Southern Ontario Sprints Closes 10th Season with Gala Awards Banquet

By Ken Pelkie

The 10th anniversary season of the Southern Ontario Sprints came to a conclusion Saturday night as the annual awards banquet was hosted at the Best Western Cain Croft Inn in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Coming off of a stellar year, Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario was acknowledged by the huge crowd on hand as the 2005 series Champion. While capturing two feature wins, West compiled an “iron man” record for the series as he finished out of the top five on only four occasions during the campaign. Thanking the many people who have supported the team in making the championship run, West acknowledged the personal sacrifice of his team while accepting the award. Gerry West, crew chief on the championship team received the “Signet Tools – Mechanic of the Year” award while West Racing also picked up the “Best Appearing Car” award for 2005.

Runner-up, Glenn Styres capture six feature wins through-out the 2005 campaign but fell short to the winning efforts of West by eighty points on the final tally. 

The ageless Dick Mahoney finished third, while Bob Crawford and Warren Mahoney rounded out the top five in the chase for the championship.

Sixth through tenth were Jim Porter, Craig Downie, John Watson, Gary Evans, and Daryl Turford. “Rookie of the Year” honours went to John Watson.

The ceremonies marked the final duties for long time President Peter Turford who introduced his successor, Bill Oldroyd. After thanking Peter for his tireless leadership over the past five years, Oldroyd briefly addressed those in attendance with a promise to maintain the direction the organization has grown in as they enter the second decade.

While the 2006 schedule is nearing completion, release is expected early in the new year as final contracts are signed and returned. For all the latest news, be sure to log on to the official website of the Southern Ontario Sprints at www.southernontariosprints.com .



Final 2005 Point Standings

1/ - Adam WEST

2/ - Glenn STYRES

3/ - Dick MAHONEY

4/ - Bob CRAWFORD

5/ - Warren MAHONEY

6/ - Jim PORTER

7/ - Craig DOWNIE

8/ - John WATSON

9/ - Gary EVANS

10/ - Daryl TURFORD