Kids of all ages have been surely hard at work in preparation for this year's Box Car Races. (Photo-Julie Davidson) 

Thorold, Ontario – With Merrittville Speedway's Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Race Teams coming off one of the busiest stretches of the season, members of the Kids Club have no doubt been busy as well – preparing for Saturday August 9th's Annual Box Car Races.

Help a Child Smile Night will also see the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds featured in the second Tri Track Series Event..

Meridian Credit Union will present the event that will feature kids in their own creations on their own track on the front stretch in addition to action in all 5 Stock Car Divisions as well.

"Every year the kids are more and more creative," prides (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, "we'll have 3 age groups and one entry will be picked as best of show!"

Box car racing affords the opportunity for all kids – not just the members of the Kids Club to race on the front-stretch of the d-shaped oval with very little cost or work. All you need is a box ... put a hole in the top for their body to fit through ... paint and decorate it like your favorite race car and you're ready to race.

For 2014's event once again ... parents will become more involved as the children start at one end of the track, run to a predetermined point where their adult crew member is waiting. The crew member takes a shoe off, puts the shoe back on -simulating a pit stop with a tire change.

Once the pit work is completed, the child runs back to the original starting point with the winners receiving a trophy.

"This is a great chance for the parent and child to work together," adds Kid's Club Director Mike Barnett, "they can build their box together and then work together in the race ... we saw some great teamwork and strategy last season for sure."

"It's shaping up to be quite a night," boasts Bicknell-Jones, "our 5 stock car divisions and the kid's Box Car races ... if there's a night not to miss this season – it's this one!."

Kids wishing to enter the Box Car Races can find all the rules and regulations by clicking on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/box-car-rules.html

Almost 3 months ago, Mat Williamson took home Merrittville's first Tri Track Event for the Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modifieds on the night hosted by the Welland and Fort Erie Timber Marts.

With more than 1,100 employees, Meridian Credit Union's customer service is rated among the top banks and credit unions across North America. Every week, we ask our Members how we're doing and we act on what they tell us.

Meridian Credit Union is Ontario's largest credit union, serving more than 263,000 Members at 62 Branches and eight Commercial Business Centres in communities across south central Ontario. With more than 70 years of banking history, Meridian delivers a full range of financial services, solutions, and advice tailored to meet each Member's individual needs, including access to The Exchange® Network with more than 2,400 no-fee ABMs in Canada.

Membership in Meridian is open to anyone looking for a financial services provider with a local, community focus that offers a viable alternative to traditional banking options.

To activate an account you can visit your local branch, call 1-866-592-2226 or submit a request online or visit www.meridiancu.ca

Meridian Credit Union Help a Child Smile Night at Merrittville Speedway begins when the Great Clips Grandstand Ticket Office opens at 5:30. Showtime is 7PM. Further information is available by calling the Speedway Office at 905-892-8266.

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 – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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)

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!

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2014 63rd Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway's 5 Divisions is 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.

Lucas Oil Products is one 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.

Look for Lucas Oil Products at your favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including B&C Truck Centre, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage