Friday, May 27, 2005

MERRITTVILLE: SMALL BLOCKS TO CHALLENGE BRP BIG BLOCKS IN MERIDIAN CREDIT UNION 40 LAP SHOOT-OUT AT MERRITTVILLE

THOROLD, ONTARIO … Merrittville Speedway is looking forward to the month of June when it opens with the BRP Big Block Modified Tour making it’s second visit to the Thorold track as part of Kid’s Club Registration Night.

Saturday June 4th’s DIRT Weekly Racing Series program will feature the only Southern Ontario/Western New York appearance of Big Block Modified action in 2005.

Rounding out the evening presented by Meridian Credit Union will be the Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Dwarf Cars/Mod Lites, Hoosier Stocks and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders.

Defending Series Champion Ron Smoker won the Merrittville Modified title in 1991 and he was in last year’s field. Up until their visit last season, it had been 12 years since a Big Block Modified event had been run at the Thorold Track.

When the Bicknell Racing Products-sponsored tour made it’s debut last season, it was a 358 engine stealing the spotlight once again as second generation driver Rob Krull took the win in his #123.

Smoker announced his retirement at the end of last season.

“He’s definitely going to be missed,” relates BRP’s Randy Williamson, “ Smother has been quite a champion for that series the last few seasons … quite an all round driver ... Todd Burley is now in the Industrial Handling #62 and he’s been running real strong early on in the season in one of our cars – big block and small block alike.”

In series events to date, Rex King leads the point standings with four other drivers within 21 points of leader King. Four of the top 5 drivers campaign a BRP Chassis including King, runner-up Kevin Bolland, third place driver Jermiah Shingledecker and 5th place driver Russ King. Mark Flick is tied for third with Shingledecker.

The Big Block – Small Block Shootout will pay $2000 US to the winner after 40 laps with second and third spots earning $1500 and $1000 respectively from the $22,000 posted purse.

There will be lots of excitement in the grandstand area as well as Merrittville Speedway is set to welcome an old friend with a new name. With the amalgamation of the former Niagara and HEPCOE Credit Unions, Meridian Credit Union will have staff and their families out to enjoy the night’s action.

Meridian Credit Union serves it’s customers through-out Niagara with branches in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Fonthill, Vineland, Stevensville, Beamsville, Grimsby and Virgil. For information on a branch near you call 905-688-777 or 1-800-392-8657or from visiting www.meridiancu.ca.

Meridian is proud to present Merrittville Speedway’s Fat Cat Kids Club and the first Saturday in June is registration night for the 2005 Season.

Race fans following the BRP Big Block Modified Tour can look forward to a little getaway when taking in Merrittville’s event. Merrittville Speedway is located in Thorold, Ontario and is a short driver from any of the International Border Crossings.

Race fans or teams looking for hotel accommodation can call the Four Points by Sheraton located approximately 1 mile from the Speedway or the new Days Inn located on Niagara Street in Welland – just a little longer drive from the track. Special rates have been arranged.

Showtime at Merrittville Speedway is 7:00pm with gates opening at 5:00pm.

For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com

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