THOROLD, ON (April 7) – In just 18 days, Merrittville Speedway’s 2nd annual Spring Sizzler 100 – will kick off the Thorold track’s 58th consecutive season - Saturday April 25th in spite of today’s unfashionably late April Fool’s Snow Storm!
“This time of year – the weather can do anything … and it has,” storms (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell, “despite the overnight snow - we are in good shape – we have spent almost a full week back at the track and more then that on the grounds themselves … everything is starting to come together nicely.”
With the big day getting that much closer – so too is practice day.
The evening session set for Saturday April 18th – 11 days away – may be one of the most important practices ever – with three divisions in big events right off the start – the following week.
While drivers representing the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders will be looking for all important seat time in preparation for the Baron Roofing Windows and Doors hosting of the 58th Season Opener Saturday May 2nd – the balance of the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions get their start April 25th.
Up until last season – never before has such an event kicked off the season in the track’s 57 year history.
Merrittville’s own L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds were up to the test with 7 of our home town heroes finishing in the top 10 at the end of the 100 lap event – led by eventual 2008 Point Champion Chad Brachmann, Pete Bicknell, Ken Cosgrove, Rick Richner, Larry Lampman Jr., Chris Steele and Scott Wood.
One of the largest influxes of rookies in recent years are expected to attempt to qualify in 2009 with Mark D’Ilario, Mat Williamson, Justin Sharp, 2008 Sportsman Champion Mike Bowman, and James Michael Friesen among the Rookie Crop.
Adding to the mix is veteran Rob Pietz who recently showed off this new car at the Seaway Mall. After a number of years in a Sprint Car – Pietz is returning to the 358 Modifieds this season.
Rounding out the 2nd Annual Spring Sizzler is a 25 lap Stars North Mod Lite Series Event in addition to the Hoosier Stocks.
While many will are counting down the days hours and minutes until they take to the track for the first time – several drivers have already seen action.
James Michael Friesen made his Big Block debut during the 38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida as did a large contingent of Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites at the TUSA Winternationals at the East Bay Raceway including 2008 Champion Shawn Sliter, Paul Klager, Chris Steele, Adam Leslie, Jamie Gilbert, Josh Sliter, Wally Billing, Rick Brubacher and Scott Billing.
Since the mid-winter racing in the Sunshine State – a large contingent of Sportsman Race Teams took in this past weekend’s Rock Launcher Super DIRTcar Series Event at the Black Rock Speedway.
Mark D'Ilario made the most of his final Sportsman event – finishing 2nd to winner Sammy Reakes with Greg Panunte taking 7th spot. Rick Bellante (12th), Mark Chiddy, (13th), Tyler McPherson, (14th), Luke Carleton (18th) and Rob Knapp (25th) filled out the field while Brandon Easey, 2009 Rookie Cody McPherson, Brad Rouse, BJ Willard and Mark Dixon unfortunately failed to qualify.
Kevin Knapp also made the trip with his Hoosier Stock for the Street Stock portion of the Dundee NY Event and finished 11th out of the 37 cars that showed.
For further information on Practice Day, the 2nd Annual Spring Sizzler and the entire 58th Season at Merrittville Speedway – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway
