Merrittville looks to expand membership rewards program

THOROLD, ON - In 2004, Merrittville Speedway’s member drivers shared in an awards program that totaled more than $83,000 in point fund monies, certificates and other prizes. For 2005, drivers will expierence further growth as Opening Day nears.



“Initial response has almost been overwhelming,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding “we’re almost at capacity with our returning and new event sponsors…other areas are also showing enthusiastic support.”



“While we are still finalizing many promotional details,” adds Bicknell, “race fans can look forward to many new and unique promotions and activities leading up to Showtime each week and for our race teams…many new companies have shown interest in our contingency program.”



The 2005 Membership Rewards program will be revealed in the upcoming Driver’s Meetings at the Holiday Inn in St. Catharines on Sunday, January 16th.



Making a return will be the 2nd Annual Pasta Night presented by Club Castropignano which is part of the Trevor Wilkens Memorical 358 Modified Classic on Monday August 1st. Awaiting a date confirmation, the popular Lobsterfest Night will once again provide fans and teams a unique dining experience at a dirt track prior to that night’s racing action.



While DIRT MotorSports is finalizing details on 2005 Super DIRT Series events for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman Divisions, race fans can look forward to many special events throughout the season.



Making returns in 2005 will be the popular Empire Super Sprints and the BRP Can-Am Super Stocks. The full-bodied Late Model cars will headline the August 20th race card. A date for the BRP Big Block Modified Tour is yet to be finalized.



To help celebrate the 54th consecutive season of stock car racing, Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee will once again host the Jerry Winger Memorial for 358 Modifieds in addition to the pre-race Reunion Night and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame inductions.



J&S Heating and Air Conditioning will once again present the Rose Weber Memorial International Dwarf Car Classic for Dwarf Cars and Mod Lites that will also see a 50 lap special for the Hoosier Stocks and 25 laps for the 4 Cylinder Division. For the second straight year, the season will close with a special Sunday show with the running of the 2nd Annual Wine Country Run Enduro – September 11th.



After pre-season Race Car and Kart shows throughout Niagara, Merrittville Speedway is once again preparing to host the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Driving School the weekend of April 16th and 17th. Race teams looking to reserve a spot can do so by calling Erica or Nancy at 905-685-7223.



An Inspection, Test & Tune Day for all the divisions that make up the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders is set for Saturday April 23rd. During the open track sessions, the 358 Modified and Sportsman drivers will time trial for qualifying spots for the 2005 Season Opener presented by Hoosier Tire Canada, Saturday April 30th.



Race fans in Southern Ontario can look for Speedway representatives at the upcoming Speedorama Show being held at the National Trade Center at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario the weekend of January 28 – 30th.



Reserved and General Admission Season Tickets are currently available from the Speedway’s Winter Office by calling 905-685-7223. Economical Saturday Night Live Grandstand Ticket Flexbook’s and Family passes are also available.



For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Season call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266, or visit us at www.merrittvillespeedway.com.