Thorold, Ontario (April 19) – The pan has now moved off the back burner and into the fire as Merrittville Speedway’s 2nd annual Spring Sizzler is now less than a week away.
In preparation for the much anticipated must see event at the Thorold DIRTcar facility Saturday April 25th and quite an exciting season schedule to follow – Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Drivers and fans alike got their first taste of 2009 with a successful Test and Tune Session April 18th.
After a long winter, local race fans were treated to the roar of the engines of many new cars – many with new drivers throughout the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, the newly renamed Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders Divisions in addition to several 4 Cylinder Trucks and Sprint Car Race Teams.
Since last season – race teams have put so much effort into their cars and their hard work over the off season provided a beautiful display of cars, graphics and new sponsors from one end of the pit area to the other - setting the stage for the 58th consecutive race season at Merrittville Speedway.
While most speedways kick off their new season with a regular event, Merrittville Speedway proudly presents quite a kick off – featuring major events for three divisions!
When the brand new Strickland Automart Pace Car takes to the track for the first time – the 2008 Dodge Challenger will take the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites and Hoosier Stocks to their initial green flags in what should be barn burner events.
The 2009 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series Opener will feature quite a mix of Merrittville and DIRTcar Stars in a 100 Lap $4000 US to win Main Event.
The race is the first opportunity for the drivers to earn points toward prestigious national and regional DIRTcar Racing titles and enjoy other benefits associated with being part of the nation's largest short track sanctioning body.
In the inaugural Spring Sizzler last season, top title contender Danny O’Brien teamed up with Kendrick Racing to drive the Todd Kendrick #55 to a second place finish.
One year later - the second-generation standout from Kingston, Ontario will steer the Kendrick Racing no. 7star Global Warranty/Bicknell ride in an all out assault on the 2009 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Title.
O’Brien, 41, owns 12 track titles in the DIRTcar 358-Modified ranks and stands sixth all-time with 118 Small-Block feature wins.
“I’ve always had just one car and one motor to try and make the best of things,” divulged O’Brien, who begins his 23rd season of Modified racing, “This is the first time I’ve started out with two complete cars and engines so I’m certainly excited to get the season going.”
Expected to join the O’Brien in the Series opener will be many of last year’s top traveling teams led by (defending Merrittville Champion) Chad Brachmann, Carey Terrance, Mark Smoke, Tommy Flannigan and ’07 Mr. DIRTcar Champ Mario Clair – not to mention defending Series Champ – Pete Bicknell.
The list of leading newcomers is anchored by Mike Mahaney and Bobby Herrington, along with recent Sportsman graduates Mark D’Ilario, Mat Williamson, Mike Bowman and James Michael Friesen who all call Merrittville home Saturday Nights.
Joining the 358’s will be the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites in the first stop on the Stars North Mod Lite Tour – an event won last season by Somerset Pennsylvania’s Mikey Hay.
Also on tap will be the always entertaining and exciting Hoosier Stocks for their opening Bonus point night.
"Both series will usher in a new era of local racing as top drivers from the region compete at the area track bringing more opportunities for area race fans to see their favourite 358 and Mod Lite stars," said Erica Bicknell, general manager.
Racing action is slated to get under way at 6:30 pm with hot laps prior to time trials at 6:15. Both the Grandstand and Pit gates will open at 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $6 for Juniors and kids under 8 are free. An economical Family Pass is also available.
Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in rural Thorold Ontario with easy access from Highway 406. For further information contact the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for A LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Weekly Racing Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars!
Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a car pool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots!
You’re among friends at Boston Pizza and Merrittville Speedway. Check your 2009 Merrittville Speedway Grandstand Ticket stubs for a special offer from the Niagara Street Welland Boston Pizza location.
Your Local Dirt Track is where it's at!! Merrittville Speedway "The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara"
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS
The 2009 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to fans by several partners, including division sponsors L. St. Amand Enterprises, Original Pizza Logs, Hoosier, Modern Corporation and Turn 4 Collision as well as contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc.
Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives.
Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.
Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer including Drummond Home Hardware in Niagara Falls and through RCM Racing Equipment
For Release - Sunday April 19 2009 // From Jim Irvine Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-892-8266
