Weedsport, NY – December 7, 2007 - By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director 

The 57th season-opener at Merrittville Speedway on Saturday, April 26 will be the biggest ever as it also kicks off the 2008 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Championship with the headline 100-lapper paying $4,000 to win. 

“If the last two season openers are any indication, race fans will want to make sure they mark this as a must see event,” said Merrittville General Manager Erica Bicknell. “Twice now our openers have come down to photo finishes with Larry Lampman prevailing on both occasions. With all the series regulars on hand this time, it should be another barn-burner of a night.” 

Not only will Merrittville return after a two year layoff to DIRTcar Racing NorthEast’s top Small-Block traveling tour, negotiations are currently underway for an additional series event out west that will culminate with the crowning of the Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT 358-Modified Champion for a 26th consecutive year. Leading contenders following the lucrative Small-Block trail will also continue to collect DIRTcar Regional Racing Series bonus points to help determine the overall titlist. 

“We’ve got one of the most competitive 358 fields each and every Saturday night,” added Merrittville co-owner Pete Bicknell, himself a two-time Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Champion, who can be included in that group of drivers. Since Small-Blocks became Merrittville’s top weekly division in 1990, Bicknell has captured 13 point titles including the 2007 championship. “We’re ecstatic to launch the 2008 DIRTcar Series, it will make for a great start to our 57th season.” 

Since the Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series Championship was created in 1983, only the Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway has scheduled a tour event earlier in the season with the first weekend in April secured in both 2003 and ‘04. 

“We’re excited to have Merrittville back hosting a 358 Series race to complement their established Mr. DIRTcar events for Big-Blocks and Sportsman,” said Cory Reed, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. “The Western Region has long been a hotbed for Small-Block racing and a date pending at Ransomville Speedway will create one of our strongest Series ever.” 

For additional Series information, please contact the DIRTcar Racing NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) during normal business hours or log into www.superdirtcarseries.com. For further information regarding Merrittville Speedway, call the winter office at 905/685-7223 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.