THOROLD, ONTARIO … Merrittville Speedway officials are preparing for their first Holiday doubleheader of 2006 with two big nights of action in celebration of the Canadian Victoria Day Holiday and so are an impressive group of rookies.
CAA Niagara Member Appreciation Night at the Thorold track kicks off the excitement Saturday May 20th with a full card of racing featuring all 5 divisions that make up the DIRT Weekly Racing Series – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Premier Mademoiselle Fitness Centers Classic Mod Lites, the Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.
The night also features the first ever Open Wheel Pit Crew Race.
“The Ladies always get the chance to have some fun,” relates GM Erica Bicknell, “ the Pit Crews deserve their chance too … who knows … maybe it will help some teams … crews will gain hands on experience at what the car’s doing.”
The 6 lap event will feature crew members in Sportsmen and 358 Modified machines.
For a number of years, CAA Niagara has supported one of Merrittville’s first families of racing - the Willards and that tradition will continue in 2006.
Bill Willard Jr. however – a former Merrittville Sportsmen Champion – will take on a new role in 2006 as his son BJ has taken over the controls of the family-owned CAA 77Jr.
“I’m looking forward to it,” relates Bill Willard, “ the boys will have to remember to be patient … they can’t expect everything all at once … but they’re good kids.”
“Late last season,” relates BJ, “ Dad, Grandpa (Al Willard) and I talked about me racing in 2006 … once they found out I was 100% committed … they both agreed.”
BJ’s cousin will be joining him as a rookie in the Sportsmen ranks in Bill’s second car. Having made quite a name for himself in winning both the Merrittville Hoosier Stock and Humberstone Brian’s Tire Street Stock Championships, Tyler McPherson looks forward to the coming season.
“It’s like night and day,” informs McPherson of the difference between the two divisions, “ the way you drive the car … the power and the handling … it’s going to be a learning experience all over again.”
Tyler ran a few Sportsmen races last season to prepare for this year.
The Championship Hoosier Stock Car will still be pitside every Saturday night as Tyler’s younger brother Cody will drive the Mike Granton-owned car.
“I just can’t wait,” remarks Cody, “ I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fill his shoes … it’s a learning year for me also … I’ll just do my best and go from there.”
While the CAA logo is most prominent on BJ’s car, it can also be found on the McPherson entries.
“Last year with Uncle Bill’s and my car,” prides Tyler,” we just all worked together … everybody just helps everybody.”
CAA Niagara is pleased to once again provide Merrittville Speedway race teams with the best towing services available in the Niagara Region. Race fans can enjoy the same fast. friendly and professional service by becoming a member of CAA Niagara.
For year round peace of mind and member exclusive savings, you can rely on your friends at CAA Niagara. Join at your local CAA office today and start enjoying yearlong benefits of being a CAA Member and tell them Merrittville sent you.
In addition to it’s Auto Club, CAA can also offer it’s members Travel Information and Bookings, discounted Attraction Tickets and the Schmon Parkway location now offers select NASCAR Nextel Cup Driver Apparel.
The Holiday weekend closes with Meridian Credit Union as hosts of a 5 division Monday Night show featuring the BRP 360 Late Models – the new name for the BRP Can Am Super Stocks.
Like Merrittville’s Dirt Weekly Racing Series first time drivers, the BRP 360 Late Model field could see 10 Rookies in their second outing of the new season Victoria Day at Merrittville.
Although hardly a rookie, one new 2006 first time 360 Late model Competitor comes to the series with an impressive background.
Randy Hall of Olean NY has scored 124 IMCA Modified and E Mod wins in a racing career that began in 1997. Hall hasn’t raced a car with full fenders since 1996 but made quite an impression in the Season Opener at Black Rock Speedway – having to qualify from the consi but winning the main event.
Seven rookies were in the opening day field – Hall, Rich Michael Jr., Tim Barnard, Dick Karlnoski, Justin Longacre, Don Newton Jr., and Donnie Smith and at least three more are expected to debut at Merrittville – Junior Green, Dave Stephens and the series’ first female driver – Jessica Pierce of Corning NY.
Green is hardly a rookie either having previously raced a NASCAR Craftsmen Truck, a Hooters Pro Cup Car, a DIRT 358 Modified and others.
Former Merrittville Pro Stock Champion Darren Kish will be leading the wedge-shaped fan favorites to Merrittville as reigning champion – having won his first title with the growing group last season.
Kish attended both Merrittville Practice Days earlier this season in his own car and the one he will race for Stan Miskin.
Joining the Holiday program will be the 358 Modifieds and Sportsmen and two other full fendered divisions – the Hoosier Stocks and the first Konzelmann Estates Winery Enduro Qualifier of the season.
In 2005, the Duel on the Dirt Series against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks was a huge success and it returns with a new exciting format.
Merrittville Hoosier Stocks and the Brighton teams will have home track events that will combine with the Fall Events at each track. Mike Dooley and the Champion Team Merrittville will run their first Home Event as part of Meridian Credit Union’s Monday Night Madness.
Enduro Competitors will also join the festivities in the first of three Qualifiers for the 100 lap Konzelmann Estate Winery Battle Royale September 10th.
The Winner of May 22nd’s 25 lap event will earn the pole position for the $1,555.55 to win 55thAnniversary Season Finale.
Get in touch with the Meridian Credit Union today and start your revolution of one. Meridian Credit Union has 43 branches across Ontario delivering worry-free banking. For a branch nearest you call 1-800-303-3258 or visit http://www.meridiancu.ca/ or revolutionofone.ca.
For further information on Merrittville 55th Season including Enduro Racing – call 905-892-8266 or visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/.
Both events start at 7:15 after the gates open at 5:30.
By Jim Irvine; with files from Gary Montgomery
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