Gareth Senkow – Racing Biography

Gareth Senkow is an NHRA and IHRA drag racer based in Manitoba, Canada. Raised in a racing family, Gareth spent his childhood at the drag strip, growing up immersed in the sport and dreaming of one day racing alongside those he admired. That dream became reality at the age of nine, when he began competing in a Junior Dragster. More than 23 years later, Gareth continues to chase that passion—now from behind the wheel of far more powerful machinery.

Racing has always been about more than competition for Gareth. It is about family, friendships, and the memories made traveling from track to track. He is deeply grateful for the support of his family, whose encouragement and willingness to share the journey make it possible for him to do what he loves.

Gareth is also proud to partner with CanRacing.ca, whose professionalism and customer service have made them his top choice for diecast cars and racing merchandise. As an avid diecast collector himself, a large portion of Gareth’s collection has come from CanRacing.ca, making this partnership a natural fit and one he is proud to represent both on and off the track.

Today, Gareth actively campaigns two race cars, each representing a different chapter of his racing journey.

1975 Ford Pinto – NHRA Super Street (10.90 Index)

Gareth’s long‑time primary race car is a 1975 Ford Pinto, which he competes with in NHRA Super Street (10.90 index). For the 2026 season, the car received a major upgrade with a new 421 cubic‑inch Small Block Pontiac producing approximately 720 horsepower.

The car’s current best performance is 10.02 seconds at 135 mph, with expectations that those numbers will continue to improve with the new engine combination. Gareth has raced this Pinto for 11 seasons, achieving consistent success throughout its career. The car has competed for three season championships, including back‑to‑back titles followed by a second‑place finish.

This Pinto has also helped Gareth earn three NHRA Wally trophies, including two from NHRA National Open events, making it one of the most successful and dependable platforms of his racing career.

1964 Plymouth Fury – NHRA Super Street & Super Gas (9.90 Index)

Gareth’s second race car is a 1964 Plymouth Fury, powered by a 1001‑horsepower Keith Black Hemi. The car competes in NHRA Super Street and Super Gas (9.90 index) and has already recorded a best pass of 8.70 seconds at 156 mph.

Gareth acquired the Fury in 2024 following the passing of close family friend Dale Altstadt, who lost his battle with cancer. The car carries deep family and racing history. Originally purchased in 1965 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by Dale’s father, it served as the family car for everything from road trips to daily school runs. After being parked in 1983, Dale took ownership in 1987 and began transforming it into a race car.

Following Dale’s passing, the Altstadt family generously gifted the car to Gareth so it could continue racing in Dale’s memory. With several updates and refinements, Gareth has spent the past two seasons learning the car and working through its setup. Early results have been promising, including semifinal finishes at the Muscle Car Shootout in Brainerd, Minnesota; the Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Alberta; and the Rock Falls, Wisconsin National Open, along with a quarterfinal finish at the Lucas Oil Divisional in Brainerd.

Early performances like these point toward an upcoming first major—and deeply meaningful—win with this car.

NHRA Feature – Attention in the Pits

Gareth and his racing program were featured in NHRA’s Attention in the Pits segment during the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota. The feature highlighted the Fury’s history and Gareth’s connection to Dale Altstadt, showcasing the legacy behind the car and the importance of preserving racing heritage.
Watch the episode on NHRA’s official YouTube channel: “Attention in the Pits – Gareth Senkow” [youtube.com]