Merrittville Speedway: Niagara Motors powers new 'King of the Crates' Sportsman Series

For Release   - March 13, 2009 From Jim Irvine // Merrittville Speedway Public Relations

Thorold, Ontario (March 13) – With the recent Lucas Oil Shootout Press Conference announcing Merrittville Speedway’s 50 lap Event that will again have Original Pizza Logs Sportsman drivers trying to hold their points to a minimum - comes news of a second series within the season long points chase with the finalization of the Thorold track’s 2009 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Schedule.

“When you combine the Shootout with the year end title,” reveals (Merrittville Speedway General Manager) Erica Bicknell, “the Super DIRTcar Series Event and our new King of the Crates Series … 2009 will be quite a year for our Sportsman Division.”

The Niagara Motors King of the Crates Sportsman Series is one of many new and exciting additions featured in the schedule recently unveiled that will help celebrate 58 consecutive seasons.

Three 40 lap Events will make up the Niagara Motors King of the Crates Series with the dates as follows – Saturday May 30th, Saturday August 1st and Saturday August 29th.

Southern Ontario and Western New York Sprint Car fans planning on attending the first two events for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints and ASCS Lucas Oil Patriot Sprints specials – will surely want to return for the 40 lap King of the Crates Finale Saturday August 29th to witness who is crowned Champion of the new Miniseries.

Merrittville Speedway is looking for the ‘Niagara Motors King of the Crates’ as all drivers that compete in the Original Pizza Logs Division share one thing in common – the GM 602 Crate Engine.

Niagara Motors – an authorized performance parts dealer in the Niagara Peninsula is a Pontiac Buick and GMC Dealer and like any other GM Dealer across North America – can supply racers with the economical GM Crate Engine.

“We’re excited about our new series within a series,” adds Niagara Motors Parts Manager Dennis Willms, “we are happy to help out the Sportsman drivers at Merrittville.”

While other details are still being finalized, at the Awards Banquet – the inaugural Niagara Motors King of the Crates Champion will receive a $500 Gift Certificate redeemable at Niagara Motors towards the purchase of a GM 602 Crate Engine for 2010.

The 2009 Niagara Motors ‘King of the Crates’ Sportsman Series kicks off Saturday May 30th when the Meridian Credit Union presents the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints.

Round 2 goes Saturday August 1st when Cotton Inc. presents the Lucas Oil Patriot Sprints.

The finale takes to the track Saturday August 29th when Ball Hockey International hosts its annual Minor Sport Night assisted by the Niagara Ice Dogs.

“Since the inception of the mandatory engine,” furthers Bicknell, “it has helped a number of young up and coming drivers make the move into the division … and brought some veterans back … while it provides stability, reliability and cost effectiveness … it also delivers performance.”

The GM Crate engine is a bullet-proof 350-horsepower, 350-cubic-inch factory-sealed racing engine and is a tough combination of power and reliability, and it fits almost any racing budget.

Based on GM Performance Parts' popular 350 HO engine, including a brand-new, four-bolt-main block, 9:1 hypereutectic pistons, cast iron crankshaft and GM iron Vortec cylinder heads, the 350/350 Factory Stock version features a high-rise dual-plane intake manifold, 8-quart single kick-out circle track oil pan, valve cover kit with breather tube and breather, and special "kool nut" rocker arm nut design.

Niagara Motors has been providing award winning sales and service since 1946. Visit their dealership at 1537 Niagara Stone Road in Virgil or on line at www.niagaramotors.com. Niagara Motors offers an extensive inventory of genuine GM Performance parts and accessories. To place your order call 1-800-563-0196.

For more information on the Niagara Motors King of the Crates Sportsman Series or any other events for the 2009 season - visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or contact the Winter Office at 905-685-7223.

Merrittville Speedway’s Track Office will open for the season April 1st. The 24 hour Raceline is 905-892-8266.