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Q&A With Dick Mahoney
Looking back at 2003 were you satisfied with a top 5 finish in the SOS standings? Does the outcome of the year meet the goals set prior to the season?
I was looking for a top three finish which I had accomplished until I was plagued with gremlins.
You are another driver who is heavily involved with the SOS as the clubs Vice President. Was the outcome of the 2003 SOS season a successful one in your mind and what were some of the things that stand out from the year?
Yes it was.  The racing was competitive, the championship battle was close, "commradery" was high. When anyone needed help there was always someone there. We were able to pay a point fund and have a great banquet even though we did not have a series sponsor.  BUT I was disappointed with the car count at some of the races.
As Vice President, what are some of your duties with the club and how difficult is it to balance your duties on and off the race track as a driver and board member?
My main job is to set the race schedule and stay within the boundaries set by the SOS club.  Most of my duties are done during the week and at the track unless there is a board meeting I am free to be a driver.

What are your goals for your race team in 2004? Have you made any major adjustments to your car or team?
I would like to finish in the top three and rid the team of the gremlins. Not really. I bought a new chassis last year after my flip at Gasport.
You have a strong resume in racing, where does the SOS compare to other series and types racing you have been involved in?
At the top- "I have always wanted to race dirt" Dirt is more fun. Dirt is an equalizer. Dirt is exciting!
Of the many different drivers you have competed against at various levels of racing, who have been the most influential to you and who do you have the most respect for as a competitor?
Even though I never competed against Sam Snider After watching his hard charging style at Pinecrest and being a young teenager I said, "I got to do this!" Hence the number 79. We became friends until his death. You have to respect all your competitors when running open-wheel cars! "If they don't respect you then one may have to take a page out of Jack Hewitt's rules of racing!"
What has been your greatest accomplishment in racing to this point of your career?
"Getting to race sprint cars on dirt "
What is it like competing against your son? Have you ever cut him a break on the track because of who he is or do you race him just as hard as you would any other driver?
Fun! I cut him the same break as he cuts me. If anyone remembers Brighton- I passed him for the lead. A caution came out. He then had the lead back! He changed his line and I couldn’t have passed him with a tank. SO the answer is… "I race him hard"
Where do you see yourself in racing in the next 5 years? And where do you see the SOS in the future?
Still competitive. The SOS will continue to grow, be affordable and still remain fun.
Where does the nickname "The Pig" come from?
Some people think it is because I like to eat, some people think it is because I am covered in dirt at the track, some people think I "HOG" the track. The real reason is unprintable!!
Having competed and visited several tracks of all shapes and sizes, what is your favourite track to either race at or watch a race from? What makes it your favourite track?
I like racing at any track as long as it is SAFE for the drivers and spectators. As for watching -Helen and I have been to many, many different tracks (maybe 100). They each have their own personality. My favourite right now is four days of racing at the Chili Bowl in Tulsa OK. And second would be the Four Crown at Eldora in Ohio.
As we enter the 2004 season who are the young guns that you see being the next "real deal"? Is there a driver in the SOS that stands out with the talent and potential that it would take to make it to one of the highest levels of racing?
Kyle Patrick and Cody Geldart are two that come to mind.
What are your hopes for the 2004 SOS season from the Vice Presidents side of things? Where would you like to see improvement and where do you hope to sustain success?
A safe season, a good car count, a series sponsor, a good show for the fans. Improvements on restarts and line-ups.

If you could say anything to the race fans out there to convince them to come out and support the SOS what would that be?
If you want close racing, action and passing watch sprint cars. For example, watching the race between Rick Wilson And Warren Mahoney at Ohsweken would make anyone a race fan!

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