By: Merrittville Speedway
December 23 2016
Thorold, Ontario – Following a successful Driver Information Meetings, Don and Lorraine Spiece’s first season as owners of Merrittville Speedway took another step forward with the announcement that former Assistant Pit Steward Tom Beales will be the Race Director in 2017.
“Respect will be key,” said Beales, 33 of Stevensville, “I am hoping to earn the respect of drivers … in turn I will show them the same respect.”
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic at Zanchin Truck and Trailer raced three seasons in the 4 Cylinder Division before realizing that racing wasn’t for him. His passion for the sport would grow as an Official after spending the 2006 season working the Tow Trucks at Humberstone Speedway and from there – he took on the position of Pit Steward Sunday Nights.
“I remember being the hot-headed driver and the crew member who worked all week on the race car,” added Beales, “I took it on because I knew where the racers … their families and friends were coming from. On Track incidents can quickly escalate when you mix together the passion one has for their equipment with the adrenaline of the moment.”
In 2006, Beales would join Merrittville’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Team of Officials joining then Assistant Pit Steward Rick Agnew in the same position.
Beales will bring one year’s experience to his new role on Saturday Nights having served as Humberstone Speedway’s Race Director in 2016.
“Last year was an eye opening experience for sure … I am still reviewing videos looking to make myself better. I’ll strive to treat everyone or incident consistently. Everything happens so fast on a race night – there’s no time to pick and choose favorites. Everyone’s an equal, everyone’s just a number,” shared Beales.
“Communication is vital to a smooth night … if any issues develop I am hoping that all involved can arrive at a result … good or bad like responsible adults. I am looking forward to working with the Track and Tech Crew as well as our Officials Steve DeVos, Bob Duyn, Bob Cullen, Colleen Curvin, Nathan Christensen, Ed Curran, Art Bicknell and Krissy Leslie … their individual and combined experience will surely help make my job easier,” said Beales.
“On behalf of the Bicknells and Williamsons … I’ve got to thank Doug Leonard for his past involvement as Race Director,” said (new Merrittville Owner) Don Spiece, “we wish him all the best in 2017 at Ohsweken Speedway and along the Super DIRTcar Series.”
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.