A wrap up of the 2023 season for Ontario’s most prominent T/S & T/D series…

For 2023 the BEARS PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS PSDS SERIES presented by CORRIVEAU CONCRETE FORMING SUPPLIES consisted of THE STRANGE ENGINEERING TOP SPORTSMAN AND STROUD SAFETY EQUIPMENT TOP DRAGSTER PROGRAMS.

The series was run off at the following four events: Summer Spectacular June 16-18 — The WDRA Canadian Nationals August 3-5 and Thunder by the Beach Sept 1-3rd all at Grand Bend Motorplex (1/4 mile programs) and the Elgin Extravaganza July 28-30th at St Thomas Dragway (1/8 mile program).

Unfortunately, Mother nature had an effect on the series this year, as the Elgin Extravaganza originally scheduled for July 14-16th was rained out and a number of competitors could not make the rain date. It was the same for the WDRA Canadian Nationals as Sunday was rained out with the event finishing on the Saturday of the Thunder by the Beach Event.

For the first time in its history the PSDS Champions were the quickest cars in both fields.

In Strange Engineering Top Sportsman Mike Wagg (Cambridge ON) ran consistent laps in the 6.20’s at 220 MPH to take the victory at both the Summer Spectacular and Elgin Extravaganza events.

Mike Wagg was the series title winner for the PSDS in 2023 with his fan favourite Hot & Nasty ’37 Chevy.

The elimination rounds of the WDRA Canadian Nationals which were rained out and completed on the Saturday of the Labour day “Thunder by the Beach” event, saw Jeff Gabel take the win. (Mike Wagg was runner up). The Labour day weekend event concluded on Sunday with Paul Coull getting the victory. Mike Wagg locked up the Championship with his round 1 win.

The Top 4 in points at year end were Champion Mike Wagg, 2nd Wilson/Gray, 3rd Kaiden Wicke and 4th Paul Coull.

In Stroud Safety Equipment Top Dragster, Mike Kalin (Youngstown NY) was even more dominant, taking his 6 second 220+MPH dragster to the winner’s circle in the first 3 events, ensuring him the Championship. Sunday of Labour day weekend saw Benny Smith take the victory.

The top 4 in points at year end were Champion Mike Kalin, 2nd Ed Smith, 3rd Benny Smith and 4th Luke Schwemler.

We are looking forward to an even bigger better series in 2024 and are working towards hopefully including a Pro Mod class series.

Posted by Paul Spriet
DragRaceCanada File photos by Steve Embling