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SOS Q&A: BILL OLDROYD
With sprint car racing growing by leaps and bounds in Southern Ontario Bill Oldroyd took over one of the most pressure filled positions by becoming in SOS President in 2006. We sat down with Bill to discuss his first year at the helm, the state of local sprint car racing and where he sees the sport in the years to come.
What has been your biggest surprise as President?
I think the biggest surprise has been the amount of work that is required behind the scenes. There is not really an off-season, rather multiple seasons that make up the year. Starting when the checkered flag falls on one season, planning begins for the next. There’s the annual Fall General Meeting, Rules Review and Elections, the Banquet and more planning for the next season. Over the winter there are the car shows, yearbook preparation, assisting with sponsor arrangements, and getting all the printing done. Before you know it the Spring General meeting is on you and then the excitement takes over as the new season approaches.
What has been your greatest disappointment?
Greatest disappointment, that’s a tough one. I guess I’d have to say the lack of a series sponsor. It’s extremely difficult to get sponsors. I’m grateful that we have a few good sponsors that have been with us for several years but you never have enough.
Would you have taken the job if "you knew then, what you know now?
I’m not lying when I say there have been times when I wondered what I got myself into. But on the other hand, if I had not taken on this opportunity, I would not have met all the great people involved with the SOS. It’s also been a great learning experience for someone who’s always been a fan of racing but never a competitor. I guess I’d say I’m glad I did it and would do it again.
Are you happy with the SOS's interaction with other series/groups?
This is a good question. I think it is very important that all the clubs work together and when they are making decisions that they consider what impact these plans will have on the other organizations. If we work together, we all benefit, when we don’t I think the whole sprint car racing scene suffers. I know the SOS always has always supported the other groups and I would hope that this continues, in both directions.
If you could change any one thing right now about the SOS what would it be?
Sponsors!! This is an area that I believe the SOS needs to grow. I think we are behind all the other clubs when it comes to sponsorship and we will need to make advancements here if we want to continue to be a strong organization.
Where do you see the SOS in 2010?
I think the growth will have leveled out somewhat and we will be stronger than ever. I also believe that we may be traveling a little more to tracks that the SOS has not competed at yet. I also think the level of competition will have risen to new heights with more SOS drivers entering international events. And yes, we will have a series sponsor!
You've attended a couple of 360 Sprint Car forums lead by Tom Schmeh what are your thoughts about those forums?
I think they are very important! It allows all the organizations to get together face to face and discuss common issues. It creates a better understanding of what everyone’s issues are and how others might be dealing with them. Rule changes are discussed and major event scheduling can be worked out to everyone’s benefit. Tom does a great job organizing and running these meetings and 360 Sprint Car racing is the benefactor.
2006 Saw an incredible rookie class, fortunately or unfortunately\this lead to some rapid growth in car counts - please comment on whether you feel this rapid growth is a good or bad thing.
Anytime you experience growth, it is a good thing. Did it create some challenges, you bet. I believe that if you are growing, you must be doing something good. The challenge is to manage this growth and use it to your advantage. I feel we have done a good job in this area but it has presented a couple of obstacles that we must deal with to keep the SOS strong.
If the SOS had a hundred grand in the bank burning a hole in your pocket how would you spend it (Giving the President a well deserved raise is not an option)?
This would be a Board decision, not mine but if it were up to me, lets see. Hiring a Safety Team would be right up there on the list. The SOS could also use a trailer to haul around all our stuff. A couple of new ATV’s would be useful and new staff uniforms would also be nice. The rest would be split equally between the driver’s point’s fund, promoting the SOS/tracks and some sort of fan appreciation program. Maybe I should have been a politician with promises like these.
Is there any message you've been trying to impart to the SOS teams that has either not sunk in or not been heard?
I feel very fortunate to be associated with a great bunch of people. All the teams have been super to work with and I feel everyone is on the same page in all areas. I think our only challenge as a club is to understand and manage our growth. The future of the SOS looks bright!!!
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