Josh Sliter is anxious to get the bad weather behind them and get out to the race track. (Photo-Lori Sliter)
Thorold, Ontario – With the first two events of 2014 lost to rain, there is probably no one that wants to get back on track more than 4 time Champion Josh Sliter.
Technically the Port Colborne Driver and the rest of the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite have only lost one event after Pinty's Night was rained out last week.
When the word came down that April 26th's Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler had also been rained out, Sliter, his girlfriend Maartje and his Mom and Dad were returning from a 10 day Racing and Sightseeing Trip in Australia.
"As far from home as I was ... the racing was very similar to what we have here at Merrittville," revealed Sliter just days after arriving home and maybe still on land down under time, "at each of the tracks we raced at they were so narrow ... it sure made it hard to pass!"
Sliter competed in 4 Events in the Mod Lite Easter Trail held at Lismore, Archerfield and Grafton Speedways.
For several years now including this past Winter's edition, Josh has competed in the Winternationals at East Bay Raceway in Florida. In 2011 after meeting Australian Mod Lite Racer Jamie Cowling – an invitation had been extended which Sliter took him up on this year.
When the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series makes it's second attempt at the Championship Chase Kick Off this Saturday Night, he'll be wondering when scrutineering takes place and at what time the Driver's Brief is.
O wait ... those are Australian racing terms where he drove Cowling's Troyer Mod Lite – one of 6 in Australia that were bought several years as a package at the National Parts Peddlar Auction and shipped to the other side of the world.
"Down there ... the Troyers and 5 Star Chassis are prevalent right now," he added, "my best finish was a 4th at Grafton. It's pretty competitive with around 20 car fields every night."
With a possible 5th Points Title ahead of him this season, Sliter's #17 is once again a Leader Race Car with additional support from Crutchfield Engines, Teeters Motorsports and Crutchfield Shocks.
Team JSR has fielded several cars and that is the case once again this season.
"Along with my #17," revealed Sliter, "there's my dad Ray Sliter, Jr. in the #91, Rick Koabel back in the 27 and a rookie this season – Rob Misener in the 6. As for the 26 ... we will have a number of drivers in it this season."
If you are thinking how Team JSR can bring such a large 'fleet' of race cars to the track each week jokes Sliter, "we are each others crew."
Cowling, from Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia has also received an invitation from Sliter to come race at Merrittville. When he returns the favor it will be his second race with us as he raced an Adam Murphy-built 5 Star Car back in 2011.
Merrittville Speedway Fans have to know that Australian Drivers that have competed at the Thorold DIRT-car facility include Peter Britten, David Clark, Brett Clarke and Darren Latimer.
While the racing season down under may be winding down – you can be up to date by joining Modlites Australia on Face Book https://www.facebook.com/pages/Modlites-Australia/250269511684972?fref=ts
For Sliter and fellow defending champions Kevin Knapp, (Hoosier Stock), Cody McPherson, (Rick's Delivery Sportsman) and Pete Bicknell, (Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified) is set to kick off Saturday May 10th when Lococo Wholesale delivers the 63rd Season Opener. Gates will open at 5:30 with Show Time at 7:00.
Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold. For directions click on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/directions.html or call 905-892-8266 or via e mail – ebicknell@cogeco,net.
For all the news on Merrittville Speedway's 63rd Consecutive Season in 2014 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).
To reach Merrittville Speedway call 905-892-8266 or via e mail – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. Make your plans ... call your friends and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!
Your Local Dirt Track is where it's at and the countdown to Saturday April 26th's Seaway Mall Spring Sizzler has begun at Merrittville Speedway - the Best Family Entertainment in Niagara!
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2013 62nd Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway's 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Rick's Delivery, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision 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 favorite automotive retailer or maintenance center including Drummond Home Hardware. KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.