MERRITTVILLE: Daytona 500 parties next best thing to being there

THOROLD, ON – For local race fans not able to make the Speedweek migration to Florida, there are several options for viewing the Daytona 500.

Merrittville Speedway invites race fans and team members to a Daytona 500 Party hosted by Hooters of Niagara Falls – Sunday February 20th.

During the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season Opener, there will be food and drink specials available all afternoon in addition to prizes. Admission is free.

Hooters of Niagara Falls is located at 6357 Stanley Avenue and is a great place for race fans to watch NASCAR Nextel Cup races all season long in addition to all major sporting events. For further information call 905-357- HOOT.

For the Ferri Fast Race Team, their annual Daytona 500 Party signifies the first event of a new beginning for driver Adam Ferri as the 2004 Sportsmen Point Champion looks to make a move to 358 Modified Competition in 2005.

Port Colborne’s Royal Canadian Legion will offer Fun … Food and Prizes beginning at 12 Noon. Tickets are $5 each for the event located at 67 Clarence Street West. For tickets and further information call 905-834-7537.

The Sharp-Gordon Party for 358 Modified veteran Todd Gordon and Dwarf Car driver Justin Sharp moves this year to the Canadian Corps Unit 44 Hall located at 7 Clairmont Street in Thorold beginning at 11:30. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $15 at the door that includes a Buffet Meal and Prizes. Tickets are available at Sharp’s Auto Center at 905-685-3277.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Season call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com

MERRITTVILLE BALL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

THOROLD, ON – Merrittville Speedway Drivers and Crew Members and other personalities will participate in some pre-season fun in the first annual Ball Hockey International Tournament set for Saturday April 9th.

“We don’t know what to expect,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding “ it’ll be a fun day for our competitors … maybe it will develop some camaraderie and friendships amongst drivers from all divisions before they make to the track for another year … our fans are also welcome to watch and cheer on their favorites.”

Proceeds of the event will benefit the 2005 Merrittville Speedway Point Fund.

Charlene Dooley – wife of defending Hoosier Stock Point Champion Mike Dooley – a Ladies Race Series Competitor and a veteran Ball Hockey competitor will be coordinating the Tournament to be held at the BHI Complex at Lock 3 in St. Catharines.

Three Games will be guaranteed for each team of 14 that must include 1 Female player minimum. Teams wanting to register can call BHI St. Catharines at 905-682-2835 or Charlene at 905-935-6558. Entry Fee is $150.00 per team with the deadline Saturday March 26.

Participants for the Tournament must be 16 years of age.

There will be prizes for the Top 2 teams in addition to MVP Prizes and a Post event Tournament.

Both BHI St. Catharines and Welland locations (at Niagara College) will soon be taking registrations for the Spring Season for individuals or teams. For further information call the St. Catharines location or Welland at 905-734-1040.

BHI will present a full Dirt Weekly Racing Series Event at Merrittville Speedway Saturday June 11th. For further information on the 2005 Racing Season call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.