Racing Community Comes Together In Merrittville Meetings
Story By: JIM IRVINE / MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY – THOROLD, ONT – “Moving forward into our second season we’re excited in bringing tracks, drivers and fans together,” said Merrittville co-owners Don and Lorraine Spiece, in addressing the divisional sessions during the 2018 Driver Meetings February 10th at Club Castropignano, “we all have to work together for the betterment of the sport and the racing community.”
Long-time race team supporter Tracy Palleschi announced a number of fund-raising events to benefit drivers scheduled to compete in the 2nd Annual Harry Sittler Memorial Saturday August 25th to be presented by her St. Catharines Husky Travel Centre and throughout the season including Friday May 11th’s Ignition Night.
The Social Event to be held at the Speedway, will bring the racing community together to support the event that will feature extra distance races for the 4 Cylinders, Hoosier Stocks and Sportsman. Highlighting the Event is a 358 Modified Feature that could be as much as 137 laps with a mandatory front-stretch pit stop.
Individuals and business owners looking to support the fundraising events can reach Tracy at 905-984-1941 or via e mail at tpalleschi@cogeco.ca.
Race Director Tom Beales addressed rules and procedures for each division and was joined during the 4 Cylinder Session by Ohsweken Speedway’s Clint Geoffrey in announcing a common set of rules.
“We got together on one of the final points just minutes ago,” revealed Geoffrey, “throughout my involvement in the sport … I have never been so excited as I am today … Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night 4 Cylinder Racers can now compete under the same rules at each facility.”
Street Stock Racing in Ontario also gained a little strength with South Buxton Raceway adapting identical rules shared by the three local speedways, adding involvement in the Duel on the Dirt Series that also includes teams from Brighton Speedway.
Geoffrey and Merrittville Tech Inspector Mark Chapman also revealed further cooperation, “with the three tracks sharing rules … don’t be surprised to see an Inspector from another track helping out at other tracks … sharing information and findings with each other.”
The Driver Meetings opened with the first official event of the 25th Anniversary Season of Tuesday Night Kart Racing.
Saturday Night Race Fans can learn more about the racing on the infield track as Drivers will have their Karts on display inside the Grandstand Entrance Gates.
“We are finalizing plans that will help us celebrate the rich history of Kart Racing while bringing further exposure to our Tuesday Night program for the years to come,” added former Kart Racer and current Mod Lite Racer Chris Watson who will return as Tuesday Night Starter.
Weather permitting in the off season, Merrittville Speedway’s Office (at the race track) is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for Driver VIP, Pit and Grandstand Season Pass Sales or to reach by phone call 905-892-8266 or via e mail at donspiece.merrittvillespeedway@gmail.com.
Drivers looking to compete in 2017 are encouraged to purchase VIP Passes which are $250.00 and are only available until March 1st. For Pit Crew Members – Pit Season Passes are $375.00 until March 1st when they will increase in price to $450.00.
Tuesday Night Driver Memberships are now available for $60.00.
Race Fans will also want to purchase Grandstand Season Passes which will remain at the same price as 2016. General Admission Grandstand Season Tickets are $245 for Students and Seniors and $265 for Adults. Reserved Grandstand Season Tickets are $265 and $295 respectively.
Race Fans can take a look at Race Cars from all divisions during the Pen Centre Race Car Show from March 12th to 18th in addition to the Seaway Mall from April 2nd to 7th.
After an all class practice Saturday April 14th, the Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler Saturday April 14th will feature the Patriot Sprint Tour in addition to the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman and 4 Cylinder Divisions.
