonton. Originally a track athlete at the University of Alberta, she was working out in the weight room in 1988 and was approached by a member of the rowing club to see if she would be interested in trying a new sport.

Megan started training at the Edmonton Rowing Club and excelled in club regattas. She continued as a rower at the University of British Columbia. She won a spot on the Canadian National Rowing Team and represented Canada as a member of the Under-23, Women’s 8+ at the United States Rowing Championship in 1990. From there, she moved up to the Canadian Senior A team, and in 1991 was a member of the World Champion Women’s 8+. Megan was a member of the Canadian Women’s Eight team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona when the team won the gold medal.

Honoured Member Profile

Provincial Sport Organization – Rowing AlbertaAlberta Rowing Association (ARA) is the provincial governing body for rowing in Alberta. Dedicated to the growth and development of rowing at all levels, ARA supports a network of rowing clubs and programs throughout the province. The organization coordinates regattas, competitive events, and training camps, offering development pathways for rowers from novice to elite levels. ARA also provides coaching education and resources, ensuring high standards of coaching and athlete development. Its mission is to foster a passion for rowing, promote excellence, and advance the skills and competitiveness of rowers across Alberta, contributing to the overall success and growth of the sport in the province.

Artifact in Focus!
Rowing Canada Nike shirt

Inductee Back with Elks

The Edmonton Elks have announced the exciting return of longtime equipment manager and Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, Dwayne Mandrusiak. Dwayne will rejoin the organization in a dual role focused on community engagement and team history—just in time to celebrate his 50th season with the Club in 2025.

Dwayne will be officially inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame on June 7 as a recipient of the Achievement Award, recognizing his decades of dedication and impact behind the scenes in Canadian football. Welcome back, Dwayne—and congratulations on this well-earned honour!

Read the official announcement by clicking on the link below.

Edmonton Elks Announcement

Alberta Sport Recognition Award Recipients

We are thrilled to once again be partnering with the Government of Alberta to host the Alberta Sport Recognition Awards during our Induction Ceremony on June 7 at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

The 2024 recipients that will be awarded this Saturday are:

Junior Male Athlete of the Year – Aiden Norman (Swimming)
Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Dianne Proctor (Athletics)
Junior Team of the Year – U22 Female Team Alberta (Box Lacrosse)
Open Male Athlete of the Year – Marco Arop (Athletics)
Open Female Athlete of the Year – Hallie Clarke (Skeleton)
Open Team of the Year – Team Canada Women’s Sitting Volleyball
Coaching Recognition Award – Joe Cecchini (Skeleton), Alex Dawson (Swimming), and Ron Thompson (Athletics)
Technical Official Award – Louise Buskas (Athletics), Drew Fischer (Soccer), and Jeff Verhoeven (Boxing)
Sport Volunteer Recognition Award – Blair Carbert (Speedskating) and Virginia Dilger (Water Polo)
Don Watts Coach Development Award – Jackie Cool (Swimming)

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame wants to congratulate all the recipients, and we look forward to honouring them during our Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony.

2025 Inductee Highlight-George Hopkins & Dwayne Mandrusiak

We’re just days away from the 2025 Induction Ceremony, happening this Saturday! With only a few inductee spotlights left to share, this week we’re highlighting George Hopkins, Dwayne Mandrusiak, and Clara Hughes.

George Hopkins and Dwayne Mandrusiak are celebrated as two of the most dedicated equipment managers in Canadian Football League history. With careers spanning over five decades, they have each contributed significantly to their teams—the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Eskimos—and to the broader football community in Alberta.

Starting as a 13-year-old equipment assistant in 1972, George Hopkins rose to become the Calgary Stampeders’ Head Equipment Manager by 1977. Over 52 seasons, he has worked more than 1,000 games, including 12 Grey Cup appearances, and has been part of six championship teams. Hopkins is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to player safety and team success. Beyond his role with the Stampeders, he has been instrumental in advancing amateur football. In 1985, alongside Dwayne Mandrusiak, he co-founded the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program, conducting over 400 inspections to improve equipment safety for youth football programs across Alberta.

Dwayne Mandrusiak began his tenure with the Edmonton Eskimos as a ball boy in 1971 and became the Head Equipment Manager in 1977. Over nearly 50 years, he has been part of 11 Grey Cup championship teams and worked over 1,000 games. Mandrusiak is deeply respected for his professionalism, expertise, and the mentorship he provided to players and staff. His commitment to the team and the league is exemplified by his co-founding of the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program with Hopkins, enhancing safety standards for young athletes.

Together, Hopkins and Mandrusiak’s contributions extend beyond their teams. Their collaborative efforts have significantly improved the safety and quality of football equipment used in amateur football, fostering a safer environment for youth athletes. Their dedication to community service and the sport’s development at all levels has left an indelible mark on football in Alberta.

Their legacies are characterized by exceptional service, deep-rooted passion for the game, and a commitment to excellence that has inspired countless players, coaches, and colleagues throughout the Canadian football community.

2025 Inductee Highlight-Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes, born September 27, 1972, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a legendary Canadian athlete renowned for her exceptional accomplishments in both cycling and speed skating. She is the only athlete ever to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, a testament to her extraordinary versatility and dedication.

Clara’s athletic career took off in cycling, where she earned two bronze medals at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics in the road race and individual time trial. She continued to excel in cycling, securing seven medals at the Pan American Games and competing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, Clara transitioned to speed skating, training at Calgary’s Olympic Oval in Alberta. She quickly became a dominant force, winning a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Her pursuit of excellence led to a gold medal in the 5,000 meters and a silver in the team pursuit at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. She added a sixth Olympic medal with a bronze in the 5,000 meters at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where she proudly served as Canada’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Clara is a passionate mental health advocate. She has openly shared her own struggles with depression, using her platform to destigmatize mental illness. As the founding spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk, Clara has been instrumental in initiating a national dialogue on mental health.

In 2014, she undertook “Clara’s Big Ride,” cycling over 11,000 kilometers across Canada to promote mental health awareness. Her efforts engaged communities nationwide and inspired countless individuals to seek help and support.

Clara’s humanitarian work includes significant contributions to Right to Play and Take a Hike, organizations that support youth through sport and outdoor education. She also serves as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, advocating for Indigenous communities affected by the residential school system.

Clara Hughes’ legacy is one of unparalleled athletic achievement and profound social impact. Her induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame honours not only her sporting excellence but also her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Help Us Meet Our Goal!Your gift to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame through Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the future. With matching opportunities of up to 50%, every dollar you contribute goes further, amplifying your impact on youth education and the preservation of Alberta’s sport legacy.

By giving today, you’re helping to inspire young athletes, celebrate our province’s rich sporting history, and ignite a passion for learning and leadership in the next generation. Be part of something bigger—help us reach our $100,000 goal and make a lasting difference.