Merrittville Speedway: Seaway Mall Show gets the green flag

For Release - Monday February 16, 2009 From Jim Irvine

Thorold, Ontario (February 16) Race Cars representing all 5 of Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series are on display in Welland’s Seaway Mall for a week long St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of Green.

With the first green flag set to fly on the 2009 Season April 25th - one Seaway Mall Shopper will not miss a single event after winning the ultimate prize package - a 2009 Grandstand Season Pass.  

The contest will take place during the week of March 16th to the 22nd, when cars and stars of Merrittville Speedway will be on-hand at the Mall providing fans with a one-of-a-kind racing experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Mall providing race fans from across the Region an opportunity to meet some of their favorite drivers and to get a first-hand look at their race cars,” said Erica Bicknell, GM of Merrittville Speedway.   “This year marks our 58th season, so what better way to treat our fans than with an up-close race experience in an intimate setting,” she added.

As part of the Speedway’s 58th season and in conjunction with St. Patrick’s Day, shoppers showing a receipt from the Seaway Mall Store during race week and receive a shamrock shaped ballot for entry into the Grandstand Pass and Seaway Mall Gift Certificate prize giveaway.  From all the shamrocks collected during the week, one lucky winner will be chosen to win the Grand Prize of a 2009 Merrittville Speedway Grandstand Season Pass. The prize is valued at $240.00. Second place winner will win $100 in Seaway Mall Gift Certificates.

Rocco Conte, Rob Goulding and Rick Grundy have their Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Race Cars on display while 2008 Champion Shawn Sliter represents the Modern Corporation Open Wheel Lites as does Joey Mastroianni and Paul Klager.

The Hoosier Stock Division is represented by veteran Rob Disher and up and coming drivers Billy Bleich Jr.  and Brad Sheehan who is set to return to Saturday Night action in 2009.

Veterans Jim Johnstone and Rick Bellante are joined by 2009 rookie Cody McPherson to showcase their Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Cars.

Welland’s own Rob Pietz is set to make his return to the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modifieds official by showing off his new car. Joining him are veteran Pete Bicknell and sophomore driver Derek Wutzke.

Rounding out the Stock Car portion is the BRP Can Am Late Model of Rick Baker.

Also joining the Race Car Show are representatives of the Tuesday Night Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series – Jordan Barnes, Vincent Pagnotta, Joshua Hanson, Steven Beckett and one of the newest second generation drivers – Chris Crawford Jr.

The Seaway Mall - located at 800 Niagara Street features over 120 friendly stores and services and offers free wireless internet throughout the mall.

The Seaway Mall is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays from 12 to 5 PM. Shoppers can also visit the Seaway Mall on line at www.seawaymall.com.

Merrittville will officially begin the 2009 season on April 25th.  For further information and a preview of Merrittville Speedway’s 58th consecutive season, please visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.