Thorold, Ontario – Long-time Kart Racing dad Brett Wood is looking forward to taking on a new challenge in 2015 – joining Dana Curvin as her new announcing partner Saturday Nights.
“I definitely have some big shoes to fill,” admitted Wood, the Stevensville resident who turns 43 in April, “I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Merrittville Team … between Dana and myself we plan on entertaining the fans and representing the race teams as they are accustomed to.”
Wood began his Kart Racing career when his son was just 4 years old and turning 5 that first season. Tucker, now 9 has his #27 Kart on display all this week at the Pen Centre and is looking to defend his RCM Racing Equipment Performance Manufacturing Junior 1 Title.
Wood grew up in the stands watching his uncle Lyndon race and has crewed for his cousin Scott whose #38 Modified is also at the Pen. Eventually the need for speed would catch up to him like it did for his dad Brent. With his brother a regular competitor- he would compete himself in mechanics races and was assistant pit steward over the years. … Brett would also get behind the wheel - racing for little more than a year in the Sportsman Division back in the day.
“I would have liked to have raced a little more,” said Wood, “but maybe it was bad timing … my daughter Maci was born and I was working 7 days a week with my car lot Wood Motor Company. When I had to step back … I was leading the points at Ohsweken.”
About a month ago when Clint Geoffrey resigned, it was Wood’s family – his wife Terri and children Tucker and Maci that encouraged him to apply after seeing the job posting on Face Book.
To pass the time on family trips and getting to kart races along the New York Dirt Kart Series where Tucker also took home a championship in 2014, Brett would pass the time while getting Tucker in race mode doing mock interviews.
“Honestly – that’s how this all started – I realize at the track I’ll be speaking to much bigger crowds … but maybe if I can picture it as being in the truck … I can work through the first couple of events … but the family thinks I can do a great job,” revealed Wood.
Along with the strong support network at home – Wood will also have lots of support at the race track.
“With Tucker also looking to defend his NYDKS title,” said Bicknell-Jones, “there will be a few Saturday Nights that Brett will have to miss. We’re thrilled that personalities including Spencer Lewis and Humberstone Speedway’s Steven Petty will help mentor him and help us when needed.”
"I've been a fan of Merrittville Speedway for a long time. Attending their marquee events as a fan is some of the most fun I've ever had at a speedway,” said Lewis, “When Erica offered me a chance to become a part of her team I couldn't turn it down … I'm incredibly excited to announce my first event on dirt. It's something I've wanted to do for years and I hope this is the start of a long partnership - April 25th can't come soon enough!"
Race fans might know Lewis as the Inside Track Short Track Notebook Columnist, Speed51.com editor and announcing duties at Sunset Speedway and the APC United Late Model Series as well as on Face Book and You Tube.
Merrittville Speedway’s first event of 2015 is Saturday April 25th when the Seaway Mall presents the Spring Sizzler featuring the Patriot Sprint Tour, the Pinty’s 358 Modifieds and the Rick’s Delivery Sportsman Divisions.
To reach Merrittville Speedway during the off season – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 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.
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 favourite automotive retailer or maintenance center including KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.