MERRITTVILLE: Spring Car Shows

THOROLD, ON - Merrittville Speedway and its race teams are preparing for a busy month of March with three Race Car Shows scheduled throughout Niagara to kick off the 2005 season at the DIRT-sanctioned Thorold speed plant.

The Spring Preview begins not too far from the speedway itself as the promotional team travels down Merrittville Highway and into the Seaway Mall in Welland. The show begins March 1st and runs until March 6th.

17-time L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Champion Pete Bicknell is set to unveil his 2005 Texaco Havoline-Merrittville Speedway sponsored # 42 – one of many built since last season at his Bicknell Racing Products Shop in St. Catharines.

Race fans and shoppers will get a view of Bicknell’s car that most people don’t see as there will be no body panels on the new racer.

The design and construction of all the steel tubing … suspension components … the engine and drive line … all the internal workings of a Dirt 358 Modified won’t be covered by the aluminum that identifies the car.

“It’s identical to any other car we’ve built this year,” relates Pete Bicknell, adding “ drivers and crew won’t pick up any ideas but for the race fan … it could provide them a better understanding of what goes into our cars.”

The Seneca Niagara Dwarf Car/Mod Lite Division will be represented by rookie competitor Paul Klager who comes to the division from the 4 Cylinders. Another rookie Adam Murphy who is brand new to the sport in 2005 and sophomore driver Shawn Sliter will also represent the Class.

Alan Sleight will showcase his Sportsmen Car as he prepares for his initial season aboard the former Dan Miller 358 Modified. Sleight’s car is one of many new cars that will have installed the new GM Crate Engine – an option in 2005 - that is making the sport more economical and bringing new faces to the division.

Second generation Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen competitors and brothers Doug and Don Spiece will also display their cars.

The growing 4 Cylinder Division will also be represented by 2004 Point Champion Trevor Goulding in addition to that of veteran Rob Goulding.

Merrittville Speedway’s Tuesday Night Kart Races will be represented by Auto FX Graphics Junior Restricted Light 2004 Champion Mat Williamson as well as competitors Joey Mastroianni, Larry Davidson, Kelly Athanasas and Brett Robins while Shane Robertson will debut that he will move up to the Senior Division in for 2005.

For over 29 years, Seaway Mall has been Niagara’s friendliest Shopping destination! Seaway Mall has 120 stores and services located on Niagara Street at Woodlawn Road in Welland. Seaway Mall merchants invite you to stop by or visit them on line at www.seawaymall.com.

Once again Merrittville Speedway’s Tuesday Night Kart Teams will join the March Break activities and attractions at the Niagara Square Shopping Centre in Niagara Falls Ontario.

Philbrick Farm & Garden Original Pizza Logs Senior Competitors Chris Steele and Rob Hutchison will join some of the junior level karters from March 13th to 19th.

When the pre-season displays conclude at the Pen Centre the week of March 29th to April 3rd, Chris Steele will unveil his 2005 Dwarf Car entry as he prepares to race on both venues for the second season.

A driver making a return to the sport in 2005 with a brand new Bicknell Chassis is Ken Cosgrove as he plans on returning to the L. St. Amand 358 Modified division. His new car will be featured as will the Swiss Fudge #38 of second generation 358 Modified driver Scott Wood.

Veteran competitor Rob Knapp is moving back to the original Pizza Logs Sportsmen Division after racing last year in the Hoosier Stocks. Knapp’s younger brother Kevin will be behind the wheel of his former full-fendered car and both will join the show at the Pen Centre.

Joining Knapp in showing off the Sportsmen Class will be Mike Bowman who is preparing for his first full season of competition after making a late season debut last season.

Two sophomore drivers – Tyler MacPherson and Travis Braun, will also represent the Hoosier Stock Class.

In preparation for their 2nd straight Merrittville visit – Saturday August 20th, two BRP Can Am Super Stock Late Models will round out the display. Last year, the Late Models generated considerable interest and at the track the touring group put on one of the best shows of last year.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway 2005 Schedule of Events call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.