BARRIE, Ontario — Before all focus can shift to the year ahead, there was still some unfinished business from 2023 as the drivers and teams of Sunset Speedway came together on Saturday night to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments from the year that was.

Each of the track champions were honored on stage – Keegan Moat (Jr Late Model), Cash Ireton (Bone Stock), Doug Butler (Mini Stock), Tom Walters (Hot Rod), Cory McAllister (Super Stock), Andy Kamrath (Modified), and Gord Shepherd (Late Model) – on stage in front of everyone in attendance. Each individual took the time to thank those who helped them reach their accomplishments this past season. There were also each presented their trophy, as well as a championship ring from track owner Brian Todish. The rings were a tradition started a couple years ago in wanting to find a special way for each individual to be recognized.

The newer faces in each division were also recognized, with the Rookie of the Year Award winners each being presented a trophy for their accomplishments. Those awards were taken home by Josh Berry (Bone Stock), Austyn Jennett (Mini Stock), Jamie Cairns (Hot Rod), Cole Burrows (Super Stock), Shawn Murray (Modified), and Dustyn Mombourquette (Late Model).

One of the most coveted awards that is presented each season is the best appearing honors, with a car from each division being recognized for it’s beautiful appearance and the team’s ethic in keeping it looking that way from the initial drop of the green flag to the last checkered flag of 2023. The winners for the 2023 season were Morgan Moore (Jr Late Model), Jacob Booth (Bone Stock), Madisson Tienkamp (Mini Stock), Amanda Balson (Hot Rod), Connor Maltese (Super Stock), Shawn Murray (Modified), and Jordan Howse (Late Model).

The last award presented was the Most Sportsmanlike Driver, given to an individual for how they carry themselves through the pits in their mannerisms as well as want to help their competitors out at times. Paul Maltese and Cory McAllister were both honored for this past season.