BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY PROSTOCKS TEAM UP TO FIGHT FOR THE 2006 DUEL IN THE DIRT AGAINST 2005 CHAMPIONS FROM MERRITVILLE

BRIGHTON, ON – Inaugural Duel on the Dirt Overall Champion Mike Dooley of St. Catharines will have his work cut out for him if he thinks that the Brighton Speedway Park ProStocks will allow him to lead his Daytona Automotive Equipment Challenge Championship Team Merrittville to the Winner's Circle in the new look series of 2006.

The new format will see two Home Track events at Brighton Speedway Park (Saturday June 10 and Saturday July 1) and two at Merrittville, (Monday May 22 and Monday August 7). There will also be two combined events - Sunday September 3rd and Saturday September 10th at Brighton and Merrittville Speedways respectively.

This season each driver from their respective track will have the opportunity to compete in four separate points events, making the series more exciting and a nail biter right down to the end. This can only serve to help Brighton drivers, like the #72 Prostock driven by Jeff Sallans, who was hit with bad luck in 2005. While leading the Brighton race Jeff got a flat tire and was forced to pit and give up the lead eventually finishing in 15th position.

This left Jeff and Team Brighton in a point deficit heading into the second round at Merrittville. "The new format will have the points spread out over 4 races, which won’t leave as big of a handicap if a driver hits a small streak of bad luck" said Mark Rinaldi, Brighton Speedway Promoter.

Jeff and the rest of Team Brighton will be using this format to bring the banner and the money back to Brighton this year. "These events are the highest paying events, combined with the total points fund, it really rewards these deserving drivers" relates Erica Bicknell, GM of Merritville Speedway. The Purse combined with the points fund, provided by sponsors Lawns We Do and DL Services, and the Daytona Automotive Team Challenge equals out to more than $16,000.00 of total purse for the 4 race series.

"We are pleased with the corporate support shown by local businesses for this true test of dirt track driving skill," says Rinaldi of Brighton Speedway Park. "Erica and I are glad that long time Brighton sponsor Lawns We Do, the local lawn care specialists, and DL Services, a province wide environmental remediation company, are returning to entice drivers to compete in the complete series with there points fund". Erica adds "Thankfully the Daytona Automotive Equipment Team Award is returning as the team concept adds that extra edge to the competition. Daytona Automotive Equipment, with their Head Offices and a warehouse facility right here in Brighton, manufactures a line of automotive lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers and auto body frame machines for the automotive service and repair industry. They provide valuable resources to our racers and their teams and we are proud to have them sponsor this event."

Brighton Speedway's Duel on the Dirt combined event September 3rd is part of the ever popular Labour Day Classic Weekend, which includes other race events like the Southern Ontario Sprints, the Canadian Modified/IMCA Challenge and the Comp 4 Dirt/Asphalt challenge. Free camping makes the weekend a renowned event for all race fans. "The Labour Day Classic weekend at Brighton Speedway Park is becoming known as one of the best destinations and events for Dirt Track Racing Fans. The family atmosphere, fun and racing entertainment are the highlight of the season for everyone in attendance. We look forward to witnessing Brighton drivers take a home track win in the Duel on the Dirt Series this year," says Communications Director Brenda Whitehead.

The very next weekend on September 9th and 10th Brighton drivers will head west to the Merrittville Speedway to take part in the Annual Rose Webber Memorial Weekend. Merrittville Speedway is located just south of St. Catharines in Thorold Ontario.

For further information visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.
Brighton Speedway Park information, including up to date schedules and driver information can be found at www.brightonspeedway.com. The first race event of the year is scheduled for April 29th, 2006 when the stock cars hit the track for opening night. Admission is only $2.00 with a non-perishable food donation that will support local food banks. Green flag flies at the new start time of 7:00pm. For more information, contact Brighton Speedway at (613)475-1102.