It’s Really Not a Drag Brandon Satchell will tell you drag racing is anything but a drag. The Byron resident won the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Championship in the Bike & Sled class for two consecutive years this past September. He will receive his award at the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala in Montréal on November 8. The NHRA, the world’s largest drag racing organization, brings together the best racers from across the country to compete for points at multiple events throughout the season. Winning at the NHRA is the top national title for racers in Canada. To do it two years in a row is not easy.
Bike & Sled is the competition class for motorcycles and snowmobiles. “It’s quite an exciting class because you see all kinds of machines, from high-powered street bikes to purpose-built racing sleds.” The competition style Brandon races is called “Bracket Racing” and is based on reaction time, speed and consistency rather than just horsepower. “It’s all about precision and control, not about who’s fastest,” Brandon adds. “I love that it’s both mechanical and mental. You need to tune your machine perfectly, but you also need complete focus to react instantly and run consistent times.” Brandon got his start in racing when he was 2 years old, hanging out with his mom, who worked at the souvenir booth at the St. Thomas Dragway. Growing up, Brandon worked at the Dragway and Grand Bend Motorplex, and at age 17, he officially began his drag racing career. Brandon and Carla, World Drag Racing Alliance Championship, Grand Bend Motorplex, August 2025
Brandon at the 2024 Canadian Hall of Fame Awards Gala
“In drag racing, the difference between winning and losing a race can be a thousandth of a second, so staying on top for two years in a row is an immense honour,” explains Brandon. “To me, it’s proof that the long nights, travel, and endless focus are paying off. It’s also an honour to represent our community on a national stage.” Drag Racing is a competition format where two hot rods line up, side by side, and race in a straight line, typically for a quarter or an eighth mile. According to Brandon, hot rods are bikes or cars built for speed, stripped down, tuned up, or customized for maximum performance.
Ho Ho Hold On, Did You Say Christmas Market? 'Tis the season when Christmas markets spring up throughout the area, offering opportunities to do Christmas shopping early while supporting local artisans and crafters. Nothing makes a better gift than a homemade item lovingly crafted by a local artist and handpicked by you for your special someone. Here are some markets around the area:
May Court Marketplace Marketplace evolved from the old-fashioned Christmas Bazaar that May Court presented every year. It is usually held on the second Sunday in November. The addition of vendors with varied products enhances the shopping experience for customers. This is the fourth year Marketplace will be held at Boler Mountain on Griffith Street in Byron. A beautiful location, elevator access, wonderful food service, and fantastic products from May. WHEN & WHERE: Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 11 am – 3 pm Boler Mountain, 689 Griffith Street Come Home For Christmas Holiday Market Home Hardware in Komoka is hosting its Come Home For Christmas event featuring local vendors, food trucks, raffle prizes, and live music. Time to get in the mood for Christmas! WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 | 5 pm to 8 pm
Christmas Market & Second-Hand Treasures Celebrate the season with festive cheer, unique finds and heartwarming spirit supporting local artisans! WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 | 10 am to 3 pm Westview Baptist Church 1000 Wonderland Road S., London (Westmount) St. Anne’s Christmas Bazaar & Tea A beloved annual event dating back to 1853! A wide assortment of jewelry, skincare, crafts, baked goods and so much more. You don’t want to miss this one! WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 | 9 am to 1 pm St. Anne’s Anglican Church 1344 Commissioners Road W. (Byron)
Komoka/Kilworth Home Hardware 22428 Jefferies Road, Komoka
Page 10 Byron Villager November 2025
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