Thorold, Ontario (March 3) – A little more than a month ago, the New York Dwarf Car Association (NYDCA) Member Drivers learned that there would be a number of changes at Merrittville Speedway in 2010, for the division now known as the Modified Lites. “Modified Lites is how they are known throughout the United States and now into Quebec and Eastern Ontario,” informed (NYDCA President) Bruce Mason, who added, “Some of the rule changes we will be adapting are also being reviewed by other clubs as well.”
Similar to the idea of the GM Crate Engines that power the DIRTcar Sportsman Division, Modified Lite Drivers at Merrittville will have their choice of three engines in 2010. A new ‘Pure Stock Engine’ will be joining the existing ‘Spec’ and ‘Open engine’ programs.
Mason predicted, “The new engine will help make the Modified Lite a more cost effective alternative for the new up and coming racer, as well as the veteran driver. Racers using any one of the three engine programs will not be at a disadvantage, as new weight rules will be in place to help keep a level playing field.”
At the Best Western Cairncroft Hotel this past January, the NYDCA put the finishing touches on the 2009 Season with their annual Club and Stars Championship banquet. Merrittville Champion Jamie Gilbert earned the Club’s Driver of the Year Honors.
Joey Mastroianni was named Most Improved Driver with Blair Young honored as Rookie of the Year. A Special Recognition Award was presented to Adam Leslie for his efforts surrounding his ‘Salute to the Troops’ Lucas Oil #15.
The Randy Wilkin Memorial Trophy was presented to Wally Billing for his contributions, dedication and sportsmanship displayed both in the NYDCA, as well as Modified Lite racing in general.
The Stars North Tour Awards were also handed out with all 24 drivers sharing in more than $6,000 in cash awards and trophies.
Defending Merrittville Champion Shawn Sliter came home atop the Stars point standings with his Modern Corporation team-mate Jamie Gilbert sandwiching former champ Paul Klager’s Ripley’s RCM Racing Equipment # 1.
The Stars North Tour has also undergone a make over for 2010. It will now be known as the Modified Lite Championship Tour, featuring a pair of events at Merrittville Speedway as well as the Humberstone and Ohsweken race tracks.
An additional Ohsweken event will feature the club as a support division to the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars.
“As a club … we are honored to be asked to be the support group for this big event,” prided Mason.
The Annual Rose Webber Memorial race will also be undergoing change. In 2010 this event will be known as the “International Modified Lite Championships”, and will be paired with events at Lernerville Speedway and possibly other sites.
A mid season Mini Tour will take the Modified Lites to Edelweiss, Brockville and the new Motodrome St. Marcel the weekend of June 18th to 20th. The Applefest Shootout Weekend at the Brighton Speedway will also find the Modified Lites as part of the star-studded show September 25th and 26th.
Other opportunities include the Stars South Tour featuring races at tracks such as Lernerville and Tyler County Speedway.
“It will be an ambitious schedule,” admitted Mason. “Our race teams will have lots of options this season to travel if they wish. Many of them are quite economical as well.”
Several of Merrittville Speedway’s Modified Lite Drivers have got their 2010 Seasons underway – making the trip to the East Bay Raceway Park in Florida for the TUSA Winternationals. Fifty-four drivers from 13 different states and two Canadian provinces took part in this year’s series.
“My car was real fast,” said up and coming driver Josh Sliter, “but I could never catch a break qualifying … my Uncle Shawn (Sliter) drove my other car to some success but wow … what a field of drivers this year!”
Shawn and Josh Sliter, Rick Brubacher and Wally Billing were among the best in the business in Florida – a field that included some drivers that Merrittville fans see for special events. Drivers such as Mikey and Matt Hay, Steve White, Eric McKinney, Mark Marcucci, Tracy Fritter, Ken Meadows, Lynn and Alan Knepper.
In 2010 the Merrittville Modified Lites will have a new division sponsor. J & S Heating and Air Conditioning, who have supported the Rose Webber Memorial weekend for the past few years, will now add their name to the new Modified Lite Division. The ownership of J & S has always been proud to be a part of the Merrittville Family, and is looking forward to a successful relationship representing Modified Lite racing.
J&S Heating and Air Conditioning is a factory authorized Carrier Dealer that has been serving the residential, commercial and industrial sectors of the Niagara Region since 1956.
Specializing in installations, 24 hour service, heating and air conditioning retrofit applications – J&S Heating and Air Conditioning can also service all makes and models of furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, humidifiers, air cleaners and roof top equipment. Located at 5 Seapark Drive in St. Catharines J & S is available to meet all your heating and air conditioning needs.
Visit them on line at www.jandsheatingandair.ca or call 905-682-9287.
The J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division began as a test at Merrittville Speedway several years ago. Recently the newer Modified Lite versions that resemble today’s Sportsmen and 358 Modified styles replaced the Classic Coupe and Coach bodied styles.
The J&S Heating Modified Lites are one of 5 divisions that make up Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series lineup that also includes the L. St. Amand Enterprises DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs DIRTcar Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
In the weeks leading up to the start of the season … race fans can keep visiting – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or follow us on Face Book for all the pre-season news - Drivers making moves from one division to another … former drivers returning to the sport and all the news on what events to look forward to … it will all be revealed.
For further information on the 59th Season – race fans can also follow Merrittville Speedway on Face Book, at www.twitter.com/merrittville or visit one of the pre-season Race Car Shows at the Seaway Mall and Pen Centre.
From Jim Irvine
