MERRITTVILLE: Ball Hockey tournament and more...

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.

“It’ll be a fun day for our competitors,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “and our race fans … they are most 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 veteran Ball Hockey competitor will be coordinating the Tournament to be held at the BHI Complex at Lock 3 in St. Catharines.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” relates Dooley, “the response has been overwhelming … for the first year to have 10 teams entered … who knows where next will take us.”

“The teams have come from all divisions,” adds Dooley, “we’re hoping that an event like this will help develop some camaraderie amongst the race teams before the racing season begins.”

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.

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 BBQ.

Both BHI St. Catharines and Welland locations (at Niagara College) will soon be taking registrations for their Spring and Summer Seasons 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 http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/.

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PRACTICE DAY TO SET OPENING NIGHT LINEUP AT NEW MERRITTVILLE

THOROLD, ON - In preparation for its 54th consecutive season, Merrittville Speedway will be hosting a Practice Day for all divisions Saturday April 23rd.

Every Saturday Night, the DIRT-sanctioned ¼ mile d-shaped oval presents as part of it’s 2005 DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the headlining L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders. While the day will focus on these classes – any dirt race car is welcome.

With the 2005 schedule tentatively set, events include the return of the Empire Super Sprints as well as second visits of two Bicknell Racing Products sponsored series – the BRP Big Block Modified Tour and the BRP Can Am Super Stocks – several of these teams may attend the daytime session.

It will be the first time that Merrittville Speedway weekly competitors and visitors see the new surface that was put down in the fall by Merrittville Speedway Officials and Ed MacPherson Construction staff. More than 200 loads of new clay were worked in to both the Stock Car and Kart Tracks in preparation for the new season.

Both the Grandstand and Pit Gates are scheduled to open at 9:00 AM with the first cars on the track after Inspection of all cars starts at 10:00.

Race Teams must bring all their safety equipment including one way radio systems that will be mandatory in all divisions in 2005. Scanners, Performance Security Systems or the new RaceCeiver Systems will be required. Race Teams may purchase their RaceCeiver from Bicknell Racing Products and they will also be available on Practice Day.

2005 Merrittville Speedway Stock Car Members will be able to pick up their Contingency Decal Packages for the exclusive program that last season saw more than $83,000 value awarded. 2005’s totals could approach $100,000 by season end.

Race fans are encouraged to attend the test and tune day as Grandstand Admission is free.

Race fans may wish to purchase a reserved or general admission Grandstand Season Pass or economical Family Passes or Flexbooks for use during the upcoming season. All Ticket levels will be available also on Practice Day.

Once the 358 Modifieds and Sportsmen have their cars dialed in each division will run time trials which will set the field for April 30th’s Season Opener presented by Hoosier Tire Canada.

In off season news, Merrittville Speedway’s 2004 Champions – Pete Bicknell, Scott Billing, Mike Dooley and Trevor Goulding have all announced plans to defend their titles. 2004 Merrittville Sportsmen Champion and runner-up Mr. DIRT Sportsmen Champion Adam Ferri will be moving up to compete for Rookie of the Year honors in the 358 Modified Division in 2005.

For further information on Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 season, contact 905-892-8266 or visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/.