Merrittville Speedway: 17th Trevor Wilkens Memorial in just 6 days - time for a Big Block Blast.

THOROLD, Ontario (July 28) – It’s been a tradition at Merrittville Speedway since 1972 – make it yours in 2009 and follow the Big Block Super DIRTcar Series to the Thorold d-shaped oval for the 17th annual Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 presented by Toolneeds – Monday August 3rd.

Commemorating the 17th running of Merrittville Speedway’s biggest event - the days leading up to the event honors the memory of the up and coming driver of the Pete Cosco Haulage 17c 358 Modified – Trevor Wilkens - who passed away far too young from cancer in the summer of 1993.

From the first event in 1972 through to this year’s edition – a who’s who of DIRTcar Modified Racing converge annually on the Canadian showplace to take on Merrittville’s own talented field in the Civic Holiday Classic.

With DIRTcar’s Tom Skibinski providing us a Big Block Blast today – it is only fitting that it comes with 6 days to go.

The Canadian Blast – Davey Moore – is a former winner of the event prior to it being renamed in Trevor Wilkens’ memory.

Back in the day Moore won the event 3 times in 1975, 1977 and 1979.

When you look back - other winners names will surely bring back some memories – Jimmy Horton, Bob McCreadie, Will Cagle, Gary Iulg, and Jack Johnson. Both Horton and Johnson are still active to this day.

Not to be outdone are some name drivers that have placed in the top 5 in the event – Charlie Rudolph … Merv Treichler … Gerald Chamberlain … Buzzie Reutimann … Lou Lazzaro … Dave Kneisel  and last year’s Rite Aid 200 Winner – Frank Cozze.

Almost gaining as much in tradition as the race itself is the pre-race Pasta Dinner served up by Merrittville’s Annual Banquet Hosts – Club Castropignano. For race fans and race teams alike – it’s the best deal in DIRTcar Dining.

Feast on fresh pasta and meatballs, garden salad, dinner roll and a can of Pepsi for $10 in advance.

“It just adds to much to the event,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “Thorold has a rich Italian Heritage and we’re proud to showcase the Club with an awesome dinner … race fans and race teams alike should come to the event hungry … I know I do … no one goes away hungry.”

Get your tickets at the track … via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco.net or from the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266.

Race Fans and teams alike should get their Pasta Tickets in advance as on Race Day – Tickets are $12.

Merrittville Speedway’s Trevor Wilkens Memorial 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event Monday August 3rd – it’s unparalleled … unrivalled and unsurpassed and it’s a must see event.

The heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment includes a 25 lap Duel on the Dirt Home Track Event as Merrittville’s full fendered Hoosier Stocks continue the drive for five against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks and a 25 lap Stars North Mod Lite Tour Event for the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites.

Gates open Monday August 3rd and the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner begins at 4 PM and runs until 6. Adult Grandstand Tickets are $25, Students and Seniors - $20, Juniors from 8 to 12 are $10 and Children under 8 are free. Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario Canada – just a short drive from the International Bridges. For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.