Brighton Speedway Added Another Three Greats to the Wall of Fame
By Carlin Bedore
On Saturday, August 8th the 2026 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place at Brighton Speedway. Current owners Angela and Mark Rinaldi, alongside former owners Diane and Lou Rinaldi, conducted a meaningful ceremony honoring Gary Vandertoorn, John Calnan, and Kim Fisher-MacDonald (formerly Kim Dunkley).
Gary Vandertoorn began his racing career in 1985 in the Enduro class where he competed for three seasons. After stepping away from racing, he returned to the track in 2005 behind the wheel of the No.8 car and continued racing until 2011.
During that time, Gary established himself as a hardworking and determined competitor. He received the Promoter’s Award in 2004, won the Novice Run-Off Championship in 2005, and captured the Pure Stock Championship in 2007.
Many can attest that Gary was just as important outside the race car. He began helping Lou Rinaldi with track prep in 1999 and continued to help the Rinaldi family with maintenance and operations for many years. Gary was dedicated, hardworking, and reliable. His contribution to Brighton Speedway was not measured in racing accomplishments. It was measured in decades of commitment to the track and the people.
Gary Vandertoorn is recognized on the Brighton Speedway Wall of Fame as a Builder. To those who knew him, he helped build more than the track itself. He helped build a community.
John Calnan began his ten-season racing career in 1988, instantly showing his talents as a driver finishing fourth in the Street Stock class and winning Rookie of the Year.
Throughout his career, John consistently finished fourth or higher in every class he competed in. His accomplishments include winning a second Rookie of the Year award in 1995 in the Super Stock class, several Run-Off Championships, and two Most Feature Flags awards in the Sportsman class.
John finished his career with fifty-nine wins, including twenty-four feature wins and three consecutive Super Stock/Sportsman Championships.
Driver No.26, John Calnan is recognized on the Wall of Fame for his excellence in many classes. However, most notably for his success in the Super Stock/Sportsman class where he only raced four seasons but ranked fifth in total wins and sixth in total points for the 1990’s. During this time, he also outpaced even Wall of Fame drivers Clayton Pederson and Gord Barrett for highest average point total per season.
Kim Fisher-MacDonald began her racing career in the Ladies class in 1992 where she was quickly noted as a strong competitor. After her first season of racing, she finished fifth in the championship and was named Rookie of the Year.
The Ladies class was amalgamated in 1997 but in Kim’s last four years driving in the class she never finished lower than third in the championship and received multiple individual awards. In 1995, Kim claimed the championship along with the Most Checkered Flags award and the Promoters Award.
After the Ladies class, Kim drove in the Street Stock class for three seasons. She won the Runner-up award in her first season and later finished fifth and sixth in 1999 and 2000. Kim finished her career with a total of thirty-five career wins through both classes.
Kim Fisher-MacDonald is recognized on the Wall of Fame as Driver No.25, known for being a fierce competitor and recognized by current Wall of Fame drivers Shelly Grgeory and Cindy Gregory-Mosco as their strongest competitor in the Ladies class.
Brighton Speedway is proud to welcome these three influential members of the racing community to the Wall of Fame as its 2026 inductees. Their achievements, dedication, and contributions have left a lasting mark on the speedway and continue to inspire future generations of racers, officials, volunteers, and fans.
Next Up!
The Southern Ontario Sprints roar through Brighton Speedway on August 15th for a wild night of kickin’ dust up. Presented by Quinte Hydraulic Services, the Lawns We Do 360 sprint class is joined by Late Models, Canadian Modifieds, Thunder Stocks, and Mini Stocks. The gates open at 5 P.M. and racing begins at 7 P.M.
About Us
Racing at Brighton Speedway continues every Saturday until October. Race fans can find a complete schedule and more information by visiting our website at brightonspeedway.ca or by following us on our socials. A 1/3rd mile clay oval, Brighton Speedway is in the municipality of Brighton on the shores of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1967, the Speedway hosts five divisions on a weekly basis, beginning on the first weekend in May and ending on the first weekend in October. With two travelling series, the Lawns We 360 Sprint Cars and the Vanderlaan Building Products Northeast Late Model Division calling Brighton home, other series visit the track each season to impress the fans and challenge the tight turns on the dirt track.
Photos by Rod Henderson, CanadianRacer.com
- Current and previous Brighton Speedway owners welcome Gary Vandertoorn to the Wall of Fame as a 2026 inductee.
