ST. MARYS, Ont. — The upcoming schedule for the Southern Ontario Sprints has been revealed by series officials, along with the championship points fund and increased event purses.
The 27th SOS season will bring the series to five tracks — Merrittville Speedway, Southern Ontario Motor Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway, Humberstone Speedway in Ontario, and Ransomville Speedway in New York.
Merrittville will host four SOS events, including the season-opening Spring Sizzler on April 20, and the Gary Cunningham Memorial in June. Extra cash will again be on the line in the Cunningham Memorial, with lap sponsors and various other extras.
Three visits to Southern Ontario Motor Speedway (South Buxton) are highlighted by a co-sanctioned event with the Great Lakes Super Sprints in July, and a sprint car doubleheaders with the Ontario Traditional Sprints series in June and September.
The July SOMS event is preceded by two big Thunder on the Grand events at Ohsweken, while the SOS will again be a part of Northern Sprint Car Nationals weekend in September. The Southern Ontario Sprints, Great Lakes Super Sprints, Empire Super Sprints and Ohsweken’s 360 Sprint Car division are all involved as co-sanctions for the Ohsweken events.
The lone trip across the border for the SOS will occur at Ransomville in August, and the trip will be a lucrative one with the purse being paid in U.S. funds. Many drivers and teams from Western New York have supported the SOS series from day one, making the trip an opportunity to reminisce with old friends as well.
The season is scheduled to conclude with a pair of events at Humberstone in October for another edition of The Fall Classic.
PURSE INCREASES
The standard Southern Ontario Sprints race night purse is set for a significant boost. Each feature starter will earn at least $350 and the winner will earn at least $2,500.
The Gary Cunningham Memorial at Merrittville will pay $3,000 to the winner, with other bonuses yet to be announced. Nitro 54 also has a hand in some big paydays at Ohsweken, including $20,000-to-win for the 20th running of the Northern Sprint Car Nationals.
POINTS FUND
The top-10 finishers in the SOS championship standings will each earn a share of the $7,000 points fund thanks to Hoosier Tire Canada. The SOS champion will be awarded $1,100, while each top-10 finisher will take home at least $500. Drivers must compete in at least 80-percent of the SOS schedule to be eligible.
2024 SCHEDULE
Nitro 54 Variety Southern Ontario Sprints presented by Tammy Ten Media
(Subject to Change)
Saturday, April 20 – Merrittville Speedway (Thorold, ON) – Spring Sizzler
Saturday, June 15 – Southern Ontario Motor Speedway (Merlin, ON) – w/OTS
Saturday, June 22 – Merrittville Speedway (Thorold, ON) – $3,000-to-win Gary Cunningham Memorial
Thursday, July 11 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ohsweken, ON) – $5,000-to-win Thunder on the Grand
Friday, July 12 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ohsweken, ON) – $10,000-to-win Thunder on the Grand
Saturday, July 13 – Southern Ontario Motor Speedway (Merlin, ON) – w/GLSS
Saturday, July 20 – Merrittville Speedway (Thorold, ON)
Friday, August 16 – Ransomville Speedway (Ransomville, NY)
Saturday, September 7 – Merrittville Speedway (Thorold, ON)
Friday, September 13 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ohsweken, ON)
Saturday, September 14 – Ohsweken Speedway (Ohsweken, ON) – $20,000-to-win Northern Sprint Car Nationals
Saturday, September 28 – Southern Ontario Motor Speedway (Merlin, ON) – w/OTS
Friday, October 4 – Humberstone Speedway (Port Colborne, ON)
Saturday, October 5 – Humberstone Speedway (Port Colborne, ON