In a Class of His Own

Harold Parfett was born and raised in Wetaskiwin.  In 1966 when he was fifteen he was introduced to the sport of drag racing by attending the races at the Speedway in Edmonton.  That day helped to fuel his life-long passion for the sport.  Harold started out in car racing by sponsoring cars and drivers and eventually he was able to own his own cars.  Because of his contributions, sponsorship and his achievements Harold has been inducted into two motorsport Halls of Fame.  In 2016 he was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame and in 2022 into the Western Canada Motorsports Hall of Fame.  We also recognize Harold’s illustrious motorsport career by inducting him into the Wetaskiwin & County Sports Hall of Fame.

Chance Meeting Leads to Growing Ambition

Harold’s introduction to drag racing was not only exciting but also dramatic.  When he attended his first race he had a chance meeting with a famous car driver, Don Garlits, who shook his hand, gave him a signed picture and told him that if he worked hard, one day he could own his own race car.  From then on Harold’s dream was to one day own his own race car.  

After completing his technical education in Edmonton and Calgary, Harold started a business right from his own garage, manufacturing electrical boxes.  In just a few years, his business, ACE Manufacturing, experienced tremendous growth.  At the time, despite not being able to afford a car of his own, Harold was deeply moved by the passion and determination of local drag racers.  Instead of dwelling on his limitations, he made it his mission to support struggling racers in the form of sponsorship.    

Made it His Mission to Support Aspiring Young Drivers

Due to his proximity to the International Speedway in Wetaskiwin, Harold began providing financial support to different stock car racers in 1984. Not only did he assist them during their stock car races, but he also extended his help when they transitioned to ice racing during the winter season. In 1990 Harold turned his passion for sponsoring race cars and drivers into an official and respected venture.  

During the early 1990’s ACE became prominently involved with the Western Canada Powerama Car Show in Edmonton as the main sponsor for the talented race car driver Levy Dumont.  Levy’s car achieved remarkable success, consistently winning races, and even gracing the covers of numerous race programs. 

It was also in the early 1990’s that Harold embarked on a journey of sponsoring drag racing and supporting aspiring young drivers.  Starting with various drag cars in the drag racing bracket classes, he assembled a team of exceptional drivers, tuners and builders.  Together, they achieved incredible success, winning numerous races in the Funny Car and Dragster classes.  The talented racers he sponsored even went on to compete in internationally recognized International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)

Ace Racing Keen on Making it a Multi-Family Affair

In 1994 Team Ace Racing made it a family affair.  He started supporting Eddy Plaizier, a talented super gas race car driver.  Not only did Harold sponsor Eddy, but he also extended his support to Eddy’s daughter Frankie, who was racing a junior dragster.  The Plaizier family became even more intertwined with Harold’s sponsorship when Eddy’s son Casey joined as a racer.  Harold’s commitment to the Plazier family is unparalleled and has now lasted for many years.  Eddy Plazier continues to leave his mark wherever he competes, whether it be on local or national stages.  Through their enduring partnership, Harold and the Plaiziers have built a bond that goes beyond the world of racing. 

In 1994 Harold decided to sponsor Kevin Boyer's drag bike and that decision marked the beginning of a phenomenal journey.  Just as Harold’s passion for speed evolved, so did Kevin’s.  Going from stock to pro stock to top fuel nitro Harley, Kevin competed at the highest levels of competition in both IHRA and NHRA races.  Additionally, Kevin Boyer participated in the Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing (CMDRA) races cross Canada, representing ACE as a proud sponsor.  

Harold didn’t stop there.  He played a major role in launching the Sitko Family entry into the sport of drag racing.  From top alcohol dragsters to nitro methane fueled funny cars, Team Ace Racing was there every step of the way. 

Family means everything to Harold.  In 2001, he and his sons came together to form “Ace Racing” and embarked on an exciting journey of snowmobile racing.  With the support of Arctic Cat, they acquired six machines and hit the racing circuit in Alberta and Saskatchewan.  Joined by four friends, the boys displayed incredible talent and achieved outstanding success, claiming victory in numerous races.

Alberta Partners Launch "Street Legal Racing Program" Campaign

Always one to support community initiatives, in 1991, the Alberta Detachment of the RCMP approached Harold with an important proposition: to get involved with the “Say NO to Drugs” campaign.  In l996, Harold, along with the Alberta Motor Association, the Alberta RCMP and the Capital Raceway, came together to launch what’s called Street Legal Racing Program.  Their mission was clear: to keep racing off the roads while promoting responsible driving and raising awareness about drug and alcohol abuse among young drivers.  The Street Legal Program was done in collaboration with Edmonton’s drag strip, the RCMP and a group of members from the Edmonton Police Force who formed Blue Line Racing.  Together, they brought an exceptional educational program to high schools in the area.  The Street Legal Program has experienced remarkable growth, attracting thousands of young adults who come together on Friday nights for supervised drag racing, mentorship and team spirit.  This endeavour not only established a positive image of law enforcement but also fostered a sense of pride and safety within the community.  

37 Year-Long Love of Racing - Finally Gets his Own Race Car

In 2003, Harold met with the president of the IBBA, Nostalgia Funny Car Association.  This organization consisted of six nostalgia drag race funny cars.  It was suggested that Harold build a funny car and become a part of their club.  With excitement and determination, Harold joined the IBBA Nostalgia Funny Car Association; Thirty-seven years after meeting Don Gartlis, Harold finally achieved his dream of owning his very own race car. 

Harold’s journey in drag racing continues to reach new heights.  He has made his mark in the professional drag racing world by becoming one of the sponsors on one of the two Kalitta Motorsports’ top fuel dragsters, driven by Doug Kalitta.  In 2023, Doug Kalitta achieved the ultimate victory and became the reigning 2023 champion of the NHRA top fuel drag racing class and was awarded the NHRA Wally, the ultimate trophy in professional drag racing. With this win, Harold and Team Ace Racing have been part of 70 wins and championships and have the Wally’s and trophies to show for it.  

Mission Accomplished or More Great Things to Come

Team Ace Racing has achieved exceptional success on both the NHRA and the IHRA.  Sponsored by Harold, their cars and motorcycles have secured IHRA Championships in an impressive fourteen different categories, primarily competing in Edmonton.  In the NHRA, they have earned an astounding 32 Championships across 12 diverse categories, showcasing their talent in locations such as Edmonton and Medicine Hat, Alberta, Mission and Ashcroft, BC and Las Vegas, Spokane, Bakersfield, Salt Lake and Seattle in the USA. 

Harold’s unwavering devotion to motorsports and drag racing spans nearly six decades. His passion for supporting fellow enthusiasts in various racing events, including cars, snowmobiles and motorcycles, has been a constant throughout this time.  Harold has served as a mentor and guide to numerous young racers, helping them excel in their chosen sports.   His legacy continues to inspire generations of motorsport enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the racing world.  Harold has been very influential in putting Wetaskiwin ’s name onto the local, national and international racing stage! We applaud his commitment, his dedication, his generosity, his unwavering support and his many years of involvement in the racing community and are proud to induct Harold into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame.