BRIGHTON, ON – Spring time means the start of the racing season in Ontario. Saturday Night, May 12, the Southern Ontario Sprints will once again invade Brighton Speedway, this time to kick off their 12th season of competition. Many of the veteran stars of the fledging SOS 360 sprint car club are returning with fresh or new equipment, new paint schemes, and renewed enthusiasm to vie for the coveted Championship.
Two time and defending champion Warren Mahoney leads the way with new sponsorship, a new look, and a replenished inventory of parts in tow. Always a threat to win, Warren will be one to watch again as he sets out to defend his title. Along with Warren from the Mahoney camp will be the return of the ageless Dick Mahoney in the purple seventy-nine. The Mahoney’s are well known within the club as the “go to” people if fellow competitors need something to keep their machines on the track and competitive.
Ohsweken Speedway owner Glenn Styres is also set to return with fresh equipment and an eye on the title. Joining Styres Racing this year will be a second entry driven by veteran Keith Dempster. Dempster came to the Styres camp early in the year after the sudden death of car owner Dave MacLeod and will be certain to be a contender for the crown in his Eagle Chassis.
Returning for 2007 from the west end of the province will be John Watson, John Riegling, and Adam West. Daryl Turford, Andrew Reaume, Jeff Daniels, and veteran Garry Evans will also see regular action with the club. The central region will see Bob Crawford return for yet another season. He will be joined by Craig Downie, Jamie Collard, Kevin Job, James Whittaker, and Bob McDonald in the Ray Ballentyne machine. The east end of the province will once again be represented by the Wilson family. Once again joining father Rick will be son Kyle, and daughter April.
The Niagara region will again be represented by veterans Fred Cade and Tom Huppunen. Brad Malloy and the Middlemiss brothers Robert and Joe along with John Burbridge are also expected to see regular competition.
From New York State will be the return of Jim Porter to his own machine. Also returning will be Mark Christiano while Tim Phillips will step out of the drivers seat for 2007 to take up “tech inspector” duties with the club.
The rookie crop expected for 2007 include London’s Mike Ferrrell who is graduating from the micro sprint ranks, Mark Swain from Port Perry in the former Gary Evans machine who has some road racing background, and first time racer Bill Baldwin from Coutrice, Ontario.
Following the season opener at Brighton Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway opens it’s gates to the club on Friday night, May 18th at the Styres family owned fast 3/8 mile clay oval.
With opening day now only hours away, teams both old and new are preparing for what is shaping up to be the most competitive season yet. Make plans now so you won’t miss any of the action as the “Winged Warriors with an Attitude” travel to a speedway near you.
For all the latest information be sure to check the official website of the Southern Ontario Sprints at http://www.southernontariosprints.com/ as preparation continues toward the green flag on the 2007 racing season.
For Immediate Release - Ken Pelkie, SOS Media Officer
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