FINAL STAGES OF 2006 SCHEDULE COMING TOGETHER: QUITE A CELEBRATION PLANNED FOR 55TH SEASON AT MERRITTVILLE

Courtesy Erica Bicknell

Thorold, Ontario … Merrittville Speedway - A Saturday Night Racing Tradition for 55 consecutive years – is putting the final touches together on its DIRT Weekly Racing Series Schedule. “We’re really excited about 2006,” relates (GM) Erica Bicknell, adding, “Our race teams and race fans can look forward to quite a celebration.”

“Last season saw quite an influx of new drivers through all divisions,” boasts Bicknell, “and every indication is that race fans should see many more new faces again this year.”

For all DIRT Weekly Racing Series Divisions – the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsmen, Hoosier Stocks, Classic /Mods and the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders – the 2006 Season is set to begin Saturday May 6th after two practice days tentatively set for the previous two Saturdays – April 22nd and 29th.

Prior to Practice, race teams from across the Northeast will take to the track for the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School. The two day event is slated for Saturday and Sunday April 15-16. “With the high numbers of rookies that we’re expecting,” informs Speedway co-owner and Instructor Randy Williamson, “ it might be all Niagara-area teams … but like previous years it draws teams from New York State and through to Quebec.” Race teams interested in participating in the school are asked to contact the Speedway’s Winter Office at 905-685-7223, as space is limited.

“Traditional events such as the Ladies Race Series, Demolition Derbies, Autograph Nights, Trucker Night, and the Super Fan Contest will return this year,” informs co-owner Nancy Bicknell, “and of course the 55th Season wouldn’t be complete without the Reunion Committee’s Nostalgia Night … race fans and teams alike can look forward to many new exciting additions as well.”

While the last few seasons have seen the BRP Modified Tour make an annual visit, Big Block Modified fans can mark your calendar for Monday August 7th as we are excited to present the 100 Lap Advance Auto Parts Big Block Modified Super DIRT Series Race to give a new look to the Annual Trevor Wilkens Memorial. Since 1972, Merrittville Speedway has hosted the Super DIRT Series and in recent years has showcased the 358 Modifieds. The 100 lap event hosted by Toolneeds will also feature Club Castropignano’s pre-race Pasta Night.

358 Modified and Sportsmen Teams can look to a new and exciting Series in 2006 involving Merrittville’s sister tracks – Ransomville, Ohsweken, Genesee and Humberstone. Details about this Series will be released in the near future.

Merriittville Speedway will host several 55 lap events for both the Sportsman and 358 divisions in honor of the 55th Anniversary of the Speedway.

“DIRT has dropped summer Super DIRT Series events for these classes in favour of a regional MR. DIRT Structure,” relates (Erica) Bicknell, “in the near future … Dirt will be announcing plans that will bring some exciting events to all DIRT sanctioned tracks.”

Merrittville Speedway Hoosier Stock Teams are preparing to defend the Daytona Automotive Equipment Title as Team Champion of the Duel on the DIRT Series that debuted in 2005. Leading up to the 2nd annual series with the Brighton Speedway Pro Stocks, there will be two Home Track Series Events through the summer at each track and one combined event hosted at both facilities.

For Sprint Car fans, Merrittville is planning on hosting for the first time – the Bobcat of Buffalo Patriot Sprint Group – a presentation of David Chevrolet Oldsmobile Corvette on Saturday June 24th.

During the recent rules meeting with the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinders, drivers were offered additional purses and race teams and fans can also except to see added extra distance events during the 2006 Season. A new rules package voted by the teams in attendance should expect to see new faces in the mighty Four Cylinder division.

The Classic- Mods will take center stage for the The Rose Webber Memorial Weekend sponsored by J&S Refrigeration –the three day big event that will close out the 2006 Season with Top running Mod-Lites and Classics invading the speedway to challenge our local drivers.

The BRP 360 Late Models will also return for two big events during the 2006 season. 2005 local defending Champion Darren Kish is set to defend his title.

Race fans looking to get involved can look forward to the return of Demolition Derbies throughout the season as well as the return of Spectator One on One Racing.

For the braver - three Konzelmann Estate Winery Enduro Qualifiers will also take place through the season concluding with the 3rd Annual Konzelmann Estate Winery 100 lap Enduro. 2006’s edition will pay the winner $1, 555.55 – in celebration of the 55th Season.

Throughout the Season, race fans and race teams can expect 55th Anniversary specials including special Grandstand pricing. “While we’d like to roll prices back to the 50’s,” relates Nancy Bicknell, “race fans can expect savings on weekly racing series tickets and season passes.” Ticket packages, season passes and pit memberships are currently available from the Speedway’s Winter Office located at Bicknell Racing Products in St. Catharines.

Less than 3 months away – plans are also well underway for the Pen Centre Car Show from March 27th to April 2nd.

“ We’re also looking forward to our 2nd Annual Ball Hockey Tournament,” adds Bicknell, “ Teams of fans and racers are urged to contact us as soon as possible about the April 8th event … it was quite a success last year.” Race fans are encouraged to attend the event and cheer on your local driver.

For further information about the 55th Season at Merrittville Speedway – contact the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com during the off season for news as “The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara” nears opening day.