THOROLD, ON – While many of Merrittville Speedway’s 2005 Stock Car Rookies have considerable Tuesday Night histories on the kart track, Saturday Nights will definitely be a learning experience.
Merrittville Speedway was recently host to the 2nd Annual
Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School for rookie and veteran drivers alike that enrolled.
“It just doesn’t compare to racing a kart,” relates an awestruck Nick Cupolo after his first few laps in his Cairn Croft Hotel 99c Sportsman. “It was amazing,” boasted Mat Williamson, adding, “I can’t wait until the season starts.” For the 2004 KC Auto Parts Original Pizza Logs Junior Restricted Light Kart Champion, this season will also include attempting to defend his kart title in addition to taking on a stock car schedule Saturday Nights.
Chris Steele also looks to do double duty again this season as he did last, continuing on in the Philbrick Farm & Garden Senior kart class while racing in his sophomore season in the Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Car division. Steele attended the conclusion of the RCM Racing Equipment/Philbrick Farm & Garden Kart School on track session helping out some of the novice karters and then put his Saturday Night Mod Lite through the Sunday Stock Car session.
“I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun,” relates Steele’s father Owen, adding, “I’m not sure what results I’ll have though.” The elder Steele is set to follow his son into Dwarf Car racing with Chris’ car of last year.
“It was a real successful morning,” informs instructor Paul Klager, of the track portion of the kart school that began last weekend with and in-class session, adding, “for the many rookies…seat time is important and I was quite surprised in how quickly they became comfortable on the track and the parents and crew members asked a lot of good questions.”
2004 Junior Restricted Light Rookie of the Year driver Andy Tallman is anxiously awaiting the start of the new kart season. Tallman is one of the first competitors to use the new optional Briggs & Stratton Animal Engine that is slates to replace the Raptor Engine in coming years.
“It has a lot more power,” relates Tallman, “the engine and kart combination really performed well…awesome bite out of the turns.”
“There was a good mix of rookies and veterans,” said BRP’s Randy Williamson of both stock car schools. “From Windsor to Quebec into Pennsylvania in addition to Southern Ontario and Western New York.”
Despite fighting the effects of sun and wind on Saturday, several of the drivers broke into the 17 second lap time mark. Sunday’s times were a little better, and for much of the day, participants enjoyed overcast skies.
“For the rookies and experienced drivers alike that had never seen Merrittville’s d-shaped oval, I was quite happy,” adds Williamson, “they all showed considerable improvement from start to finish.”
Saturday’s Stock Car session saw 12 drivers take to the track while Sunday’s session seen 14.
For further information on Bicknell Racing Products or to find a dealer near you, call 905-685-7223 or visit
www.bicknellracingproducts.com .
Merrittville Speedway’s 54th consecutive season begins Saturday, April 24th with a practice session for all divisions, followed by Time Trials for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsman. Pit gates will open at noon with tech inspection slated to start at 1pm. The race track will open at 5pm for practice.
For more information contact the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit
www.merrittvillespeedway.com***
PEN CENTER NIGHT KICKS OFF LADIES RACE SERIES AT MERRITTVILLETHOROLD, ON – Mother’s Day weekend at Merrittville traditionally kicks off the Ladies Race Series of events at the Thorold track. Representatives from the Pen Center – Niagara’s largest shopping destination are guests in the Trackside Hospitality Suite and throughout the grandstands.May 7th’s race card will be the second point event of 2004 for all divisions featured in the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Seneca Niagara Casino Dwarf Cars, Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders.
Four Ladies Race Series events dot the 2004 schedule and with the traditional Mother’s Day weekend Series kickoff, all eyes will be on Christine Porter as she attempts to win her second straight Mini-Series title in 2005.
If Porter attempts to defend her first title, competition will surely come form former Champion Charlene Dooley, Karen Kocarik and others. All ladies wishing further information on the Ladies Race Series can contact the Speedway Office.
Prior to the start of the season, the Pen Centre played host to a Merrittville Speedway Race Car show and several teams have confirmed their attendance from March 29th to April 3rd.
Merrittville Speedway was well represented by rookies and veterans alike as Mike Bowman, Alan Sleight, Kevin Knapp, and Paul Klager unveiled their new cars – all set for their first years in the Sportsmen, Hoosier Stock and Dwarf Car Classes.
Veterans Scott Wood, Pete Bicknell, Bill Willard, Rob Knapp, Dan Miller, Doug Spiece, Travis Braun and Ken Cosgrove also had their cars on display.
Former Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish and Wayne Adamczak had their BRP Can Am Super Stock Late Models showcased in preparation for their August 20th Gabriel Maintenance special.
Merrittville Speedway’s Kart Club was also well represented by Brett Robbins, Rob Hutchison, Mat Williamson and Steve Sim.
For further information on the Pen Centre visit www.thepencentre.com. The Pen Centre is located at HWY 406 and Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines and Store Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:30 to 6:00 and on Sundays from Noon to 6 PM.
Merrittville Speedway is presenting its 54th consecutive season of dirt track excitement in 2005. For information on DIRT Weekly Racing Series events and upcoming specials call 905-892-8266 or visit
www.merrittvillespeedway.com .
Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario on Merrittville Highway.
It’s Saturday Night Live and it’s Merrittville Speedway – The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara!
(From Merrittville Speedway / From Jim Irvine)
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