Thorold, Ontario – When Brian Stevens passed away a little more than a month ago after a courageous battle with cancer, it didn’t take very long for friends of the 2 time Merrittville Speedway Modified Champion and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Famer to come together for a Memorial Race.

Monday May 18th’s Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits Main Event will feature a 44 lap NAPA Auto Parts Super Dirt Week Qualifier for the Pinty’s 358 Modified Division that will see the winner take home $4,444.44.

“Throughout his career, Brian had great support from many racing-minded businesses and it’s wonderful to see many of them come together for this special night,” said (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, “he also was fortunate to have a dedicated crew and loyal fans and perhaps one of the first fan clubs that worked together to keep Stevens Racing in contention every race.”

Long-time sponsors of Stevens – York Electro Plating, Hingston Metal Fabricators and Cosgrove Racing Engines now owned by Tom Cosgrove’s son and former racer Ken Cosgrove in addition to Bicknell Racing Products, Pete’s Automotive and Hoosier Tire Canada.are among the friends that have come forward with donations to help build the winner’s share to one that features many of Stevens’ former numbers.

“We are encouraging Niagara’s business community … race fans and especially those who knew Brian to join with us,” added Bicknell-Jones, “it is our goal to remember him with quite a spectacle and reward competitors right through the starting field with bonus purse money … anyone can support the event!”

In the very near future – an event web site will launch where the Friends of Brian Stevens will be recognized in addition to PA Announcements during the early part of the season.

While cash donations of any amount would be appreciated – an amount of $44.00 would be fitting with all monies generated going right into the purse for the event.

Individuals wishing to support the Brian Stevens Memorial should contact Jim Irvine via e mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at the Winter Office until April 1st at 905-685-7223 or at the Speedway Office after April 1st at 905-892-8266.

In addition to the 44 lap Brian Stevens Memorial for the Pinty’s 358 Modifieds, Monday May 18th’s Zavitz Financial Strategies & Employee Benefits Holiday Extravaganza will feature the first ever visit for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series in addition to Hoosier Stocks and the first Ballhockey.com Enduro Qualifier accelerated by Niagara College.

Pit Gates will open at 4 PM with the Grandstands opening at 5:30. Showtime is set for 7:00 PM.

To reach Merrittville Speedway during the off season – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 and beginning April 1st at 905-892-8266 or via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco,net. Merrittville Speedway’s Winter Office located in Bicknell Racing Products, 117 Cushman Road in St. Catharines Ontario.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 64th Consecutive Season in 2015 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Become a fan of Merrittville Speedway on Face Book at www.facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Merrittville

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2015 64th Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Rick’s Delivery, Rev’s Full Throttle Powersports, Hoosier Tire Canada and Van Raine Construction and Contingency Partners http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/contingency.html 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.

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Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favourite automotive retailer or maintenance center including KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.