Ontario “Top rated” season series champions….

The Bears Performance Products presented PSDS is a leading series for within Ontario for Top Sportsman and Top Dragster competitors.

In 2024 a total of 4 races were scheduled  –  3 at Grand Bend Motorplex and as well as one scheduled for at St. Thomas Dragway.

Unfortunately the St Thomas date was cancelled (weather related) so the season in the end consisted of the 3 events at GBM:  Spectacular July 12-14, WDRA Canadian Nationals August 2nd – 4th and Thunder by the Beach August 30th to September 1st.

While racer attendance was decent — overall participation was down this year compared to previous seasons campaigns.

“Breakage within a number of teams was an issue,” admitted Paul Spriet President/Owner of both GBM & St. Thomas Dragway. “And we felt the effects of the economy with less disposable income this year due to food prices, mortgage rate increases, etc etc. Plus some of the conflicting additional events hosted elsewhere in the area was a factor.”

Strange Engineering was the presenter for the Top Sportsman class – and that points title was won by Phil Sampson’s very cool ’53 Studebaker which won at Grand Bend’s WDRA Canadian Nationals event. The Top 8 was rounded out by the team of Wilson/Gray (R/UP), Paul Coull, Wes Goddard, Jeff Gabel, Marc Gervais, Larry Godin, and Tony Youssef.

Phil Sampson roared to the 2024 points title for PSDS Top Sportsman class cars.

In the Smokies Garage Top Dragster class it was one of GBM’s all time most dominate & regular winners taking the title — as Kevin Knight (from Corinna ON) laid claim to the series championship. The Top 8 were rounded out by Benny Smith (R/UP) Bill McKay, Mike Swick, Jesse Searson, Michael Kalin, Jim Rubino, and Dean Schwemler.

Kevin Knight – one of Ontario’s most prolific local racers – won the PSDS T/D class title for 2024.

Posted with files by Bruce Biegler & Paul Spriet
DragRaceCanada file photos by Steve Embling & Bruce Biegler