Pen Center Night kicks off Ladies Race Series at Merrittville: RANKIN CANCER RUN ALSO IN SPOTLIGHT

Courtesy Jim Irvine

THOROLD, ONTARIO … Mother’s Day weekend at Merrittville traditionally kicks off the Ladies Race Series of events at the Thorold track and once again, representatives from the Pen Center – Niagara’s largest shopping destination are guests in the Trackside Hospitality Suite and throughout the grandstands.

May 13th’s race card will be the second point event of 2006 for all divisions featured in the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Premier/Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.

“The Pen Centre and it’s merchants are great supporters of community events,” relates Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell, “ we’re happy to be their hosts during our 55th season … race fans enjoy seeing the race cars on display every March and now it’s time to enjoy them in action on the track.”

One car that drew lots of attention during the March event was the #6 Sportsmen of sophomore driver Mat Williamson.

“My Grandmother recently had cancer,” says Mat, “ when she was in treatment a friend of my mom’s suggested the idea … so along with my sponsors we came out with the Rankin Cancer Run design.”

The right side of Williamson’s 2003 Bicknell Chassis carries a special Rankin Cancer Run message and race fans will see the car on display and can meet the up and coming driver when the front gates open at the new time of 5:30.

Two Ladies Race Series events dot the 2006 schedule and with the traditional Mother’s Day weekend Series kickoff, all eyes will be on Christine Porter as she attempts to win her Mini-Series title in 2006.

If Porter attempts to defend her title, competition will surely come from former Champion Charlene Dooley, Karen Kocarik and others. All ladies wishing further information on the Ladies Race Series can contact the Speedway Office.

While these two Ladies Races will see the girls take to the track in Hoosier Stocks, another Ladies Race will help close the season as a 25 lap Ladies Enduro is scheduled for September 10th.

The Rankin Cancer Run is a new charity event for our own region, named gratefully and proudly after key supporter, Rankin Construction Incorporated. Their heart and community concern is overwhelming. The funds generated from this walk/run, will be given back to our community for help with immediate cancer care.

Prior to the night’s racing, race fans will be encouraged to make a donation to the Rankin Cancer Run by ‘voting’ for the Celebrity that they think will win the Zehr’s Food Plus Shopping Cart Race that will be held during the night.

There will be prizes awarded to a fan that donates to the eventual winner.

“It will surely be a sight to see,” relates Bicknell, “ we’re assembling the participants … hats off to them for helping out and Zehr’s at the Pen too.”

The Rankin Cancer Run will held Saturday May 27th starting at 10:00 AM from the Grantham Lions Club in St. Catharines. Individuals and teams alike are encouraged to participate in the 5K & 1K Walk/Run.

Rankin Cancer Run Committee Members will be on hand also during the night – selling their orange ‘Keep the Spirit’ wristbands and will answer questions for those wishing to get more involved. Race Fans can also visit www.rankincancerrun.com for further information.

May 13th’s event will also be the first event of the new season that representatives from Hooters of Niagara Falls will be in attendance.

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. For further information visit www.thepencentre.com.

Merrittville Speedway is presenting its 55th consecutive season of dirt track excitement in 2006. For information on DIRT Weekly Racing Series events and upcoming specials call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvilles p eedway.com.

Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold Ontario on Merrittville Highway.

It’s Saturday Night … it’s Live and it’s Merrittville Speedway – the best family entertainment in Niagara!