SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS RECOGNIZES ITS CHAMPIONS AT THEIR ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

By Bill Oldroyd

Brantford, Ontario – November 6, 2004

The Southern Ontario Sprints officially brought to close their ninth season with their Annual Awards Banquet, which was held again this year at the Holiday Inn in Brantford, Ontario.  Club President, Peter Turford led the proceedings as the top competitors, crew members and support personnel of the 2004 season were recognized with cash and prizes totaling over $10,000.  Many thanks goes out to the SOS sponsors for making this night a huge success including; Pennzoil, Wiseco Piston, Signet Tools Inc., Leaf Racewear, Kenetic Photos, B&B Oval Track Products and BS&B Radiator.

Cody Geldart of Mossley, the sixteen year-old driving sensation, was officially crowned the 2004 SOS champion as he edged out last years champion, Glenn Styres from Ohsweken by a mere 31 points.  Geldart had an outstanding season racking up 5 wins and 12 top five’s in the 15-race schedule and finished 3rd in the Canadian Sprint Car Championships.  He also gain valuable experience in the US as he raced at East Bay in Florida back in February as well as competing in Knoxville, Iowa at the Brobix Tournament of Champions last August (made the “A”-main and finished a respectable 12th).

Receiving runner up honors was last year’s champion, Glenn Styres.  Styres had another outstanding season with 2 wins and 14 top ten’s.  Warren Mahoney from Lefroy, the 2001 series champion, was presented with the 3rd place award.  In six seasons with the SOS, Mahoney has finished in the top 5 in points each year, including three 2nd place finishes and a 3rd to go along with his championship.

Adam West of Ridgetown was back with the SOS full time this season after a year racing in the US for Bob Trostle in the KIDD program.  West finished 4th in points after a very consistent season finishing in the top 10 in every race he entered including a 2nd at the Canadian Sprint Car Championships.  Some very special guests were on hand to make the presentation to West.  Trostle along with Tom Schmeh (from the Knoxville Hall of Fame) made the trip over from Knoxville, Iowa to attend this year’s SOS Awards Banquet and to make the presentation to West.

Kyle Patrick from Tilbury, last year’s Rookie of the Year, received 5th place honors and picked up his first career feature win this season.  Rounding out the top ten were Bob Crawford from Sutton, Jack Pillon from Belle River, Dick Mahoney of Newmarket, Daryl Turford from Stratford and Gary Evans of Thorndale.  In all, the top twenty competitors were recognized. 

SOS President, Peter Turford (left) presents award to the 2004 SOS Rookie of the Year Jack Pillon.

The Rookie of the Year honors for the 2004 season was presented to nineteen-year old Jack Pillon, who managed 6 top 10 finishes during his first season in a sprint car.  Another special award, Mechanic of the Year, was presented to Kevin Loveys who is Crew Chief for the #0 sprinter of Styres.

The banquet closed out one of the most successful season to-date for the SOS and the enthusiasm and anticipation for the 10th anniversary season has already begun as competitors and crews are busy making their plans.  Several new drivers have already indicated their intentions to run with the SOS next season and most of the seasoned veterans will be returning.  This should make for another very exciting season for the SOS.  For all the latest news, visit our Website at www.southernontariosprints.com.