Thorold, Ontario (May 16) – The reinvented approach to neighborhood banking is keeping Meridian Credit Union members smiling. Ontario's largest credit union presentation of Merrittville Speedway's Salute to the Troops Night May 15th certainly had 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series smiling.
A few weeks into his rookie season in the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division – 3 time Hoosier Stock Champ Rob Murray won his first open wheel feature. Veteran Jason Fontaine also won his first career Hoosier Stock Feature at the Thorold DIRTcar sanctioned facility.
Rich Richner, Paul Klager and Aaron Wiley also made their first trips to Victory Lane in 2010 in the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions respectively.
The event began with a front-stretch ceremony celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy with Sportsman Rookie Adam Leslie who revealed a tribute to the Centennial similar to last year's Salute to Fallen Heroes with his Modified Lite.
Last season, Leslie would win his feature on the Salute to the Troops Night but one year later sailed to a 10th place finish.
The start of the 25 lap Sportsman Feature saw sophomore driver Len Dignard setting the pace at the start before Rob Murray took control out of turn 4 to start lap 2.
"In the heat … I was all over the place," revealed Murray post race, "but once I got out front in the feature … the car really came to me."
Murray would pull away to a huge lead right away but all that went away when the only caution on lap 5 slowed the field. Five laps later after the restart Murray had again open up a comfortable lead.
By the halfway point Murray still in control – would come up on slower cars.
"I don't think it's really sunk in yet," admitted Murray Sunday morning, "I can't believe I led so many laps … I've led a few already … but until tonight – I'd never led when it counts … thanks so much to Brian's Tire … Turn 4 Collision and PineView Drywall and everyone that helped get me here!"
Through increasing lap traffic, runner-up Rick Bellante would close the gap on Murray but had to settle for the runner-up spot. Brad Rouse finished in third spot while BJ Willard and Paul Gaboury closed out the top 5.
Second generation driver Billy Bleich was first to lead the Hoosier Stock Feature. Bleich would almost lose the handle on his car completing one of the early laps causing the field behind him to stack four wide in the chase for top spot.
When everything settled – Jason Fontaine ended up in second spot and would take control of top spot. Vince Fargnoli would follow to take over second before a caution erased Fontaine's lead.
With Fargnoli and Fontaine now battling for top spot – Ron Loggie joined the top 3 with the three pulling away from the pack. With 5 to go Al Sleight and Brent Begolo were closing in. With 2 laps to go Begolo – who came from deep in the field took over the runner-up spot but could not overtake Fontaine by the finish.
The win for Fontaine was his 20th of his career – although his first at Merrittville.
"I blew the motor earlier," relayed Fontaine, "we struggled last week, (at Humberstone) … we borrowed a New Generation Engine and worked on the car all week and just got it together today … thanks to Thruway Muffler (Port Colborne) … Lucas Oil and TC Decals and my crew."
Fontaine and Begolo were followed by Fargnoli, Sleight and Loggie.
Third generation driver Justin Sharp was first to lead the 35 lap Modified Feature before Mike Bowman took control the first time down the front stretch. Bowman ran to a 10 car lead on the field – stretching it by the 1/3 mark and into lap traffic.
By lap 25 – rookie Steve Schumacher, Rick Richner and Boyd MacTavish were closing in on leader Bowman.
By 5 to go the trio had caught up to the leader with Richner taking the runner-up spot on lap 31. One lap later Richner would take control and through to the finish – would stretch his lead to a couple car lengths at the checkered flag.
"Which so much traffic … I really didn't know what position I was in," admitted Richner, " … chasing MacTavish and everyone, "my first clue was when (race director) Bob St. Amand came on the one way – Car 26 to the scales first."
Richner was followed by Bowman, Schumacher, MacTavish and Travis Braun.
Derek Bredin was first to lead the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature with his dad Bob taking the runner-up spot in the early going.
An early caution found Jason Corless take control. A lap 8 caution eliminated the straightaway lead he'd built. A number of cautions would delay long green flag runs. With Corless setting the pace – Paul Klager would begin to challenge on lap 16.
Chris Steele was on the move in the late stages running around the top while Corless and Klager were battling side by side. Klager took control of top spot out of turn 4 on lap 18 with Josh Sliter following into second spot.
A last lap caution would set up a green white checker finish and in the one lap dash – it was Klager out front with Sliter and Corless following.
"We sure are spoiled here … this track is super fast," said Klager, "I sure had to fight to get up front … we've been working on the car the last few weeks … it's still not where I want it yet."
Chris Steele and Andy Tallman closed out the top 5.
Aaron Wiley set the pace early in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Feature – surviving a number of early cautions.
"It really helps starting up front," said Wiley, "but this is a team effort for the entire family … with the two cars and a kart … Jocelynne and Kurtis and I put a lot of time in the garage."
With Wiley stretching his lead to some 20 car lengths by ½ way … Rob Goulding would take control of the runner-up spot after a battle with Kyle Pelrine. Jocelynne Wiley would soon challenge Pelrine with the lady racer taking third on lap 12.
"Great job on the track," added Wiley, "Thanks to our sponsors … they make us look good … it's up to me to make them look good."
Wiley, Goulding and Wiley were followed by Rob Overholt and Rocco Conte.
Inside Track Motorsport News Pit Notes: Through the 5 divisions – 122 cars attempted to qualify. Peculiar overcast skies and cool temperatures during the afternoon and evening added up to a fast and tacky track.
From Jim Irvine / Merrittville Speedway
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