Thorold, Ontario (March 5) – Since last November … Merrittville Speedway Race Fans and Race Teams alike have known of at least one event on the 2010 Schedule with the announcement of the first ever visit of the World of Outlaws Late Models on Thursday June 17th. With the release today of the complete schedule - more than ever … Saturday Night is Speedway Night as the Thorold Ontario DIRTcar-sanctioned race track prepares for it’s 59th consecutive season.
“The Extreme Thursday definitely will be a highlight of our season and perhaps our involvement” boasts (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “but right from the Spring Sizzler through to our Motorized Mayhem Finale … our fans can look forward to enjoying every lap of the action … there’s something different happening week in and week out with enough must see events to overflow your race chasin!.”
The Bicknell and Williamson-owned show place has created quite an initial event when Baron Roofing and Siding presents the April 24th Annual Spring Sizzler that features 50 lap events for the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and Hoosier Stocks.
For the second straight season – one of the first to greet Merrittville Fans of every age is Crash Cougar. “There’s no bones about him,” relates (Merrittville co-owner) Nancy Bicknell, “Crash has become of one the best around … race track or stick and ball sport combined.”
May Day – May 1st - launches the 5 Division Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series when the J&S Heating & Air Conditioning Modified Lites and Hoosier Stocks join the Championship Chase hosted by 105.1 The River.
Merrittville Speedway’s Kids Club is getting a new lease on life the season as the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Registration Night is also part of the Niagara IceDogs Fan Appreciation Night.
Two Monday events will showcase Super DIRTcar Series Events with May 24th’s putting the 358 Modifieds to the test right away in a 100 lap special presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies and Employee Benefits.
Since 1972 – the first Monday in August has been a racing tradition on everyone’s summer schedule and this year’s edition will once again feature the DIRTcar Stars in a 100 lap Classic.
In the 17th and final Trevor Wilkens Memorial last season, ‘Super’ Matt Sheppard put on a clinic after Justin Haers shattered the track record in time trials.
Monday August 2nd – when L. St. Amand Enterprises proudly presents the 1st Annual Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial – it’s another must see event. Just ask anyone how cool last year’s was!
Race fans can get involved in the excitement as Merrittville Speedway will be looking for a Grand Marshall for the event in a contest that will launch as part of Semenuk’s Esso June 5th Event with the drawing to take place during July 24th’s Hingston Metal Fabricators’ festivities.
“While that event will bring DIRTcar’s finest,” remembers (Merrittville’s) Jim Irvine, “former Champion Ron Smoker pulled off a last lap … last corner pass to steal the win from current Mr. DIRTcar Champ Brett Hearn back in the day … and for Bob Sr. – I wouldn’t count our guys out!”
59 years of memories will be celebrated in Lucas Oil’s Nostalgia Night Saturday July 17th. Hosted by the Speedway’s Reunion Committee - the running of the 358 Modified Jerry Winger Memorial will also include Vintage Race Cars and the pre-race Reunion Night.
“It’s time to begin planning our inductions into the L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame,” prided (Committee Chairman) Rick Kavanagh, “as we race towards the 60th next season … anyone wishing to nominate former drivers … crew or builders … or if you would like to volunteer – contact the Office at any time.”
When Brian’s Tire Night concludes the 2010 Championship Chase September 4th – here’s hoping that for each division – the points races will go right down to the final lap. For the 358 Modifieds – 50 laps will again the distance for the John Spencer Memorial.
Brian’s Tire along with Turn 4 Collision and Pineview Drywall are presenters of the World of Outlaws Late Models on Thursday June 17th in addition to Giant FM 91.7, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton Inc. and IBEW Local 303 Niagara.
An early season special finds the BRP Can Am Late Models providing a preview of the Extreme Thursday when they join the Seaway Mall Rankin Cancer Run Night to kick off the Victoria Day Doubleheader – Saturday May 22nd.
Sprint Car Fans can mark two events at Merrittville on their schedules when the Lucas Oil ASCS Patriot Sprint Group visits Saturday August 21st as the featured event of Pen Centre Night.
As fast as the winged alcohol belching speedsters themselves – Sprint Cars return for a second time helping to kick off our lone Friday Night Show – Saturday September 10th and in celebration of the Ontario based group’s 15th season.
Merrittville Speedway’s Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division will be looking to crown the King of the Crates powered by Niagara Motors Champ in 2010.
Three 40 lap events kick off April 24th with the mini-series continuing when Lococo Wholesale delivers June 19th’s Saturday Night Special.
Cotton Inc. will pour the foundation for a thrilling July 31st when the new Mini-Series Champ is crowned after the finale.
Full fendered fans have to love Merrittville’s Hoosier Stock Division and the fact that against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks – Team Merrittville is set to take a 6th straight title in the popular series that connects the two Saturday Night tracks.
New for 2010 is the Duel on the Dirt Big 6 – featuring 6 events at each track that will combine in this year’s challenge for overall and individual honors.
The newly retrofitted J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites will prepare for their two day International Championship that closes the season September 10th and 11th with two Modified Lite Championship Events as part of June 12th’s SMS Machine Tool Ltd Saturday Night in addition to Monday August 2nd’s Civic Holiday Tradition.
Merrittville’s 4 Cylinder Division provides race fans with the greatest mix of makes and models of race cars and with the Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown – three special events will also crown a champion in the race within the overall season chase.
CAA Niagara will play host to the Series Opener on May 29th followed by Round Two during the July 17th Lucas Oil Nostalgia Night.
On August 14th – Avondale Food Store’s Saturday Night at the Races will not only crown the 2010 Triple Crown Champ – the Best Appearing Dog Contest will showcase our 4 legged friends.
If you are a long time Merrittville fan – you may be thinking – I think I would like to get on track myself … or if you are a new fan and like what you see – the Grantham Lions Ironman Enduro Series accelerated by Niagara College – is just the thing for you!
Three times during the season – May 24th, as part of Boltworks July 3rd Canada Day Clash and concluding with Cotton Inc.’s Summer Slam July 31st – there will be three ‘Qualifier’ Events.
It all leads up to Sunday September 12th and ‘Merrittville Motorized Mayhem’ which will drop the curtain on the 2010 Season in a way never witnessed in the 59 year history of the d-shaped oval.
Enduro Racing is pretty basic – it’s a car that races not a race car. Get yourself a $100 Car from the Smart Shopper and with some safety modifications …. get some nerve and you’re in!
For more info on Merrittville newest sensation – and all the news - visit merrittvillespeedway.com as details are still crashing in.
One event that Merrittville’s younger race fans look forward to as a highlight of the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kid’s Club is the Meridian Credit Union Box Car Races.
2010’s front-stretch favorite set for the August 7th’ CMH Sales and Leasing ‘Help a Child Smile’ Night will also have adults smiling too. Parents will also be part of the action on track this season!
Mom and Dad can also look forward to Mother’s Day (May 8th) and Father’s Day (June 19th) at Merrittville with $2 savings on Grandstand Admissions.
Heroes of the Highway can also take part in the excitement when Modern Corporation stages it’s annual Truck Show ‘n Shine Night July 10th.
Drivers can save $2 upon proof of their license and it you would like to display your Big Rig – watch for details.
Motorcycle Enthusiasts can also join in July 24th on Hingston Metal Fabricators Night with a Two-nie off Grandstand Admission for all riders with proof of your M License. For the Biker in all of us – did you know that our J&S Heating Modified Lite ‘Race Cars’ are powered by ‘Bike’ Engines?
Season Ticket Holders even have a chance on spreading the word that Saturday Night is Speedway Night. Plan on bringing someone with you July 31st – someone that may have just moved into your neighborhood … someone at work … church or school or even a complete stranger!
The only catch – July 31st must be their first time ever to Merrittville - the challenge is on to find someone!
Modified Lite driver turned Sportsman rookie Adam Leslie reminded us all of the sacrifices of our Armed Forces last season. So much so that May 15th’s Meridian Credit Union Salute to the Troops Event will take to time to say THANKS!
Meridian Credit Union will also present the extremely popular Family Autograph Nights when the front stretch is overtaken by a sea of race cars for your chance to meet the drivers and see their race cars up close.
June 5th is the first chance while September 4th is the last. Both Nights are just as good as Halloween!
If you have been a long-time fan – you may have heard that your favorite driver got their start in Karts!
Every Tuesday Night – the stars of tomorrow take to the infield track and Stock Car fans are encouraged to check out a Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series Event.
June 26th’s Student Night Summer Blast Off is the Night when Students under 18 with a Student Card can save $2 off Grandstand Admission. It’s also the night when the Merrittville Speedway Kart Club will be on display in preparation for their biggest event of the season.
Lucas Oil and a family of supporters will present the Burris Tire 50 Twenty Five – Sunday July 4th and that is one Karting Event to see with top drivers from across Canada and the Northeast US from 6 years old and up in action.
Race fans also have a chance for quite an experience as the Big Block Grand Marshall Search for Monday August 2nd will run from June 5th to July 24th. You could win tickets to the event … the chance to meet the starting field and be the one that gets to say ‘Gentleman … Start your engines!’
Tickets to the pre-race Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner – one of the best deals on DIRTcar are also included. During the contest period – don’t forget to get your fill of Piller’s Hot Dogs – on July 3rd – they’re just a buck!
As Merrittville Speedway’s 59th season begins to wind down – the Niagara IceDogs will be about to start up. Minor Sport Players in Team Sweaters will be admitted free on Ball Hockey International Night – Saturday August 28th.
The Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kids Club will also wind down with it’s Back to School Pizza Party and Awards Night for another season.
Following the Championship Chase Finale September 4th – the 59th Season will conclude with the International Championship Triple Header Finale Weekend with racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday – September 10th to 12th.
Joining Friday Night’s kickoff are the 4 Cylinder Trucks … the Southern Ontario Sprints while Saturday Night features the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series.
Both nights feature the best Modified Lite and Classic Dwarf Cars from across Canada and the US for the event that has developed into one of the finest of its kind for the division.
The Hoosier Stocks’ season also concludes with a 25 lap event leading up to the invasion from the Brighton Speedway for the $1,000 to win 50 lap winner take all final Saturday Night event.
The 59th season comes to a grinding end – Sunday September 12 with what is being billed in 2010 as Merrittville Motorized Mayhem!
As the count down to green continues and the anticipation builds up to April 24th Spring Sizzler – visit the Merrittville Speedway Race Car Shows at the Seaway Mall (the week of March 15th) and the Pen Centre (the week of March 22nd) to see some of the new race cars up close and to get your 2010 Merrittville Speedway Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Schedule Card!
For further information on the 59th Season – race fans can also friend Merrittville Speedway on Face Book or follow at www.twitter.com/merrittville.
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