By: Merrittville Speedway
December 20 2016
Thorold, Ontario – “My wife and I are excited about the future of Merrittville Speedway going into the 66th Anniversary Season in April,” said new owner Don Spiece on behalf of his wife Lorraine, “
Spiece of Welland, a former Pro Stock Division Champion at the Thorold and a second generation racer addressed each Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Division December 18th at Port Robinson’s Club Castropignano.
Drivers and crew from the Central Fabricating 4 Cylinders, Rev’s Full Throttle Powersports Modified Lites, Hoosier Stocks, S & W Service Centre Sportsman and Pinty’s Delicious Foods 358 Modifieds were in attendance in addition to staff members.
“Thank you to everyone for their interest in what we have planned for 2017,” added Spiece who introduced Central Fabricating and S & W Service Centre as new Division Sponsors, “we are looking to move forward with little change.”
Several changes that were introduced included:
- The 4 Cylinder Division will see a purse increase with Start Money increasing to $30 and the Feature Win on a regular night will increase to $150.00.
- The 358 Modified Division Regular Night Start Money will increase to $200.00.
- Drivers in the Hoosier Stock Division in attendance voted to have a Weekly Draw to determine line-ups in place of handicapping
- In 2017, each Feature Winner will draw in Victory Lane from a selection of Tech Inspection Areas to determine what will be inspected each night
- Drivers looking to compete in the Novice Sportsman Division will see a limited schedule in 2017. Drivers in the Novice Sportsman Division will not be able to compete in both classes and upon winning 3 Features … Drivers will not be required to move up to the regular Sportsman Division.
A Tentative 2017 Schedule was released that will see Events focused on Saturday Nights with the Triple Header Season Finale Friday and Sunday Programs not returning.
The 100 lap Enduro that traditionally closes the Season will now close the month of August in addition to other events.
Two Mondays – the Victoria Day Brian Stevens Memorial will feature a 66 lap 358 Modified Main Event that will pay $2,666.66 to the winner and the Civic Holiday Bob St. Amand Senior Memorial will showcase the Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series.
The 2017 Season is scheduled to kick off with a Test and Tune Day April 16th followed by the Spring Sizzler April 23rd.
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.
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.
Up until Friday December 23rd at 12 Noon – Grandstand and Pit Season Passes are available for Christmas Gift Ideas from the Winter Office located at Bicknell Racing Products, 117 Cushman Road in St. Catharines.
“Race Fans will see and increase of $1 per ticket this season,” said Spiece, “no one likes to see an increase … but it’s something I have to do to ensure I am able to maintain the Speedway Facility and keep it open for all of us to enjoy.”
Projects that are being researched include a possible return of a Souvenir Program and the idea of having Driver T Shirts available in the Novelty Trailer.
For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 66th Consecutive Season in 2017 including Schedule and Rules Information – visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville
Merrittville Speedway’s Winter Office is located in Bicknell Racing Products, 117 Cushman Road in St. Catharines and can be reached at 905-685-7223.
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2016 65th Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Yager Bros Trucking, Rev’s Full Throttle Powersports, Hoosier Tire Canada and Van Raine Construction 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 centre including Kala’s Hardware, St. Catharines Discount Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.