Quick 32 Sportsman Series competitor Shawna Woudstra has drag raced for over 20 years, but when she climbs into the cockpit of her Top Dragster this season, she will be making her debut as the Fortinos Fuel for Kids driver.
As an ambassador for the grocery retailer, Woudstra will help raise funds for school initiatives by leading the Fuel for Kids programs at all 24 Fortinos locations in Southern Ontario.
“I’m super excited to be officially announced as the driver of the Fuel for Kids program,” she said. “Students get a presentation to learn all about racing, followed by a BBQ fundraiser at their local Fortinos store, where 100 percent of the proceeds go back to the school. Over the past decade, Fuel for Kids has raised over $250,000, which has helped strengthen community ties and hopefully inspired a few future racers. Look for the bright red race car at a Fortinos near you and join us for a hot dog to support your local community.”
Starting in the sport’s level-entry class of Junior Dragsters, the Burlington, Ontario, native progressed to larger, faster cars with the help and guidance of parents Dan and Brenda. Vehicles of this class regularly perform with track times in the low six-second range at speeds approaching 200-plus mph in the quarter-mile.
Fortinos has been involved with the Fuel for Kids program for a decade, putting money back into the community. A big part of this effort goes to partners Maple Leaf, Saputo, Piller’s, General Mills, Lay’s, Black Diamond Cheese Strings, Conagra Brands, Wonderbrands, WK Kellogg Co. and Stemilt Fruit.
“John Fortino’s philosophy, since the beginning in 1961, was to build strong ties with the communities we operate in,” said senior vice president Peter Weicker. “Fuel for Kids is the best, most unique and differentiated community giveback program I’ve ever seen, so the fit with Fortinos’ franchisees was obvious.”
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series will compete on Empire Dragway’s eighth-mile drag strip in Leicester, NY. It will include the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS), the 5.50 Super Series, and Box and No-Box eliminators.
Qualifying rounds will be held Friday, June 20, at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m., with eliminations starting at noon.
The Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS), the 5.50 Super Series, along with the Box and No-Box divisions will compete at Empire Dragway and compete for their respective Championship Point Award Series on June 20 – 21, July 18 – 19, August 15 – 16 and September 12 – 13, 2025.
Visit the Pro Modified Racing Association at facebook.com/promodifiedracing, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series at facebook.com/quick32, the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) at facebook.com/probikeandsledseries and the Empire Dragway at EmpireDragway.com for more information and event updates.
This story was originally published on June 12, 2025. 
