By Jim Irvine
THOROLD, ONTARIO … Merrittville Speedway is preparing to welcome back one of its newest sponsors - Direct Energy Essential Home Services as part of Reunion Night Saturday July 16th.
Once again hosted by Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee headed by Chairmen Rick Kavanagh, the night salutes more than 50 years of dirt racing excitement at one of Canada’s oldest race tracks. The Reunion Committee is also made up of former drivers Ted Renshaw and Bruce Swartz, Terry Huffman and the Speedway’s Erica Bicknell and Jim Irvine. Renshaw and Swartz are Wall of Fame Members while Kavanagh is the son of former Speedway owner Ken Kavanagh who is also a Wall of Fame Member.
“The Jerry Winger Memorial is a grand finale to a night of spectacular racing and it continues to be one of the highlights of Merrittville’s schedule,” relates Kavanagh.
“We are delighted to support Merrittville’s Reunion Committee once again … not to mention one of Canada’s oldest Stock Car racing facilities,” said Mike Renshaw, District Manager Ontario West, Direct Energy. “Our employees live and work in the community and our involvement in the prestigious event is our opportunity to give back to that community,” he added.
Direct Energy provides Ontario consumers with a one stop shop for their energy and related home services needs including fixed price gas contracts; sales, installation and service of heating and air conditioning equipment; water heater rentals; heating and cooling protection plans. Direct Energy Essential Homes Services also specializes in quality home improvement product sales and installations including windows, doors and roofs.
In addition to the 50 lap Jerry Winger Memorial 358 Modified Main Event, race fans of all ages can take a look back over Merrittville’s past with Vintage Race cars on display in the grandstand area prior to race time. The Vintage Coupes and Coaches and other cars will also take to the track as part of the night’s racing activity.
A huge part of the night is all the reminiscing that takes place in celebration of the track’s now 54 consecutive seasons. The Drivers of the past enjoy meeting with the fans of today – many that can remember the early days of the sport. Just as drivers today can be second or third generation, so too are some fans.
The highlight of the night has to be the Induction of 2005’s selections for the Speedway’s L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame. The Reunion Committee has made their selections and like since the start – each year’s honorees do not find out until Reunion night.
At L. St. Amand Enterprises – their business is dirt and they have been long-time supporters of Merrittville Speedway. The father and son team of Bob St. Amand Sr. and Jr. are one of the most respected pairings as they serve Merrittville Race Teams as fans as Race Director and Pit Steward. Along with Pat St. Amand – the family-owned Bunting Road St. Catharines business boasts Landscape and Auto and Truck Repair Divisions. Race fans can call them at 905-682-1132 for their landscape needs or for all their automotive service and repair needs.
For Alumni a pre-race dinner will again be presented behind the turn four grandstands – once again catered by Rick’s Ole Tyme Barbie Q.
In addition to the 50 lap 358 L. St. Amand Modified main event, racing will also take place in the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Car, Hoosier Stocks and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
As an added bonus, 358 Modified Heat winners and runners up will be entered into a Dash for Cash – sponsored by Direct Energy and Ed MacPherson Construction.
Ed MacPherson Construction has also been a long-time supporter of Merrittville Speedway’s excavation projects. Merrittville Speedway Wall of Famer Sandy MacPherson stills enjoy Saturday Night action while mentoring his grandson’s Kart Racing Tuesday Nights. Also located on Bunting Road in St. Catharines, MacPherson Construction can be reached at 905-684-1225.
For further information on Reunion Night, please call the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
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