Billy Dunn in action at Merrittville Speedway on Monday night. (Motorsports Image Photo)

The weekend started at Mohawk International Raceway on Friday night. Dunn was back behind the wheel of the Laurent Ladouceur owned car. He started second in the qualifying heat race, and maintained that position throughout the 10 lap race. In the 25 lap main event, Billy started from the outside of the second row in the fourth position, and by lap five he was up to third. Just a couple laps later he was up to second and set his sites on the leader. Over the duration of the race, Dunn maintained that second, but heavy lapped traffic made for an exciting finish, as Dunn caught the leader and nearly took the lead.

On Saturday night, Dunn was back to Canandaigua Motorsports Park. He struggled in his qualifying heat race, and was forced to the last chance consolation race. A fourth place finish locked him into the 35 lap main event, but he would be marred deep in the field to start the race. He patiently worked his way forward, and by lap 26 he had made steady progress, sitting in the 10th position. Just five laps later he was inside the top five, and gained one more position over the final couple circuits to finish in fourth.

Sunday was the start of a two day trip north of the border with Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified series races. The first stop was Cornwall Motor Speedway. Not long after arriving at the track, the skies opened up, and the series race was postponed until Sunday, August 4th. From Cornwall, Dunn traveled to Merrittville Speedway, and started the night with a fourth place finish in his qualifying heat race, locking into the 100 lap main event. He would start from the 15th starting position. By the end of the night, Dunn had moved forward, posting a solid ninth place finish.

This coming weekend, Dunn will return to Mohawk International Raceway driving the Laurent Ladouceur owned car, and will be back in his Big Block Modified on Saturday night at Canandaigua Motorsports Park.

Billy Dunn would like to thank Number One Speed, FastLube of Watertown, Finger Lakes Auto Machine, Glen A. Gould Estate Construction, Frosty’s Ice Cream, and Bicknell Racing Products for their continued support for the 2013 racing season.

For more information on Billy Dunn and the Number One Speed race team, please check out our website, www.billydunn49.com.

Danny O’Brien wins at Brockville Speedway on Saturday night. (Rick Young Photo)

After a rough start to the season at Brockville the previous weekend, O’Brien was able to start of the front row in his qualifying heat race, and never looked back, taking the win easily. They made some minor adjustments to the car for the 30 lap feature to keep up with the changing track conditions. He started from the front row and jumped out to the early lead, and despite a few early cautions, including a multi car incident on lap four, O’Brien was able to hold off any challenges for the top spot and cruised to his first win of the 2013 season.

“After last weekend, we were all pretty discouraged. We went through this most of last year here, just being at the wrong place at the wrong time”, says O’Brien. “It is great to bounce back with a win, and hopefully we can build on this and come back next week even stronger”.

On Sunday afternoon, O’Brien made the trip to Cornwall Speedway for the first round of the Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified series. The race also doubled as the first of three events in the Canadian Nationals Series. A late afternoon rain forced track officials to cancel the night’s events, with an altered schedule now in place that will see the Canadian Nationals 100 lap race take place this Sunday, May 26th, with the DIRTcar Series race now postponed to August 4th to run in conjunction with the second Canadian Nationals Series race.

After an early exit from Cornwall after the rainout, Danny and the team made a quick stop back home to set the car up for the next event and they were off again to Thorold, Ontario for their Mr. DIRTcar Series race at Merrittville Speedway. He finished third in his qualifying heat race, locking himself into the redraw for a top 12 starting spot in the 100 lap main event. With a fifth place starting spot, Danny hit the track, hoping they had the magic setup for the tricky Merrittville track. It was soon evident that the car wasn’t where they needed it to be, and he struggled to a disappointing 15th place finish.

This coming weekend, Danny will be back in action at Brockville Speedway on Saturday night, and off to Cornwall Sunday as they attempt to get in their season opener once again, consisting of the 100 lap Canadian Nationals Series race.

Danny O’Brien would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Snap-On Adam Way, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their continuous support and we look forward to a very exciting 2013 campaign.

For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.ca. You can also follow Danny O’Brien through www.1000islandsrvmotorsports.com, a new website launched by longtime sponsor 1000 Islands RV.

Matt Sheppard celebrates jis victory (Tom Stevens Photo)

THOROLD, ONTARIO – May 21, 2013 – In a brilliant feat of showmanship, “Super Matt” Sheppard outmaneuvered Danny Johnson to win the first race of the 358-Modified Series Monday, May 20, at Merrittville Speedway.

Sheppard spent the second half of the 100-lap event fighting lapped traffic, but his ability to deftly steer his FX Caprara/Xtreme Lubricants 9s around and between cars kept him out of reach of Johnson’s challenges.

“I just wanted to run as hard as I could for 100 laps and try and get through the lapped traffic cleanly, but as quickly as I could too,” said Sheppard, who had no idea from his driver’s seat that Johnson was just a few car lengths behind the whole time. “I didn’t know if there was anybody right on me or not.”

Tom Steven Photo

Jimmy Phelps, of Baldwinsville, N. Y., and Johnson, of Rochester, N. Y., started the feature in the front row with Sheppard just behind, fourth on the grid. Phelps, fueled by momentum from his heat race win, leapt forward at the green flag, speeding ahead of polesitter Johnson. Surviving two cautions and double-file restarts, Phelps ran strong the first quarter of the race, but not as strong as Sheppard, who passed Phelps for the lead in lap 24.

Sheppard kept his lead the remainder of the race through another two cautions and double-file restarts. The final 58 laps of the race went caution-free, creating added challenge for the leaders as they reached lapped traffic. Darting around and between cars, sometimes three at a time, Sheppard stunned crowds in the packed grandstands with his agility.

“I could kind of pick and choose myself through lapped traffic and move around a little bit, and just hold on until the end,” said Sheppard, who attributed his success to his preference for the track. “It’s just been an unbelievable track for us,” he said.

Johnson made several attempts to claim Sheppard’s lead in the last laps of the race, but could not find that outside groove that helped Sheppard cruise seemingly effortlessly around lapped cars.

“I just got caught on the bottom and I needed to be on top. I lost the lead, and once I lost the lead, I couldn’t regain it,” said Johnson, who finished second. “It just wasn’t meant to be. It is what it is, and we’re real happy with what we’ve got.”

Early race leader Phelps fell to Johnson’s advances after lapped traffic slowed his pace in lap 68. The Baldwinsville, N. Y., native kept up with the pack and finished third at the checkered flag.

“We were good. We needed more gear there at the end – the pace slowed down and we couldn’t carry as much speed,” said Phelps. “Other than that, I thought we were close, we just needed to de a little better staying with the front two.”

“I was kinda holding my own at the beginning, then I found the top before Danny and Jimmy did,” Sheppard said. “I think that’s what won us the race. I was able to get out front, and once i was able to get out front I was just able to keep it rolling.”

In taking the victory, Sheppard put a stop to Brett Hearn’s streak; Hearn has won the last three DIRTcar 358-Modified Series events at Merrittville Speedway. In Monday’s feature, Hearn finished sixth.

Local Merrittville star and 2012 points runner-up in the 358-Modified Series Mat Williamson finished fourth after winning his heat and drawing the third spot in the starting grid. World of Outlaws Late Model Series star Tim McCreadie finished fifth after starting 18th. Rounding out the top ten are Pete Bicknell in seventh, Chad Chevalier in eighth, Billy Dunn in ninth, and Mario Clair in tenth.

The DIRTcar 358-Modified Series heats back up again in July for the Ransomville Speedway’s 4th Annual Battle at the Border Wednesday, July 3.

DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Round 2 – Merrittville Speedway

A-Main Finish

1. 9s Matt Sheppard / Waterloo, N. Y. ($4,000)

2. 7z Danny Johnson / Rochester, N. Y.

3. 99J Jimmy Phelps / Baldwinsville, N. Y.

4. 6m Mat Williamson / St. Catharines, Ontario

5. 7F Tim McCreadie / Watertown, N. Y.

6. 20 Brett Hearn / Sussex, N. J.

7. 42 Pete Bicknell / St. Catharines, Ontario

8. 12 Chad Chevalier / Port Colborne, Ontario

9. 49 Billy Dunn / Watertown, N. Y.

10. 22c Mario Clair / Drummondville, Quebec

11. 17c Chris Steele / Fenwick, Ontario

12. 28 Todd Gordon / Thorold, Ontario

13. 06 Brandon Easey / St. Catharines, Ontario

14. 38 Scott Wood / Thorold, Ontario

15. 17d Danny O’Brien / Kingston, Ontario

16. 37 David Hebert / Saint-Damase, Quebec

17. 3b Chad Brachmann / Sanborn, N. Y.

18. 22J Jeremy Wilder / Fort Plain, N. Y.

19. 108J Bill Bleich / Port Robinson, Ontario

20. 21k Randy Chrysler / Tuscarora Nation, N. Y.

21. 37s Robbie Krull / Cambria, N. Y.

22. R70 Ryan Arbithnot / Renfrew, Ontario

23. 72 Tommy Flannigan / St. Catharines, Ontario

24. 88 Shayne Pierce / Welland, Ontario

25. 66x Carey Terrance / Akwesasne, N. Y.

26. 03 Zach Aubertine / Chaumont, N. Y.

27. 4J Jeff Sykes / Edwards, N. Y.

28. 21a Pete Britten / Brisbaine, Queensland, Australia

29. 71 Mike Bowman / St. Catharines, Ontario

30. 25R Erick Rudolph / Ransomville, N. Y.

31. 08 Mark D’Ilario

B-Main Finishes (Top 4 transfer)

B-Main 1: 1. 22J Jeremy Wilder; 2. 06 Brandon Easey; 3. 37 David Hebert; 4. 4J Jeff Sykes; 5. 21k Randy Chrysler; 6. 37s Robbie Krull; 7. 115 Stephane LaFrance; 8. 108J Bill Bleich Jr.; 9. 64 Daniel Nadeau

B-Main 2: 1. 38 Scott Wood; 2. R70 Ryan Abithnot; 3. 88 Shayne Pierce; 4. 03 Zach Aubertine; 5. 96 Fred Carlton; 6. 777 Tyler McPherson; 7. 01 Chris Raabe; 8. 66x Carey Terrance; 9. 21T Roger Chrysler; 10. 27T Travis Stacey

Qualifying Heats (Top 5 transfer, top 3 redraw)

Heat 1: 1. 17c Chris Steele; 2. 3b Chad Brachmann; 3. 9s Matt Sheppard; 4. 21a Pete Britten; 5. 25R Erick Rudolph; 6. 22J Jeremy Wilder; 7. 108J Bill Bleich Jr.; 8. 115 Stephane LaFrance; 9. 21k Randy Chrysler

Heat 2: 1. 42 Pete Bicknell; 2. 108 Bil Bleich; 3. 28 Todd Gordon; 4. 22c Mario Clair; 5. 7F Tim McCreadie; 6. 37s Robbie Krull; 7. 37 David Hebert; 8. 64 Daniel Nadeau; 9. 4J Jeff Sykes; 10. 06 Brandon Easey

Heat 3: 1. 6m Mat Williamson; 2. 7z Danny Johnson; 3. 17d Danny O’Brien; 4. 49 Billy Dunn; 5. 08 Mark D’Ilario; 6. 96 Fred Carlton; 7. 88 Shayne Pierce; 8. 03 Zach Aubertine; 9. 01 Chris Raabe; 10. 66x Carey Terrance

Heat 4: 1. 99J Jimmy Phelps; 2. 71 Mike Bowman; 3. 20 Brett Hearn; 4. 72 Tommy Flannigan; 5. 12 Chad Chevalier; 6. 38 Scott Wood; 7. R70 Ryan Arbithnot; 8. 777 Tyler McPherson; 9. 21T Roger Chrysler; 10. 27T Travis Stacey

The Super DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Racing in the Northeast Region are brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Chevy Performance Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, and Safety-Kleen. Promotional partners include the University of Northwestern Ohio. Contingency sponsors are ASI, Beyea Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix, ButlerBuilt, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, MSD Performance, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Superflow, TNT Rescue, and Wrisco Industries.

In the Super 8 UMP Modified Dash, Kevin Miller made it to victory lane over Roy Harvey, Chad Bauer and Tyler Norton. Roger Steig carried the checkers in heat #1 over Norton and Bauer while Larry Cade picked up the win in heat #2 followed by Brent Banning and John Taylor. In the feature event, Chad Bauer took the lead from outside the front row as the green flag flew from pole sitter, John Taylor. On lap 5, Taylor fell off the pace leaving Larry Cade and Roger Steig to battle for the runner up spot behind Bauer. By mid – race Brent Banning had worked his back to second and set his sights on the leader, but Chad ran a smooth consistent line to lead flag to flag for the win. Kevin Miller passed Banning with just three laps remaining to finish second over Banning, Larry Cade, Roger Steig, Roy Harvey, Donnie Roberts, Paul Johnson and Andrew Terrill.

Spring Championship races are on tap for this Saturday, May 25th for all 5 regular classes at Michigan’s most award winning dirt track, Merritt Speedway.

RESULTS:
UMP Modified – Feature
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 2 19B Chad Bauer Farwell , Mi 25.00
2 8 43M Kevin Miller Mt Pleasant, Mi 24.00
3 3 99 Brent Banning West Branch, Mi 23.00
4 5 17C Larry Cade Buckley , Mi 22.00
5 6 22S Roger Steig Reed City, Mi 21.00
6 18 75 Roy Harvey Mt Pleasant, Mi 20.00
7 7 63 Donnie Roberts Gladwin , Mi 19.00
8 16 4J Paul Johnson Arcadia , Mi 18.00
9 9 4T Andrew Terrill Midland , Mi 17.00
10 15 14B Xxxx Barton - 16.00
11 17 22A Darron Andras Lake City, Mi 15.00
12 13 0 Ron Price Manton , Mi 14.00
13 12 68 Trever Fedewa Mt Pleasant, Mi 13.00
14 19 7C Jeff Cade Buckley , Mi 12.00
15 14 2X Tyson Roush Traverse City, Mi 11.00
16 11 25 Ray Hutson Jr Shepherd , Mi 11.00
17 10 1C James Clem Kalkaska , Mi 11.00
18 1 3T John Taylor Mt Pleasant, Mi 11.00
19 4 14N Tyler Norton Midland , Mi 11.00

UMP Modified – Heat 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 1 17C Larry Cade Buckley , Mi 12.00
2 2 99 Brent Banning West Branch, Mi 10.00
3 6 3T John Taylor Mt Pleasant, Mi 8.00
4 4 43M Kevin Miller Mt Pleasant, Mi 6.00
5 5 1C James Clem Kalkaska , Mi 4.00
6 7 68 Trever Fedewa Mt Pleasant, Mi 2.00
7 8 2X Tyson Roush Traverse City, Mi 1.00
8 9 4J Paul Johnson Arcadia , Mi 1.00
9 3 75 Roy Harvey Mt Pleasant, Mi 1.00

UMP Modified – Heat 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 9 22S Roger Steig Reed City, Mi 12.00
2 3 14N Tyler Norton Midland , Mi 10.00
3 4 19B Chad Bauer Farwell , Mi 8.00
4 2 63 Donnie Roberts Gladwin , Mi 6.00
5 1 4T Andrew Terrill Midland , Mi 4.00
6 10 25 Ray Hutson Jr Shepherd , Mi 2.00
7 5 0 Ron Price Manton , Mi 1.00
8 8 14B Xxxx Barton - 1.00
9 6 22A Darron Andras Lake City, Mi 1.00
10 7 7C Jeff Cade Buckley , Mi 0.00

UMP Modified – Dash
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 3 43M Kevin Miller Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00
2 1 75 Roy Harvey Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00
3 4 19B Chad Bauer Farwell , Mi 0.00
4 2 14N Tyler Norton Midland , Mi 0.00

UMP Modified – Qualifying 2
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 3 43M Kevin Miller Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00
2 5 75 Roy Harvey Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00
3 2 99 Brent Banning West Branch, Mi 0.00
4 6 17C Larry Cade Buckley , Mi 0.00
5 7 1C James Clem Kalkaska , Mi 0.00
6 1 3T John Taylor Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00
7 4 68 Trever Fedewa Mt Pleasant, Mi 0.00

UMP Modified – Qualifying 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points
1 3 19B Chad Bauer Farwell , Mi 0.00
2 6 14N Tyler Norton Midland , Mi 0.00
3 5 63 Donnie Roberts Gladwin , Mi 0.00
4 7 4T Andrew Terrill Midland , Mi 0.00
5 1 0 Ron Price Manton , Mi 0.00
6 2 22A Darron Andras Lake City, Mi 0.00
7 4 7C Jeff Cade Buckley , Mi 0.00

The DIRTcar 358-Modified Series continues with its next event Monday, May 20, at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario. Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

Motorsports Image photo

Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series action saw Rob Murray, Mat Williamson, Brad Rouse, Josh Sliter and Kyle Pelrine take home wins in the Hoosier Stock, Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds, Rick’s Delivery Sportsman, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Features respectively.

Mat Williamson has to be one of the hottest drivers in the young season – specially after switching up his racing schedule with the addition of a 9 hour round trip to Sarver PA’s Lernerville Speedway and the launch of his Big Block Modified Career Friday Nights were he’s won two straight events as a rookie.

“It’s great to win at my home track,” said Williamson after winning his first Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Feature, “it’s definitely a confidence booster … to go somewhere new and run good too though – it definitely makes the travel part of it easier.”

By virtue of their heat wins, Williamson and Chad Chevalier would make up the front row and it was Williamson who was first to lead the 35 lap Feature. Chevalier kept pace with the leader around the outside trying to make a move until the first caution on lap 5. With Williamson out front on the restart, Chevalier now faced a challenge from Larry Lampman with Pete Bicknell and Rob Krull quickly joining the top 3. With Scott Wood also rising to the top – Williamson was able to drive away to a comfortable lead by lap 10.

Two cautions right before the half-way point found Williamson in control with Bicknell moving into third and tracking down Lampman. Back and forth Lampman and Bicknell would challenge each other until caution again on lap 27 relaxed the field.

Bicknell was able to get by Lampman on the restart and just as he was about to mount a challenge on the leader – a late race caution would stall that.

Williamson would get the jump on the restart and through to the finish drove to a lead of some 5 car lengths over Bicknell. Lampman, Wood and Krull closed out the top 5.

Brad Rouse outraced Greg Panunte to the green flag at the start of the Rick’s Delivery 25 lap Sportsman Feature with the two driving away from the field by lap 5. 5 laps later the race to watch was the one for third between Spring Sizzler Winner BJ Willard, Scott George and defending champion Cody McPherson.

Just as Panunte was closing in on Rouse, the leader was not slowed by increasing lap traffic. What would slow Rouse was a caution on lap 17.

With Rouse back in control, racing through the field was three and four wide until another caution on lap 19. Rouse would set the pace again with second generation driver Gary Lindberg in second trying to hold off Scott George.

Rouse would run to a lead of a couple car lengths

at the finish with the battle for second ending with George and Lindberg as the top 3. Panunte and McPherson rounded out the top 5.

“This car keeps getting better every time out,” relayed Josh Sliter in Victory Lane after the 15 lap J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature, “ the older the better – you could run anywhere on this track tonight.”

UPCOMING AT MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY Lococo Wholesale will a 5 Division Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Program featuring the Registration Night for the 2013 Grantham Lions Merrittville Speedway Kids Club Saturday May 11th. Racing will feature the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds and Rick’s Delivery Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions. Grandstands will open at 5:30 with Show Time at 7:00 PM. PIT NOTES Darrell Farraway was announced as the first B&C Truck Centre Mack Canada Driver of the Week just prior to race time.

BOBCAT OF HAMILTON DIRTcar 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (35 laps) Mat Williamson, Pete Bicknell, Larry Lampman, Scott Wood, Robbie Krull, Chris Steele, Chad Chevalier, Erick Rudolph, Tommy Flannigan, Fred Carleton, Shayne Pierce, Bill Bleich, Mike Bowman, Brandon Easey, Danny O’Brien, Mark D’Ilario, Tyler McPherson, Billy Bleich, Jr., Ken Winfield, Rick Hoctor, Todd Gordon.

RICK’S DELIVERY DIRTcar SPORTSMAN FEATURE – (25 laps) Brad Rouse, Scott George, Gary Lindberg, Greg Panunte, Cody McPherson, BJ Willard, Justin Sharp, Jason Farraway, Boyd MacTavish, Adam Leslie, Austin Wood, Shawn Sliter, Jason Moore, Paul Gaboury, Dan Miller, George Bosse, Rob Knapp, Joey Mastroianni, Robbie Rounce, Travis Miller, Ron MacAulay, Paul Williamson, Jordan Cosco, Robert Baker. DNS – Charlie Lynch, Rob Clark, Derick Hodge, Gord McIntosh, Chris Bellamy.

J&S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING MODIFIED LITE FEATURE (15 laps) Josh Sliter, Paul Klager, Jason Corless, Rick Koabel, Jeff May, Randy Hollingshead, Kory Howe, Dylan Davidson, Ray Sliter, Jr., Evan Leonard.

WEEDSPORT, N. Y. – May 8, 2013 – The DIRTcar 358-Modified Series revs up north of the border with back-to-back races at Ontario tracks. The series opens Sunday, May 19, at Cornwall Motor Speedway in Cornwall, Ontario, and heads west to take on the 3/8-mile clay oval at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario, Monday, May 20.

“Feel the Excitement”: 358-Modifieds Open at Cornwall

The first of the two races promises a night of excitement for the fans as the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series competitors present opening night for the series and for Cornwall Motor Speedway’s 2013 season. The Minute Auto Wash Canadian Nationals presented by Gaetan’s Chip Stand on Sunday, May 19, features a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series feature, a 40-lap Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series feature, plus Sportsman, Semi Pro and Mini Stock weekly divisions.

Many weekly competitors in the 358-Modified division at Cornwall Motor Speedway agree that their home track’s high-banked quarter-mile clay oval is a thrilling place to race.

“It’s a real fast, small, high-banked track with multiple groves of racing even when it’s dried out, you can run the top, the bottom, the middle,” said driver of the No. 151kb Brian McDonald, who ranked seventh in track points at Cornwall in 2012 and 10th in points for the series.”It’s definitely a very exciting place to watch racing – it’s very fast-paced even when the track is slowed down or a little slick.”

McDonald aims to continue running Cornwall Motor Speedway on a weekly basis in 2013, while also running at Brockville Ontario Speedway as a home track and following the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series.

“We didn’t do the whole thing last year, just hit or miss,” McDonald said of the series, “but we had a few decent finishes so if we do the whole thing we may do well in points.”

Adult general admission tickets are just $25 for the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series opener at Cornwall Motor Speedway, located just across the Seaway International Bridge. Racing starts at 7 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the track website at www.cornwallspeedway.com or call (613) 938-3945. Follow Cornwall Speedway on Twitter, @cornwalspeedway, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CornwallMotorSpeedway.

D-Track Debut: Round 2 at Merrittville

The excitement won’t end Sunday, with 358-Modified Series racers wheeling southwest from Cornwall to take on the challenging Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ontario, the very next day. The Monday, May 20, race night, presented by Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits, features a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event plus a Hoosier Stock duel and the first Enduro Qualifier.

Track owner and 23-time 358-Modified Merrittville track champion Pete Bicknell said that even the series’ best have their work cut out for them on the D-shaped 3/8-mile banked clay track.

“It’s probably one of the hardest tracks to figure out because turn 4 is so tricky,” said Bicknell, whose experience at Merrittville and in the 358-Modified division has earned him the nickname “Mr. Small Block.” “It just takes experience. It takes lots of laps to figure out. It’s something that very few people can come and adapt to right away.”

“They say if you can race well at Merrittivllle, you can race well anywhere,” Bicknell contended.

On his way to proving that mantra is Merrittville’s own Mat Williamson. The 6m pilot collected six top-five finishes out of 12 starts in last year’s DIRTcar 358-Modified Series to finish second in points. In track points at Merrittville, Williamson fell just 14 points of the top spot – held, of course, by Pete Bicknell. This year the 23-year-old Williamson is at it again, already first in track points and ready to take on the series.

“I’m pretty excited to have a 358 race start off the year at my home track,” Williamson said. “Hopefully we can get in a good run at home and start campaigning on the series in the points battle.”

After a successful 2012 season at Merrittville plus success last year at Cornwall making two top-five finishes out of two starts, Williamson hopes these first series races at a couple of his strongest tracks will fuel some momentum going into the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series.

“We run good at Cornwall,” Williamson said. “I don’t think that we can go there and go to Merrittville and not have a good couple nights on the series. We’re still looking for our first series win, so hopefully between those two races we can get it.”

Williamson, of St. Catharines, Ontario, said he is also looking forward to some Big-Block Modified shows, and is preparing several Super DIRTcar Series events. Last year, he racked up one top-five finish and two top-tens out of his two starts in the Big-Block Modified tour. Nonetheless, he said the small block still takes precedence in 2013.

“We’re going to kind of see where we’re sitting in points,” Williamson said. “We were going to see if we could solve both series, but there are some conflicting dates so that’s where we’re going to focus on the 358 tour.”

For the second race of the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series, pit gates open at 4 p.m., front gates at 5:30 p.m., and racing begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the track website at www.merrittvillespeedway.com or call (905) 829-8266. For the latest news about Merrittville Speedway, follow the track’s Twitter updates, @Merrittville, and “like” the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/merrittvillespeedway.

For the latest news and updates about the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series and the other DIRTcar Northeast traveling tours, including the Super DIRTcar Series, follow @DIRTcarNE on Twitter, “like” the DIRTcar Racing Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/DIRTcar-Racing/286953054655394. The full DIRTcar 358-Modified Series is available by visiting www.dirtcarump.com/schedule/10844-2.

AT A GLANCE

What:

DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Round 1

Minute Auto Wash Canadian Nations presented by Gaetan’s Chip Stand

Divisions:

DIRTcar 358-Modified Series (100 laps)

Mohawk Racing Parts Pro Stock Series (40 laps)

Sportsman

Semi Pro

Mini Stock

When:

7 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:

Cornwall Motor Speedway, Civic #16981, Cornwall Centre Road, Long Sault, Ontario

About the Track:

High-banked quarter-mile clay oval

For more information:

www.cornwallspeedway.com or (613) 938-3945

What:

DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Round 2

Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits presents a 100-lap DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event plus Hoosier Stock Duel and Enduro Qualifier No. 1 accelerated by Niagara College

Divisions:

DIRTcar 358-Modified Series (100 laps)

Hoosier Stock Duel

Enduro qualifier

When:

7 p.m. Monday, May 20

Where:

Merrittville Speedway, 2371 Merrittville Highway, Thorold, Ontario

About the Track:

3/8-mile banked clay track, unique D-shape

For more information:

www.merrittvillespeedway.com or (905) 829-8266

The Super DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Racing in the Northeast Region are brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Chevy Performance Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, and Safety-Kleen. Promotional partners include the University of Northwestern Ohio. Contingency sponsors are ASI, Beyea Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix, ButlerBuilt, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, JE Pistons, JRI Shocks, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, MSD Performance, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Superflow, TNT Rescue, and Wrisco Industries.

Danny O’Brien at Merrittville Speedway on Saturday night. (Tom Stevens Photo)

O’Brien has had some success at Merrittville in the past, always competitive in DIRTcar 358 Series events, and a past winner at Merrittville in 2011 early season events. O’Brien was fast right out of the trailer, setting the pace in opening hot laps. Although he struggled during his qualifying heat, Danny charged from his 19th starting spot to score a top 10 finish in the 35 lap main event. He crossed the finish line in eighth place.

“We struggled in the heat race, and started pretty far back, so it was a good run for us to get back up into the top ten”, claims O’Brien. “This is a tough track with some great competition, so we will take that for our first race of the year, and build on it when we get back here next weekend”.

O’Brien will return to Merrittville next weekend, looking to fine tune his car in preparation for the Mr. DIRTcar Series event at Merrittville on May 20th. O’Brien will race at Brockville Speedway on Saturday night’s beginning with their season opener on Saturday, May 11th. Cornwall Speedway also opens on Sunday May 19th with the first Mr. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series race of 2013.

Danny O’Brien would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Snap-On Adam Way, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their continuous support and we look forward to a very exciting 2013 campaign.

For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.ca. You can also follow Danny O’Brien through www.1000islandsrvmotorsports.com, a new website launched by longtime sponsor 1000 Islands RV.

The Empire Super Sprints were at Can Am on Friday night, and typically they put on a great show at the fast half mile track in Lafargeville, New York. When I say typically, that leaves room for the rare occasion that things just don’t go right, and that was the case on Friday night. Multiple cautions over several attempts to get the race underway made for a long night, which included a red flag to refuel the cars before they even completed lap 2. I do enjoy Sprint Car racing most of the time, but this was one that I could have done without. When the race finally came to an end, it was Steve Poirier coming out on top over Dylan Swiernick, Kevin Ward Jr. Michael Parent and Sammy Reakes IV. Brandon Hagan was the Sportsman feature winner, taking the top spot over Taylor Caprara, Mathieu Robinson, Justin Thompson and Dylan Evoy. Charlie Sandercock completed a Brighton Speedway sweep with Greg Belyea and David McDonald rounding out the podium. Glen Forward was the Pro-Street Stock winner, John Stanley was the Thunder Car feature winner, while Nick Webb captured the first ever Novice Sportsman win.

Saturday was another great day as we were able to get to Can Am for the first Kart race of the 2013 season. It was nice to get some laps back on the kart, after a rebuild over the off-season and ended the day with a fourth place finish.

The action moved west to Brighton Speedway on Sunday afternoon for their test and tune practice day. A great turnout of cars hit the track in several local divisions. It was a great day, and really nice to see a great turnout for their practice day, leading up to the opener next week.

Elsewhere around the racing scene…Chris Raabe was the Modified winner at Evans Mills on Saturday night. Billy Decker took home the main event win at Brewerton on Friday. Matt Sheppard was the winner at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night, while Chad Brachmann edged out Pete Bicknell for the win at Merrittville Speedway. Ryan Phelps won on Sunday night at Utica Rome Speedway after a great battle up front. Dale Planck was second, Stewart Friesen was third, Alan Johnson fourth and Larry Wight rounded out the top five.

This coming weekend, I plan to be back at Can Am Motorsports Park on Friday night, then on to Brockville Speedway practice day on Saturday. I also plan to travel to Evans Mills Speedway on Saturday night after Brockville. That was also the plan for this past Saturday night, but a later then expected finish with the Kart racing forced me to alter those plans.

As always, any comments or suggestions can be sent to crevelle@ripnet.com. You can also visit me online at www.finishlinewebdesign.ca, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crevelle, and on twitter at www.twitter.com/finishlineweb17.

Danny O’Brien with his 2013 colors on display at the Frontenac Mall last month. (Rick Young Photo)

Before the 2013 season starts, there are still a couple off-track events scheduled to take place this weekend. First up on Saturday is the 2nd annual Brockville Ontario Speedway Fan Fair from 10am to 1pm at Walmart in Brockville. This event will be a great chance to meet Danny and some fellow Brockville Speedway competitors and see the cars up close before the season begins at the BOS next month. The event will have live entertainment from a local band called Texas Tuxedos and there will also be a charity BBQ taking place in support of the CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) Foundation.

On Saturday night, O’Brien will attend the Mohawk International Raceway awards banquet, where they will honor the top finishing drivers from the 2012 season. O’Brien will be awarded for his fifth place finish in points.

Once these events are over, O’Brien will shift his attention to Merrittville Speedway for their opening race next weekend. O’Brien has had some great finishes at Merrittville in the past, including an early season win back in 2011.

Danny O’Brien would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Snap-On Adam Way, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their continuous support and we look forward to a very exciting 2013 campaign.

For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.ca. You can also follow Danny O’Brien through www.1000islandsrvmotorsports.com, a new website launched by longtime sponsor 1000 Islands RV.

The 2012 season started out with a win on opening night at Mohawk Raceway, but much of the year was a struggle for Danny O’Brien. (Andy Watts Photo)

O’Brien opened the season in late April with an 11th place finish at Merrittville Speedway and the following week posted a fourth place finish at Chapman’s Can Am Motorsports Park before opening the season at Mohawk Raceway and Brockville Speedway with wins at both places. After a great start to his season at his own weekly tracks, O’Brien struggled over the most of the season. He posted another win at Brockville on July 7th and again on August 11th, but the rest of the season was difficult for the O’Brien team. He had fast cars on many nights, but was the victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time on plenty of occasions.

“It wasn’t a good year to say the least, but that is behind us now and we are working towards next season already”, says O’Brien. “I really have to thank all of our sponsors and everyone that works on the car during the week at the shop and at the track. There support is appreciated”.

Marketing opportunities are available with Danny O’Brien Racing for the 2013 season. Please contact Danny at dannyobrien17@hotmail.com and he will be more then happy to discuss how your company can benefit by advertising with a successful race team with a strong following like Danny O’Brien has.

Danny O’Brien would like to thank 1000 Islands RV Centre, Pat’s Rad, BOB FM, Ponte Bros. Masonry, Morrison Racing Engines, Snap-On Adam Way, Wurth, Bicknell Racing Products, and Integra Racing Shocks for their support during the 2012 season and we look forward to the 2013 campaign.

For more information on Danny O’Brien and the 17D racing team, please visit our website, www.dannyobrien.ca. You can also follow Danny O’Brien through www.1000islandsrvmotorsports.com, a new website launched by longtime sponsor 1000 Islands RV.

2012 Merrittville Speedway Champions (left to right): Hoosier Stock Champion – Rob Murray, Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Champion – Rocco Conte, Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Champion Pete Bicknell, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Champion – Cody McPherson, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Champion – Josh Sliter

While Cody McPherson celebrated his 1st Career Championship in the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman DIRTcar Division – four drivers added another championship in their respective divisions to their career stats.

Josh Sliter and Rocco Conte each won their third straight Championships in the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite and Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Divisions respectively.

For the fourth time of his career Rob Murray was honored as Hoosier Stock Champion.

In the Bobcat of Hamilton DIRTcar 358 Modified Division – Pete Bicknell earned the title for the 22nd time of his career.

All 5 division champs earned traditional Merrittville Speedway Championship Rings and Jackets in addition to trophies and cash awards.

Merrittville’s Co-announcers Clint Geoffrey and Dana Huffman performed Masters of Ceremony duties – presenting the top 12 points finishers from the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders, Hoosier Stocks, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites, Original Pizza Log Sportsman and the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds with point fund monies accordingly in addition to a wide variety of special awards.

Drivers in the Top 3 in each division’s point standings received Trophies as well.

Cody McPherson received top honors in the Original Pizza Log Sportsman Division for the first time in his career in his C. McPherson Jr Trucking/ Bobcat of Hamilton/ Advantage Trailers/ Maxximum Motors/ Fourth Avenue Dental/ Brian’s Tire Repair/ Pine View Drywall/ Turn 4 Collision and The Trap #7.

McPherson racked up 6 feature wins and finished in the Top 10 in all 16 events with 12 Top 5 finishes. McPherson’s awards also included his first King of the Crates powered by David Chevrolet Mini-Series title that earned him a $500 Gift Certificate redeemable at the Welland GM Dealer towards the purchase of a 602 Crate Engine for the 2013 Season.

’’ It was just an unreal season for us … everything went our way and just seemed to click,” said McPherson who drove for car owners Gord McIntosh Sr. and Jr. “even on nights when things didn’t go our way – we were able to battle back and salvage a top 10. It’s great to win this for the McIntoshes … I couldn’t have done it without the help of Advantage Trailer, Bobcat of Hamilton , my dad, and Barry Robertson and everyone that helped.”

Like McPherson, each Point Champion and special award winner expressed their thanks and appreciation to the people behind their successes – families, sponsors, crew members and supporters.

Special Award winners included Rookie of The Year Award winner and second generation driver Larry Czinege while Greg Panunte won the Best Appearing Car Award. Brad Rouse also collected The Sterling Silver Award that honors Bill Willard Senior from award sponsor Ken Walsh for his August 25th Feature Win honoring the racing pioneer.

Rocco Conte collected 6 feature wins and 17 Top 10 finishes to repeat as Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Championship. Driving the Semenuk’s Esso/Northtown Machine/Joe Serianni Century 21 Real Estate/Young Automotive Professionals/Riccis Auto Service #34c – Conte was also won the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Triple Crown Mini-Series Title.

Other special award winners in the division included Kourtney Kocarik won Rookie of the Year honors and Kyle Pelrine who won the Best Appearing Car Award.

Josh Sliter drove his Canadian Tire Port Colborne/ Thurston Machine/SWS Canada/South Coast Laser/Leader Race Cars/Crutchfield Performance # 17 to his third straight championship in the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division with 15 top 5 finishes including 10 feature wins.

Rookie of the Year honors went to runner up Dillan Sliter who also won the Best Appearing Car Award.

Rob Murray won his fourth career Hoosier Stock Championship in addition to the overall Duel on the Dirt Title – a mini-series amongst the Hoosier Stocks and the Pro Stocks from the Brighton (Ontario) Speedway.

Driving the Brian’s Tire/Murray Excavating/Canadian Roadside Service M1, Murray collected 7 wins and 18 top 10 finishes.

Third generation driver Cory Turner earned Rookie of the Year honors. The Best Appearing Car Award went to Ken Sargent.

Pete Bicknell won his 22nd career Merrittville Speedway Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Championship winning 3 Features over the course of the season that saw him finish in the Top 10 17 times in 18 events in his Lucas Oil Products/Bicknell Racing Products # 42.

Other award winners included Dave Small who won Rookie of the year honors while the Best Appearing Car Award went to Fred Carleton.

Several history-laden awards were also presented during the event.

The Ed MacPherson Construction Kelley-Winger Sportsmanship Award was presented by the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee to Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Veteran Rob Knapp.

The Begolo-Little Award for the most improved driver in the 358 Modified Division went to second generation driver Todd Gordon presented by former driver and Wall of Famer Jeno Begolo after he moved up 7 spots in the points from last season with 3 feature wins along the way.

The Gordie Award named after former Merrittville Announcer and Wall of Famer Gordie Wilson goes to a person, or group of people who exhibit dedication to the sport. The 2012 award was presented to Ed Curran.

The Crew Chief of Year Award named after Billy Matthews went to former racer, L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Famer and the force behind his son’s 3 three win season in the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Division in 2012 – Doug Gordon.

The Performer of the Year Award went to Cody McPherson and perform he did. On route to his first championship … McPherson outdueled family members to win 2 events, survived a 10 caution 2 red flag feature for another victory and battled back from a flat tire to win the King of the Crates Title by a single point en route to his first overall Divisional Championship.

The B&C Truck Centre Mack Canada Driver of the Year was second year J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Driver Derek Wagner as he was the driver that received the most points each week during the season in the Driver of the Week Award voting.
The Awards Ceremony concluded with Nancy Bicknell addressing the audience as co-owner of the famed facility.

On behalf of her husband Pete and her daughter (Merrittville GM) Erica and their partners – Randy and Tracey Williamson, Bicknell saluted the crowd and thanked everyone for their continued support throughout the 2012 Season. Plans are well underway for the upcoming 2013 season.

“Everything is starting to come together for next season,’’ informed Nancy Bicknell, “we are happy to announce that Bobcat of Hamilton is returning next season as divisional sponsors of our Modified Division … the schedule is being put together and racing season will soon be upon us once again.”

For information on Merrittville Speedway’s 62nd consecutive season as the best family entertainment in Niagara – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or call the Winter Office during business hours – 905-685-7223.

Merrittville Speedway’s Winter Office is located in Bicknell Racing Products, 117 Cushman Road in St. Catharines.
Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Division Top 12 in Points.

Pete Bicknell – 980, Mat Williamson – 966, Tim Jones – 924, Larry Lampman – 888, Travis Braun – 860, Chris Steele – 841, Tommy Flannigan – 815, Scott Wood – 810, Todd Gordon – 794, Rick Richner – 784, Chad Chevalier – 736, Bill Bleich – 732.
Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Division Top 12 in Points.

Cody McPherson – 832, BJ Willard – 770, Greg Panunte – 756, Brad Rouse – 735, Gary Lindberg – 723, Brandon Easey – 714, Mark Chiddy – 610, Jim Johnstone – 607, Rob Knapp – 588, Adam Leslie – 580, Justin Sharp – 576, Brent Begolo – 547.
Hoosier Stock Division Top 12 in Points .

Rob Murray – 1001, Brad Sheehan – 896, Chris Crawford – 880, Billy Hogue – 848, Jeff Dayman – 838, James Thompson – 828, Ken Sargent – 824, Pete Reid – 768, Jim Lampman – 739, Cory Turner – 696, Aaron Wiley – 682, Kevin Knapp – 671.
J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division Top 12 in Points.

Josh Sliter – 862, Derek Wagner – 768, Jason Corless – 716, Randy Hollingshead – 690, Kory Howe – 678, Dillon Sliter – 616, Ray Sliter, Jr. – 586, Jeff May – 530, Rick Koabel – 486, Shawn Sliter – 428, Blair Young – 394, Rob Goulding – 380.
Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division Top 12 in Points.

Rocco Conte – 754, Tony Kelly – 668, Rob Overholt – 650, Kyle Pelrine – 618, Greg Wilson – 548, Brandon Iudiciani – 530, Mike Sadusek – 524, Chris Sheppard – 502, Garnet Wilson – 502, Chris Laskey – 438, Jason Coutu – 477, Kourtney Kocarik – 420.

For a complete listing of the 2012 Points Standings – click on http://speednetdirect.com/points.php?track_id=8430&nav_step=results

The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions and special events was brought to fans by contingency sponsors Allstar Performance, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bicknell Racing Products, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Diversified Machine Inc., FK Rod Ends, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication and Wilwood.
Divisional, event and other partners include Lucas Oil, Turn 4 Collision, Hoosier Tire Canada, J&S Heating & Air Conditioning, Original Pizza Logs and Bobcat of Hamilton in addition to season long advertisers in alphabetical order: All Source Heat Treating, Archer Truck Services, Avondale Food Stores, B&C Truck Centre, Ball Hockey International, Baron Roofing, Bicknell Racing Products, Bieda’s Powersports, Boltworks, Brian’s Tire Repair, Bullet News Niagara, CAA Niagara, Canadian Door Doctor, Clare’s Cycle & Sport, 610 CKTB, Club Castropignano, CMH Sales and Leasing, Dave’s Small Engines, David Chevrolet, 105.1 Ed FM, EMJ Metals, Engine Research & Development, 91.7 Giant FM, Gallagher’s Farm Market, Girdlestone Brokerage, Grantham Lions Club, Harvey’s St. Catharines locations, Henderson’s Pharmacy, Hingston Metal Fabricators, 07.7 HTZ FM. IBEW Local 303 Niagara, K&K Insurance, Kala’s Home Hardware, Keystone Light, Little Caesars Welland, Lococo Wholesale, Ed MacPherson Construction, McDougsall Energy, Meridian Credit Union, Miller’s Auto Recycling, Modern Landfill, Molson Coors, Mountainview Homes, MT Bellies Tap & Grillhouse, Niagara College, Niagara Drive Train, Niagara Truck ‘n Stuff, Original Pizza Logs, Pepsi, Pete’s Automotive, Performance Powder Coating, ,Piller’s, Public Metal Supply, Raceline Radio, RK Shaver, Seaway Mall, Semenuk’s Esso, SMS Machine, Stadelmier Septic Service, Stokes & Son Roofing, Superior PetroFuels, The Pen Centre, The Seaway Mall, Thorold Blackhawks Modern Stucco Junior B Hockey Club, VP Race Fuels, Wentworth Recycling, Z101.1 FM and Zavitz Financial Strategies.

Join us next season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Weekly Racing Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars!

Merrittville Speedway “The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara”
Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives.
Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.
Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer or maintenance center including the PartSource locations in Welland and St. Catharines, Drummond Home Hardware. KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.

The 5th year St Catharines, Ontario pilot has made his third year in the Sportsman his best to date. Also part of McPherson’s 2012 resume will include Championships at his home tracks of Humberstone and Merrittville Speedways. McPherson’s accomplishments served notice as he took the Humberstone and Merrittville championships in 2 different rides. His Friday night home at Pt Colborne Ontario’s Humberstone was behind the wheel of the Brian Staff sponsorship along with McPherson Trucking Family owned ride taking home 3 wins. Cody’s Saturday night mount also tallied 6 wins at Thorold’s Merrittville Speedway at the controls of the Bobcat of Hamilton and Advantage Trailer Sales Lucky 7, Both of which are Bicknell chassied rides. Both of which had more talent than Luck!

McPherson also served notice on the DIRT-CAR Sportsman Tour. Competition came from many different drivers but some of his toughest came from Brother Tyler. Tyler picked up 3 wins in the same weekend at Ransomville, Merrittville and Humberstone Speedways in the Niagara swing of the tour. Along the Tour, C-Mac scorched the field with 3 top 5 finishes and 7 top 10s in his 8 Mr DIRT-CAR Tour Starts including 3rd at the “Moody Mile” in Syracuse.

The McPherson credits his success to Dad Guy, Mother Lori as well as Brothers Tyler and Josh for their assistance along the way and also the Ownership of the Gord McIntosh for creating a path to his most successful season to date. He will be honored soon at Merrittville’s upcoming Banquet at Port Robinson’s Club Castropignano October 27th. He will also pick up the Gold at the Humberstone Speedway Banquet November 11th at the Americana Resort and Spa in Niagara Falls Ontario. And he will also be led to the head of the DIRT-CAR class at the upcoming Banquet at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona NY at a date to be named later.

WEEDSPORT, N. Y. – September 13, 2012 – Tyler McPherson charged ahead of the pack for victory in three races in as many days, winning DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series events at Ransomville Speedway Friday, Sept. 7, Merrittville Speedway Saturday, Sept. 8, and Humberstone Speedway Sunday, Sept. 9.

Friday at Ransomville, for the second round of the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series, McPherson started 24th on the grid, but survived several early-race cautions and a pair of red flags, working his way up to the lead spot, which he gained in lap 34. He led the remainder of the race, with Don Spatorico coming in second, Brandon Easey third, Cody McPherson fourth, and Alan Willis fifth.

Mark Chiddy led early in Saturday’s 50-lapper at Merrittville Speedway, until Dave Marcuccilli took control of the top spot in lap 7. Once again, McPherson propelled forward and was soon challenging the leader, with three-wide battles for first between Chiddy, Marcuccilli, and McPherson characterizing the race at the halfway point. Once again, at lap 34, McPherson pulled ahead to the lead and kept it through the checkered flag. Chiddy took second, Gary Lindberg third, and Brandon Easey and Marcuccilli round out the top five in fourth and fifth respectively.

“We tried something different last night and again tonight – we’ll use it to our advantage,” McPherson said in victory lane after Saturday’s race. “We’d like to try for a third.”

Sure enough, the racing action continued for a third night with McPherson taking home the trophy. Marcuccilli and Martin Pelletier led at the green flag for Sunday’s race at Humberstone Speedway, but the action slowed when a collision involving Greg Panunte, Jesse Cotriss, Justin Sharp, and Easey brought out the yellow flag. Marcuccilli led off the restart, but McPherson passed him in lap 39 and kept the lead. Pelletier also slipped by Marcuccilli for second, Marcuccilli finishing third. Fourth was Penunte and Lindberg fifth.

The DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series continues Saturday, Sept. 15, with round five at Mohawk Internatiional Raceway in Akwesasne, N. Y.

DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series, Rounds 2, 3, and 4 – Statistical Report

Friday, September 7, at Ransomville Speedway
A-Main (50 laps): 1. Tyler McPherson, 2. Don Spatorico, 3. Brandon Easey, 4. Cody McPherson, 5. Allan Wills, 6. Jesse Cotriss, 7. Dan Wiesner, 8. James Henry, 9. Kevin Wills, 10. Justin Sharp, 11. Matt Farnham, 12. Martin Pelletier, 13. Chris Harbison, 14. BJ Willard, 15. Ryan Arbuthroat, 16. Jim Zimmerman, 17. Louis Jackson Jr., 18. Tommy Keyes, 19. Ricky Thompson, 20. Dave Marcuccilli, 21. Jessica Powers, 22. Brent Kelsey, 23. Mike Williams, 24. Greg Martin, 25. Andy Smith, 26. Adam Hilton, 27. Josh Van Brocklin, 28. James Michael Friesen, 29. Cory Wheeler, 30. Mathieu Desjardins, and 31. Jipp Ortiz. Jipp Ortiz (9 car), Jesse Cotriss (9 cars), Dave Marcuccilli (9 cars), Jim Zimmerman (10 cars), and BJ Willard (10 cars). Consolation Winners – Justin Sharp and Ricky Thompson.

Saturday, September 8, at Merrittville Speedway A-Main (50 laps): 1. Tyler McPherson, 2. Mark Chiddy, 3. Gary Lindberg, 4. Brandon Easey, 5. Dave Marcucilli, 6. Dan Wiesner, 7. Brad Rouse, 8. Cody McPherson, 9. Justin Sharp, 10. Brent Begolo, 11. James Friesen, 12. Mathieu Desjardins, 13. Adam Leslie, 14. Martin Pelletier, 15. Jim Johnstone, 16. Josh Van Brocklin, 17. Austin Wood, 18. Chris Herbison, 19. Jesse Cotriss, 20. Ron MacAulay, 21. Ryan Arbuthnot, 22. Jessica Power, 23. Corey Wheeler, 24. Rob Knapp, 25. David Flannigan, 26. AJ Lewis, 27. BJ Willard, 28. Greg Panunte, 29. Louie Jackson.

Sunday, September 9, at Humberstone Speedway A-Main (50 laps): 1. Tyler McPherson, 2. Martin Pelletier, 3. Dave Marcuccilli, 4. Greg Panunte, 5. Gary Lindberg, 6. Mark Chiddy, 7. BJ Willard, 8. Brandon Easey, 9. Darrell Farraway, 10. Cody McPherson, 11. Justin Sharp, 12. Mathieu Desjardins, 13. Jesse Penner, 14. Matt Sharpe, 15. Brent Begolo, 16. Jesse Cotriss, 17. Josh VanBrocklin, 18. Adam Leslie, 19. Austin Wood, 20. Shayne Pierce, 21. Chris Herbison, 22. Corey Wheeler, 23. Steve Barber, 24. Brad Rouse, 25. JM Friesen, 26. Louie Jackson Jr., 27. Ron MacAuley, 28. Jessica Power, 29. Danny Wiesner

I set sail on Friday morning for my first ever visit to Ransomville Speedway. It is located in the Niagara Falls area on the New York side of the border. The track has a very rich history with more then 50 years passing since they first opened their doors in 1958. Many of the greats of our sport have called the track home over the years, and I was really looking forward to seeing the place. When I arrived at the track, the pits were filling in nicely, and I was happy to see a great contingent of our own local cars that made the trip as well. Representing our local tracks were Chris Herbison, Steve Barber, Josh VanBrocklin, Dylan Breen, Jessica Power, Jenna David, Louis Jackson Jr., Rickey Thompson, Corey Wheeler, Brent Kelsey and Ryan Arbuthnot. The night didn’t go well for most of our locals, with several cautions slowing the pace of the race, especially early in the night. Tyler McPherson would go on to take the win in the 50 lap main event over Don Spatorico, Brandon Easey, Cody McPherson and Adam Wills. Although there were several cautions, and often amongst the leaders, I enjoyed my visit to the track, and looking forward to returning there in the future. The top finishing local racer was Chris Herbison, who finished 13th.

On Saturday morning I made the short trek back across the border and on to Merrittville Speedway for the next round of the Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Series. 38 Sportsman cars helped fill the pit area, as a couple of our locals returned home after a tough night at Ransomville. Josh VanBrocklin won his qualifying heat race, and his 13th place finish would place him as the highest finishing local as they struggled to find success on a different track then they are used to. Tyler McPherson had no problems as he made it two in a row for the weekend. Mark Chiddy, Gary Lindbergh, Brandon Easey and Dave Marcucilli rounded out the top five.

On Sunday morning, I made the decision to head back towards home to catch the Great Crate Race at Brighton Speedway that started at 2pm. Instead of waiting around all day and going to Humberstone Speedway on Sunday night, I changed my plans to Brighton, and arrived at the track just before noon. The Great Crate Race was a marathon, with almost every car in the field having a problem at one time or another. Chuck Meyers was the eventual winner, driving Greg Belyea’s backup car. Corey Earle finished second ahead of Jordan Peters, Darren Peters and Steve Baldwin. Ryan Scott won the 2012 Danny Reid Memorial $2000 to win Canadian Modified/IMCA Modified race.

This coming weekend I will be back at Mohawk International Raceway for their final weekend of the 2012 season. The Big Block Modifieds take centre stage with the DIRTcar Pro Stocks, Go Nuclear Late Models and an open event for the Mod Lites and Bandits. On Saturday night, the 358 Modifieds will be in action along with the DIRTcar Sportsman series, Go Nuclear Late Models and the final round of the CKON 97.3 TUSA Mod Lite Series.

If you cant make it to the track, you can always follow along at home with my live raceday reports from the track, follow Finish Line Web Design on twitter @finishlineweb17, Facebook at facebook.com/finishlineweb17 or at my website, finishlinewebdesign.ca.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the track in just another week. I hope you continue to enjoy my weekly column, as always, any comments or suggestions can be sent to crevelle@ripnet.com.

While the tripleheader is anchored by the two day International Modified Lite Championship Weekend for the Modified Lites, also in the spotlight are the 4 Cylinder Cars … and Trucks on the Opening Night.

The Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Cars and the Pro 4 Trucks will thrill Full-fendered fans in addition to a 25 lap Street Stock Event in the only Friday Night of the season – setting up the Annual Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Series on Saturday Night.

Saturday Night’s 50 lap $1000 to win Event will see the Hoosier Stocks of Team Merrittville take on the Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks that call the Brighton Speedway home in the first of two combined events to decide the 2012 Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Series.

Saturday Night’s program also features the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series with a 50 lap Event expected to draw top Sportsman Teams from across the Northeast. Recently crowned Merrittville Champion Cody McPherson sits in 5th spot just 50 points behind leader Chris Herbison going into the Triple-header weekend. Jr. Brandon Easey, Gary Lindberg, BJ Wilard, Greg Panunte, Justin Sharp, Brad Rouse and Adam Leslie are all in the top 50 in points going into the weekend.

The standings are sure to shuffle as some drivers compete in Series Events throughout the fall and others don’t.

The 61st Season comes to a close in a Sunday Afternoon Tradition with a new twist – Smash-o-rama!

The Grantham Lions Ironman 100 lap Enduro accelerated by Niagara College with two Monster Trucks – Aftershock and Krazy Train performing throughout the afternoon. A Backwards Enduro – meaning cars in reverse and racing has been added to the final afternoon.

“It’s quite an exciting end to our 61st season,” reveals GM Erica Bicknell-Jones, “race fans won’t want to miss a night or afternoon …. There’s no other event that draws such a diverse field of Classics and Modified Lites … the Street Stocks also put on quite a show as do the Sportsman and then Sunday … you’ve never seen anything like it … the Enduro is like a traffic jam on the QEW … only with no rules.”

The Annual Modified Lite International Championship for Classics and Mod Lites attracts some of the best Classic and Mod Lite Drivers from across the United States – the States of Texas, South Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Ohio and others have been represented over the years.

The invaders of course will challenge Merrittville Speedway’s regular Southern Ontario Modified Lite Racing Association J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Members that compete weekly at the Thorold track.

12 years ago, Jim Varble, the then president of the former New York Dwarf Car Association, set the groundwork for a special night to showcase the Classic Division each fall.

When Lee Webber won two Merrittville Speedway Points Championships, he also served as treasurer of the club and his wife Rose Marie was an integral part of both as well. Rose Marie was diagnosed with cancer and after a courageous battle, succumbed to the disease.

Fellow driver Wally Billing was a good friend of both Lee and Rose and wanted to honor Rose by making the International Race a memorial to her and for 10 years her memory was celebrated.

Beginning Friday, there is free camping and parking all weekend long.

Showtime Friday and Saturday Nights is at 7:00 after the gates open at 5:30. For Sunday’s Enduro – the Grandstand opens at 11:00 with the first event set for 1:00 PM.

J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, locally owned and operated, was founded in 1956 and are proud to have served the Niagara Region for more than 55 years.

J&S is a company dedicated to the proper service, maintenance and installation of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment with systems for both residential and commercial customers. With a full staff of highly skilled mechanics and technicians who are specialists in the field, J&S’s reputation has been built on providing quality and value to customers.

Let J&S Heating and Air Conditioning make sure your heating system is in top working order BEFORE the cold weather hits. Don’t get left out in the cold!

Book your pre-season heating system clean & check today!

For further heating and cooling information, call 905-682-9287 or visit http://www.jandsheatingandair.ca/en/home.html or one Face Book at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/JS-Heating-and-Air-Conditioning/126055657428594

Visit the J&S showroom at 5 Seapark Drive to see the hottest lines and coolest products in heating, cooling and refrigeration.
For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Make plans now for Merrittville Speedway’s only Sunday Show of 2012 when the Grantham Lions presents Smash-o-Rama featuring the $1000 to win 100 lap Enduro accelerated by Niagara College and the Freestyle Monster Truck Show featuring Aftershock and Krazy Train. It all begins at 12 Noon!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.
Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives. Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

In UMP Modified Outlaw action, Steven Hilliker set the mark to beat in qualifying with a lap of 14.37 while John Goodrich captured the dash win over David Mielke, Hilliker and Brent Banning.

David Mielke carried the checkers in the heat race, padding his point lead over Andy Sprague and Scott Payton. In the feature event, Steven Hilliker got the jump on pole sitter, Scott Payton and took the lead at the drop of the green flag with point leader, David Mielke following him into the runner up position. Hilliker hit his marks for all 25 laps and led flag to flag to score the first of the feature race wins for the Hilliker brothers.

David Mielke came home in the runner up position and claimed the 2012 point Championship in doing so. Brent Banning finished third followed by Scott Payton, Dave Mairose, Cody Bauer and John Goodrich. Scott Payton finished second in the Championship point race with Andy Sprague dropping to third followed by Cody Bauer and Brian Brindley.

Thanks to all the drivers, crew members, fans, sponsors and advertisers for supporting Merritt Raceway all season long.
See ya at the track in the spring of 2013.

Also a must is a visit to Merrittville Speedway when the Pen Centre presents a night of racing fun Saturday August 25th. The Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Event will definitely provide some HOT dirt track excitement with just two ‘point’ events left in the 2012 Season before the huge International Championship Triple Header Finale Weekend presented by J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, the Grantham Lions and Niagara College.

Drivers in all divisions will be racing for every point they can get as they try to hold their own in the Championship Chase … or advance positions.

“Merrittville had a few seasons completed when the Pen was built as an outside strip mall,” remarks (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “ since we were there with the Spring Race Car Show they have been building excitement with a new style and new spirit.”

Just before the kids race back to school they will get to race at Merrittville with the rescheduling of the Meridian Credit Union Kids Club Box Car Races from Saturday August 11th.

Box car racing affords the opportunity for all kids to race on the front-stretch of the d-shaped oval with very little cost or work. All you need is a box … put a hole in the top for their body to fit through … paint and decorate it like your favorite race car and you’re ready to race.

Kids wishing to enter the Box Car Races can find all the rules and regulations at http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/meridiankids.htm

The Pen Centre is Niagara’s largest shopping destination, featuring 180 stores and services and one million square feet of shopping fun. The Pen Centre is home to the most popular national stores and brands like Aeropostale, American Eagle, the Bay, H&M, HomeSense, Old Navy, Sears, SportChek, Winners and Zellers.

In 2011, the Pen Centre embarked on a $13 million renovation of the mall’s common area to create a brighter, refreshed and greener shopping experience. The environmentally and shopper-friendly redesign was inspired by Niagara’s vineyards, parks, gardens and trails.

Be sure to visit the newly renovated Pen Centre. It’s BOLD, BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL.
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.
The MT Bellies BIG Food and BIG Fun Family Pack Promotion ends in a BIG Way on August 25th, when the final 2012 MT Bellies BIG Food BIG Fun Family Packs will be available. Two Adults and Two Children under 16 can get Grandstand Admission Tickets … 4 Pepsi and 4 Popcorn – all for a special price of just $40.
Each Night the deal gets even BIGGER as one lucky MT Bellies Big Food Big Fun Family Pack purchaser will win Dinner for the same Four People at MT Bellies – a $100 value!.
Race fans and race teams can visit MT Bellies at their 871 Niagara Street location in Welland or on line at www.mtbellies.com.

Whether your season is winding down as well … or about to start up – wear your Team Jersey for FREE Grandstand admission – whether it’s ball hockey … baseball … football … soccer … lacrosse … basketball … ice hockey and any minor sport in between !

Gates open at 5:30 Saturday August 25th – Showtime is 7:00. For further information call 905-685-7223.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 including the Saturday 25th’s Pen Centre Night, MT Bellies Big FOOD Big FUN Family Pack Nights, Minor Sport Night and more – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. For directions to Merrittville Speedway click on www.merrittvillespeedway.com/track_map

Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Make plans now for Merrittville Speedway’s only Sunday Show of 2012 when the Grantham Lions presents Smash-o-Rama featuring the $1000 to win 100 lap Enduro accelerated by Niagara College and the Freestyle Monster Truck Show featuring Aftershock and Krazy Train. It all begins at 12 Noon!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives. Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

Race Fans and Race Teams alike are encouraged to bring along their dogs for the annual Best Appearing Dog Contest prior to feature action for all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions.

“For many of us in the stands and in the pits,” relays (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “racing is a family sport … and that family includes a dog … it’s their night to join in the fun and not be left home.”

During intermission, the front-stretch will resemble a Dog Park with the staging of a Best Appearing Dog Contest with some great prizes up for grabs.

For several seasons the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders have enjoyed a race within the season long points. In 2011, Rob Overholt took home his first Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown Series Title.

The mini-series opened on CAA Night with Rocco Conte taking the opener. The second event on Semenuk’s Esso & Archer Truck Services Night also had Conte in Victory Lane.

In the Triple Crown standings going into the event, Conte leads Kyle Pelrine with Tony Kelly 43 points out of top spot. Overholt and Greg Wilson close out the Top 5.

In addition to the Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown Finale … Avondale Food Stores Night features the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks and J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites with their point races heating up as the Championship Chase winds down.

Turn 4 Collision specializes in complete collision service for all makes and models in addition to minor repairs. Call 905-687-4142 for a free estimate or visit Turn 4 at Unit 51- 113 Cushman Road in St. Catharines.

With 120 locations throughout the Peninsula – Avondale Food Stores are pleased to serve the community.

From it’s start offering milk delivery to local St. Catharines households in 1932 from the family farm on Stewart Road – the still family owned company has been in the convenience store business for now 47 years in 2012.

Do you remember glass milk bottles … and horse and wagon delivery?.

Each Avondale Food Store offer a variety of services such as faxing, photocopying, phone cards, Western Union Money Transfers, ABM Service, a varied selection of grocery items at low prices, coffee, slush, Freal Milkshakes and many other convenience items.

Enjoy the last days of summer by picking up some cool treats at your local Avondale.

To find an Avondale Food Store location near you – visit www.avondalefoodstores.com. While you’re there – check out all the savings in their on line flyer or click on http://www.avondalestores.com/August%20&%20September%202012.pdf for extra value everyday.
For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com For directions to Merrittville Speedway click on www.merrittvillespeedway.com/track_map

Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Make plans now for Merrittville Speedway’s only Sunday Show of 2012 when the Grantham Lions presents Smash-o-Rama featuring the $1000 to win 100 lap Enduro accelerated by Niagara College and the Freestyle Monster Truck Show featuring Aftershock and Krazy Train. It all begins at 12 Noon!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.
Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

Gary Tomkins at Merrittville Speedway on Monday for their Super DIRTcar Series event. (Rick Young Photo)

First on the busy schedule for Tomkins was Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night. He finished second in his qualifying heat race after moving through the field from his sixth place starting spot. He rolled off the starting grid from the 35 lap main event from 12th place, and moved up to sixth place at one point before falling back to finish in eighth.

“It was a tough night, as we seemed to struggle quite a bit”, says Tomkins. “The competition here is very tough, and if you miss the set up by just a bit it makes for a long night. That was all we had tonight, and we will go back to work, and try to get better for next week. First though, we have a pair of Super DIRTcar Series events to get ready for on Monday and Tuesday”.

Gary and the team made the drive to Merrittville Speedway on Monday for the 100 lap Super DIRTcar Series race. He was third fastest in his time trial group, placing him third to start his heat race. Despite some handling issues, Gary finished in fourth place, locking himself into the 100 lap Bob St. Amand Memorial race. Starting 13th, Tomkins knew that it was going to be a long race, and patiently worked his way forward. He was inside the top 10 before long, and continued to get better as the race went on. At lap 70, the motor would occasionally skip, but Tomkins was still able to move forward as he worked his way up to seventh place. The skip in the motor progressively got worse though over the final laps, and the car quit with just three laps remaining. The problem later diagnosed a battery issue.

“The battery problems developed in the last 30 laps and just kept getting worse”, says Tomkins after the race. “It was a very disappointing ending to a good race”.

With Merrittville over, the team moved on to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for their inaugural Super DIRTcar Series event. Tomkins qualified sixth overall at the track, placing him third for the start of his qualifying heat race. Gary finished third in his qualifying heat race, making the redraw for the 100 lap main event. He selected position number eight, and rolled off the starting grid from the outside of row four. At the start of the race, Gary got a face full of fuel overload from another car, and temporarily lost vision, and drove off the backstretch losing several spots and would have to come from 14th once he got back in line. The car didn’t handle well early, but got better as the race went on, and by lap 50 he was inside the top five. In the second half of the race, he climbed to third before falling back to fourth in the closing laps.

“The track was pretty fast, I really enjoyed it”, says Tomkins of his first visit to I-96 Speedway. “I was hoping to get up a little higher and challenge the leaders, but the car just got too loose at the end. After checking the right rear at the end of the race, we discovered that it increased by an inch and half over the race, a lot more then it should have, but it was still a good finish for us. We ran well over these two races, and had some bad luck last night, but we are running pretty good. I really have to thank everyone that has helped on the car, and I also want to thank Dave Rausher for putting our car in his trailer to do these races at Merrittville and I-96 Speedway”.

This coming weekend Gary will be back at Canandaigua Motorsports Park for their usual Saturday night event. The next Super DIRTcar Series race will come this coming Thursday night at Lebanon Valley Speedway for the Mr. DIRT Track USA $17500 to win race.

Tomkins has won at all levels of the sport, including the 2004 Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion. He has 17 Super DIRTcar Series victories, and has won 45 Big Block Modified feature events at Canandaigua Speedway, 12 wins at Cayuga County Speedway, 7 wins at Rolling Wheels Raceway, plus multiple wins in the Sportsman division at each track.

Gary Tomkins Racing would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support during the 2012 season. Original Pizza Logs, Ken Brewer Construction, Finger Lakes Machine, Valken Racing, Rob’s Family Market, John Rogers Electrical Contractor, Beyea Headers, Bilstein Racing Shocks, Bicknell Racing Products, Advance Auto Parts and Finish Line Web Design are all an integral part of the success of our racing team.

For all the latest news and information on Gary Tomkins, be sure to check out our website, www.garytomkinsracing.com.

“No doubt many have already started on their rides and believe me … the kids are quite creative,” prides (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “or they could use one of the boxes we have at the track … we’ll have 3 age groups and one entry will be picked as best of show!”

Box car racing affords the opportunity for all kids – not just the members of the 2012 Kids Club to race on the front-stretch of the d-shaped oval with very little cost or work. All you need is a box … put a hole in the top for their body to fit through … paint and decorate it like your favorite race car and you’re ready to race.

For 2012’s event once again … parents will become more involved as the children start at one end of the track, run to a predetermined point where their adult crew member is waiting. The crew member takes a shoe off, puts the shoe back on – simulating a pit stop with a tire change.

Once the pit work is completed, the child runs back to the original starting point with the winners receiving a trophy.

“This is a great chance for the parent and child to work together,” adds Kid’s Club Director Mike Barnett, “they can build their box together and then work together in the race … we saw some great team and strategy last season for sure.”

“It’s shaping up to be quite a night,” boasts Bicknell-Jones, “our 5 stock car divisions … and the kid’s races … if there’s a night not to miss this season – it’s this one!.”

Kids wishing to enter the Box Car Races can find all the rules and regulations at the Speedway Office during the week … at the Novelty Trailer during events or by clicking on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/meridiankids.htm

CMH Sales & Leasing is your Niagara based Used Car Superstore!

CMH’s dedicated sales staff and top-trained technicians will make your auto shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous. With over 180 used cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans in stock – CMH is your premier retailer of pre-owned vehicles, serving the Niagara region for over 18 years.
CMH Leasing has helped it’s customers with credit problems acquire reliable transportation and re-establish their credit.

CMH Sales & Leasing is located at 169 Hartzel Road in St. Catharines. Visit their location, call 905-641-8779 or on line at cmhniagara.com where a variety of online resources will put you in your ideal car, truck or SUV today!
Prior to Saturday’s big event for the younger race fans – there will be a very limited number of boxes and sets of wheels available in the Kids Club Area behind the Grandstand Area.

Racing action will feature action in all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions including the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites, Hoosier Stocks, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds as the points races are heating up.
Gates open at 5:30 – Showtime is at 7:00.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 including the CMH Help a Child Smile Kids Box Car Races – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. For directions to Merrittville Speedway click on www.merrittvillespeedway.com/track_map

Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Make plans now for Merrittville Speedway’s only Sunday Show of 2012 when the Grantham Lions presents Smash-o-Rama featuring the $1000 to win 100 lap Enduro accelerated by Niagara College and the Freestyle Monster Truck Show featuring Aftershock and Krazy Train. It all begins at 12 Noon!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.
Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage

Billy Dunn gets top five finish at Merrittville Speedway on Monday night. (Rick Young Photo)

Ever since teaming up with Laurent Ladouceur in June, Dunn has been on an incredible role at Mohawk International Raceway. His win this past Friday night was his fifth trip to victory lane this season, including a 358 Modified Mr. DIRTcar Series race. Dunn’s latest win has put him on top of the point standings, despite missing a week near the start of the season.

Billy was back in his own car for the usual Saturday night visit to Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Another solid fourth place finish moves him closer to the top five in the point standings with just four more point races remaining in the 2012 season. With a win and multiple top five finishes at Canandaigua this season, Dunn is having a fantastic season racing against some of the best DIRTcar Modified racers in the Northeast.

After spending Sunday preparing for a busy couple nights of racing, Dunn was on the road again Monday to Merrittville Speedway, located in the Ontario, Canada region of Niagara Falls. Dunn was second fastest in his time trial group and finished second in his qualifying heat race, making the redraw for a top 12 starting spot in the 100 lap Bob St. Amand Memorial main event. He drew the third starting spot, and lined up on the inside of row to start the race. It was a great race for Dunn, staying inside the top five for most of the race. He would end the night with a solid fifth place finish.

After racing Merrittville on Monday, it was off to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan for the next round of the Super DIRTcar Series. Dunn was eighth fastest overall in time trials, and finishes his qualifying heat in fourth place. He made the redraw again for a top 12 starting spot, and would draw 12th. It didn’t take long for him to move through the field though at the drop of the green flag. By lap ten, he was inside the top five, and was up to third after a nice pass on lap 21. Dunn ran in the third position through halfway, and made the move to second on lap 59. On a lap 75 restart, he fell to third place, and would end the night in that position.

“It was a great week for us”, admits Dunn. We have been really running well on the Super DIRTcar Series this year, and hopefully we can keep that up through the rest of the season. We have a great car and a great team, and I am looking forward to the rest of the season “.

The two top five finishes should move Dunn up to third in the Super DIRTcar Series point standings. The next series race is scheduled for Thursday, August 16th at Lebanon Valley Speedway for the Mr. DIRT Track USA event.

This coming week Dunn will have a rare Friday night off as Mohawk International Raceway is closed for the week. He will be at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night.

Dunn would like to thank Number One Speed, Pemco Contracting, SUNY Canton, FastLube of Watertown, Frosty’s Ice Cream, American Traditions Motorsports, Finger Lakes Auto Machine, Jiffy Dumpster and Bicknell Racing Products for their continued support for the 2012 racing season.

For more information on Billy Dunn and the Number One Speed race team, please check out our website, www.billydunn49.com.

In 2012’s edition local hometown hero Mike Bowman came home the winner in his Ryco-sponsored # 71 in the 100 lap Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial presented by L. St. Amand Enterprises.

Bowman’s convincing Monday August 6th Victory saw him lead the entire 100 lap distance – raising the bar for local drivers in the 3rd Annual Tribute Event to St. Amand – a former Modified Point Champion and Point Steward who passed in 2009.

Bowman was followed by Matt Sheppard who had won the last 3 Civic Holiday Monday Classics with another Merrittville regular Mat Williamson in third. Former winner Jimmy Phelps and Billy Dunn closed out the top 5.

Once again, L. St. Amand Enterprises and the St. Amand Family would like to thank their suppliers, customers, race fans and race teams that supported the event including the following companies – Performance Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Matco Tools, NORTRAX, Family Recreation Centre, Niagara Industrial Supplies, 406 Auto Parts, Ken Cosgrove Auto Repair and Machine, Niagara Motors, Seaway Fluid Power Group, Green Horizons Hamilton Sod, Niagara Battery & Tire, Niagara Drivetrain, Sunrise Café, George Darte Funeral Chapel, Turn 4 Collision, Jim’s Service Centre, B&C Truck Centre, Overhead Door, Brian’s Tire Repair, Nick’s Truck Parts, Racer’s Classifieds, Parkview Truck Equipment, McDougall Energy, Midas Hartzell Road, Astro Transmission, Ed Learn Ford Lincoln, L. St. Amand Enterprises, Platinum Grafx, Raco Auto Supply, and Apple Auto Glass.

There were a number of special awards as well that included the St. Amand Family awarded $250 Bonuses for the top Big Block and Small Block at lap 30 which went to Australian Peter Britten and Bowman. Britten also took home another $250 as winner of the Top Big and Small Block Time Trial Dash. The Hard Charger of the Event was Chad Chevalier, Bill Bleich (Hard Luck Award), Ken Cosgrove (First Car Out), Tyler Siri (Wild Card) all received Cash Awards. Fred Carleton, Cosgrove and Scott Wood advanced from the Merrittville Drivers only B Main with Shayne Pierce and Dave Small also receiving $ 200. Bowman took home another $200 from Norm Ellsworth and Turn 4 Collision for being the first 358 Modified across the line.

With Humber Nurseries adding $500 to the Hoosier Stock 25 lap Home Track Duel on the Dirt Event, Rob Murray took the lead at the start with fellow front row starter Chris Crawford keeping pace until a lap 3 caution slowed the event. Murray regained top spot on the restart until a second caution slowed the field after Jim Lampman lost control at the start finish line after losing a left rear tire.

With Murray out front once again, Crawford again kept pace with the two starting out side by side until Murray edged ahead. Crawford now faced a challenge from Brad Sheehan with the leader’s step son taking second by lap 10 before a third caution on lap 12.

Murray once again had the advantage on the restart ahead of Sheehan with Crawford, Ken Sargent and Pete Reid almost 3 wide for third to the halfway point.

Murray and Sheehan would pull away to about a 10 car lead on the field by lap 15 with the two leaders coming up on slower cars by lap 20. In the final laps, Sheehan was right on Murray’s bumper but at the finish Murray was a car length ahead.

“Bob was an amazing man … so it’s quite special to win on the night we remember him,” the thoughts of Murray in Victory Lane.

Murray and Sheehan were followed by Pete Reid, James Thompson and Ken Sargent.

Aaron Wiley received the Rookie of the Race Award while James Thompson received the Hard Charger Award.

INSIDE TRACK MOTORSPORT NEWS PIT NOTES
With the entire starting field for the Big Block Super DIRTcar Series 100 paraded down right in front of the Grandstand Area once again, Bob St. Amand Senior’s Great Grandchildren – Annaya, Madyson, Treyvon, Ethan and Liam gave a rousing Gentleman start your engines. The Grand Marshall – Sharon Hillema gave the field the Green Flag before Guest Starter Dave Farney and Doug Leonard took control for the balance of the event.

On behalf of the St. Amand Family and the Drivers, Merrittville Speedway would like to thank all those that supported the event.

UPCOMING AT MERRITTVILLE

CMH Sales & Leasing presents a 5 Division Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series event plus the Annual Kid’s Box Car Races – Saturday August 11th. Gates open at 5:30 with Showtime at 7:00 PM.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Consecutive Season – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

BOB ST. AMAND SENIOR MEMORIAL BIG BLOCK MODIFIED SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES (100 laps) Mike Bowman, Matt Sheppard, Mat Williamson, Jimmy Phelps, Billy Dunn, Pete Bicknell, Travis Braun, Justin Haers, Danny Johnson, Rob Bellinger, Chad Chevalier, Dale Planck, Vince Vitale, Tommy Flannigan, Chris Steele, Rich Scagliotta, Todd Gordon, Rick Richner, Tim Jones, Dave Rauscher, Pete Britten, Stewart Friesen, Tim Currier, Gary Tompkins, Fred Carleton, Tyler Siri, Larry Lampman, Bill Bleich, Ken Cosgrove, Scott Wood.

THOROLD, ONTARIO – August 7, 2012 – Mike Bowman’s first-ever Super DIRTcar Series victory was more than just a win – it was a sweep as the no. 71 Hydraulics/Seaway Fluid Power Group Ltd. driver led the 34-car field in from qualifiers through to the checkered flag.

The local 358-Modifed driver barely expected to qualify against the mighty Big-Block Modifieds, let alone lead them in every single lap of the Monday’s 100-lap feature at Merrittville Speedway.

“When these guys come to town, you pretty much hope to get in the feature let alone win it,” Bowman said.

It turned out that Bowman had little difficulty getting in the feature, earning the top time in his heat group with a 15.578-second lap – a time bested overall only by Jimmy Phelps with 15.246 seconds – and leveraged his starting position to place first in the qualifier. Bowman drew the pole for the feature, and at the green flag powered ahead of Pete Britten in the second spot.

Bowman outlasted six cautions, three double-file restarts and three single-file restarts, speeding ahead of the pack on the 3/8-mile D-shaped oval with such skill that spectators soon forgot that a Small Block powered the 71. He resisted challenges from Big-Block Modified drivers Britten and Matt Sheppard to maintain the lead through the checkered flag, dashing Sheppard’s hopes of a fourth consecutive Super DIRTcar Series victory at Merrittville.

“We’re really glad we could come out and get one for the local boys,” said Bowman, a Merrittville regular. The track runs 358-Modifieds, but not Big-Block Modifieds, on a weekly basis.

“I’m surprised, as fast as the track was, that a Small Block could get it done,” Bowman said. “But tonight it seemed like we were pretty much on par with the Big Blocks.”

Other Small Block successes came for 22-year old “Mighty Mat” Williamson, who started 11th on the grid but worked his way to third, and “Mr. Small Block” himself, Pete Bicknell, who finished sixth.

Although unable to beat Bowman, “Super Matt” Sheppard had an impressive run, climbing from ninth to second place in his JB Motorsports no. 9s FX Caprara Car Co./Xtreme Lubricants/Bicknell entry. By lap 14, Sheppard had worked his way to sixth place and was battling “the Doctor” Danny Johnson for a spot in the top 5. Johnson raced ahead to third in lap 24, leaving in his wake Justin Haers, whom Sheppard passed in lap 30. Johnson faltering in lap 31, Sheppard soon claimed third and set his sights on Britten in second. Sheppard got his chance in lap 66 as Britten fell behind to ninth place, eventually finishing 21st after bringing out a caution in lap 87.

“All and all, we were pretty equal, he was a little better than we were and they did a great job tonight,” Sheppard said, congratulating first-time series winner Bowman. “It was a good night for us, he was just faster than we were tonight. He did everything right. His car was fast, he started up front – it was his night”

Rounding out the top five were Williamson in third, Jimmy Phelps in fourth, and Billy Dunn in fifth.

The Super DIRTcar Series continues today with round seven, a historic 100-lapper as the series visits I96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich., for the first time. Pit gates open at 2 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For live updates and results, follow the Super DIRTcar Series Twitter feed @SuperDIRTcar.

Super DIRTcar Series Statistical Report
Round 6 – Bob St. Amand Sr. Memorial
Merrittville Speedway
August 6, 2012

A-Main (100 laps): 1. 71 Mike Bowman, St. Catherines, Ontario; 2. 9s Matt Sheppard, Waterloo, N. Y.; 3. 6m Mat Williamson, St. Catherines, Ontario; 4. 98h Jimmy Phelps, Baldwinsville, N. Y.; 5. 49 Billy Dunn, Watertown, N. Y.; 6. 42 Pete Bicknell, St. Catherines, Ontario; 7. 76 Travis Braun, Jordan Station, Ontario; 8. 3H Justin Haers, Phelps, N. Y.; 9. 27J Danny Johnson, Rochester, N. Y.; 10. 8R Rob Bellinger, Dexter, N. Y.; 11. 12 Chad Chevalier, Port Colborne, Ontario; 12. 77x Dale Planck, Cortland, N. Y.; 13. 56 Vince Vitale, Phoenix, N. Y.; 14. 19J Tommy Flannigan, St. Catherines, Ontario; 15. 17c Chris Steele, Fenwick, Ontario; 16. 8s Rich Scagliotta, Bound Brook, N. J.; 17. 28 Todd Gordon, St. Catherines, Ontario; 18. 26 Rick Richner, Niagara Falls, N. Y.; 19. 15J Tim Jones, Sanborn, N. Y.; 20. 48T Dave Rauscher, Waterloo, N. Y; 21. 21a Pete Britten, Brisbain, Queenlands, Australia/Spencerport, N. Y.; 22. 1J Stewart Friesen, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 23. 10 Tim Currier, Auburn, N. Y.; 24. 84 Gary Tomkins, Clifton Springs, N. Y.; 25. 96 Fred Carleton, St. Catherines, Ontario; 26. 5* Tyler Siri, Watkins Glen, N. Y; 27. 22 Larry Lampman Jr., Prot Colborne, Ontario; 28. 108 Bill Bleich, Port Robinson, Ontario; 29. 37s Kenny Cosgrove, Allanburg, Ontario; Disqualified: 38 Scott Wood, Thorold, Ontario

Did not qualify: 21k Randy Chrysler, Tuscarora Nation, N. Y.; 06 Brandon Easey, St. Catherines, Ontario; 88 Shayne Pierce, Welland, Ontario; 67 Dave Small, Port Colborne, Ontario

Qualifying Heats (8 laps, top 5 qualify, top 3 go to redraw)

Heat 1: 1. 98h Jimmy Phelps, 2. 21a Pete Britten, 3. 28 Todd Gordon, 4. 84 Gary Tomkins, 5. 17c Chris Steele, 6. 12 Chad Chevalier, 7. 96 Fred Carlton, 8. 06 Brandon Easey, 9. 67 Dave Small

Heat 2: 1. 42 Pete Bicknell, 2. 76 Travis Braun, 3. 15J Tim Jones, 4. 18J Tommy Flannigan, 5. 1J Stewart Friesen, 6. 38 Scott Wood, 7. 5* Tyler Siri, 8. 48T Dave Rauscher, 9. 10 Tim Currier

Heat 3: 1. 3H Justin Haers, 2. 27J Danny Johnson, 3. 9s Matt Sheppard, 4. 8R Rob Bellinger, 5. 8s Rich Scagliotta, 6. 26 Rick Richner, 7. 21k Randy Chrysler, 8. 88 Shayne Pierce

Heat 4: 1. 71 Mike Bowman, 2. 49 Billy Dunn, 3. 6m Mat Williamson, 4. 22 Larry Lampman Jr., 5. 108 Bill Bleich, 6. 77x Dale Planck, 7. 37s Kenny Cosgrove, 8. 56 Vince Vitale

B-Main 1: 1. 26 Rich Richner, 2. 12 Chad Chevalier, 3. 77x Dale Planck, 4. 96 Fred Carleton, 5. 37s Kenny Cosgrove, 6. 21k Randy Chrysler, 7. 06 Brandon Easey, 8. 5* Tyler Siri, 9. 48T Dave Rauscher, 10. 56 Vince Vitale, 11. 88 Shayne Pierce, 12. 67 Dave Small, 13. Tim Currier

B-Main 2: 1. 96 Fred Carleton, 2. 37s Kenny Cosgrove, 3. 38 Scott Wood, 4. 88 Shayne Pierce, 5. 67 Dave Small

Series vs. Merritville Dash: 1. 21a Pete Britten, 2. 15J Tim Jones, 3. 98h Jimmy Phelps, 4. 71 Mike Bowman, 5. 42 Pete Bicknell

Since 1972 – the year that Bob Sr. won his Modified Point Championship – a who’s who of DIRTcar Modified Racing have converged on the d-shaped oval the first Monday in August.

There’s still plenty of time to pack up the camper and make an event of it or just pile into the car and come up early with all your race chaser tailgating supplies.

Monday August 6th – L. St. Amand Enterprises presents the Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Event – it’s unparalleled … unrivalled and unsurpassed.

The heart-pounding, high-powered, pedal-mashing entertainment includes a 25 lap Duel on the Dirt Home Track Event as Merrittville’s full fendered Hoosier Stocks battle against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks in the 2012 Duel on the Dirt.

L. St. Amand Enterprises has 2 major divisions including Landscape Supply and the Auto & Truck Division.

Specializing in all aspects of Landscape Supply & Service, they offer an excavating, trucking and backhoe service and complete landscape installations. In addition to lawn maintenance programs they carry complete lines of specialty garden soils and mulches, stone, sand, natural stone, precast walls and interlocking brick in any quantity available for pick up or delivery.

A bulk material spreader service that allows the material to be put where it is needed is available. Flatbed and forklift services are also available.

Their other focus is in complete auto and truck repairs on all makes and models including fleets. They are an accredited Drive Clean Emissions Test and Repair Centre that also offers Safety and CVOR Safety Inspections in addition to minor or major repairs from tune-ups, brake and electrical repairs. Their licensed mechanics also offer Front end and alignment services.

For further information visit their location at 130 Bunting Road in St. Catharines or call 905-682-1132.

Bob St. Amand Senior was Merrittville Speedway’s 1972 Modified Points Champion and was inducted into the L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame by the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee in 2002.

When he retired from racing – he became Merrittville Speedway’s Pit Steward – a position he held right up to his passing in 2010.

Almost gaining as much in tradition as the race itself is the pre-race Pasta Dinner served up by Merrittville’s Annual Banquet Hosts – Club Castropignano. For race fans and race teams alike – it’s the best deal in DIRTcar Dining.

Feast on fresh pasta and meatballs, garden salad, dinner roll and a can of Pepsi for $12 with tickets still available when the Gates open – the Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner begins at 4 PM and runs until 6.

With all the Pre-race activities and festivities scheduled – you will want to get to the track early and get settled in for a great night of Holiday action.

Adult Grandstand Tickets are $25, Students and Seniors – $23, Juniors from 8 to 12 are $10 and Children under 8 are free.
For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. For directions to Merrittville Speedway click on www.merrittvillespeedway.com/track_map

Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Make plans now for quite a Civic Holiday Celebration as L. St. Amand Enterprises presents the 3rd Annual Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial Monday August 6th featuring the 100 lap Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Main Event plus another home track event for the Hoosier Stocks in the Duel on the Dirt Series against the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks. The Extravaganza starts with Club Castropignano’s Pasta Dinner and tickets for that are now available for just $10. Gates open at 4 … Hot laps 6:45 and Time Trials begin at 7 PM.

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2012 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.
Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage