Thorold, Ontario (March 15) – At the end of January, Pete Bicknell received an award that for most drivers would signal the end of a career or as a post career honor long after hanging up the helmet.

Induction into the FOAR Score Fan Club Hall of Fame at the 60th Anniversary Banquet has Bicknell showing no signs of slowing down – in fact he is anxiously waiting to bring Merrittville Speedway out of its winter hibernation for the Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 100 – Saturday April 26th.

“The induction came as quite a surprise,” revealed Bicknell, “I can’t thank FOAR Score enough and my crew … I wouldn’t be able to enjoy any of it without them.”

Bicknell and his long time crew and supporters – Ron McKay, Derek Pinfold, Randy Ellison, Ted Curvin, Mike Davies, Mike Gibbons, Phil Johnson, George Glasgow and his older brother Art - recently enjoyed taking in the NASCAR Races at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“Is it 42 days … the season will be here before we know it,” added Bicknell, “I just wish that spring would arrive … we should be starting work at the track real soon.”

Bicknell, Howard Schram and former Speedway owner Bryant Irvine pride themselves in their efforts in preparing both the Saturday Night Stock Car D-shaped oval and the infield Tuesday Night Kart Track.

In fact, race fans across North America become well aware of Bicknell’s and Schram’s labor of love after they volunteered their help at the Dirt Track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last November – creating one of the best tracks the Charlotte North Carolina show place has seen – let alone the race teams competing in the World of Outlaws World Finals.

Bicknell will soon be back at the track – preparing it for the biggest opener in the Thorold Track’s history when the Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 100 will feature the DIRTcar 358 Modifieds in the opening round of the 2008 Super DIRT Series Championship.

“Hosting the series as our first event … will be a challenge for all of us,” relates Bicknell, “but I’m hoping that it will give our local teams some momentum to follow the tour when it kicks into high gear.”

Bicknell before taking control of the track – has literally owned it as a driver – capturing his 19th career L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Title in 2007. The St. Catharines driver has won two career Mr. DIRT Titles as well and plans on following the entire tour once again after it kicks off at his hometrack. That in addition to the expanded Lucas Oil Shootout presented by www.dirttrackdigest.com.

“Like I said … I couldn’t do any racing without my guys,” prided Bicknell, “I’m so busy – I don’t really work on the cars much anymore … we’re raring to get going but once again … I’m one of the last to get a car … we have many BRP customers to take care of … before me.”

Before Bicknell and Merrittville’s field of drivers take to the track for the 100 lap event, Merrittville will soon come to life when it plays host once again to the Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School in over two weekends in April.

“Although our focus leans towards Sportsmen and Modified Teams.” reveals BRP’s Randy Williamson who presents the in class session while Bicknell focuses on the on track portion, “each year … our classes are made up of drivers from all divisions looking to boost their confidence and knowledge.”

While the Stock Car Track comes to life so too will the infield Kart Track with its Annual School prior to the rest of the Tuesday Night Schedule. While Bicknell got his racing start back in the day in a kart – the school is handled by RCM Racing Equipment principals Chris Long and Paul Klager. Bicknell and his track prep gurus are counting down the days until they can get that surface into shape as well.

Even though Bicknell may seem a little overwhelmed when he looks at how long his to do list has become – he can only look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel – the green light and the initial green flag of the 2008 Racing Season.

For a man that wears many hats during the course of a work week – one thing that he looks forward to like so many others – is when he can race. When the engine fires and he backs out of his pit stall – nothing else seems to matter.

Many of us will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a little early this year and the wearing of the green can only mean that it’s getting that much closer to the 2008 Racing Season going green.

In just 42 days – Bicknell will be looking to add further honors to a distinguished career aboard his #42.

Slowing down – it’s just not in the cards any time soon. And for those that really know Bicknell - cards are a whole other deal!

Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway in just 42 Days – Saturday April 26th.

The star studded 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stars are set to challenge our home town heroes in the Spring Sizzler 100 Super DIRTcar Series presented by Baron Roofing.

April’s Event also includes a 40 lap event for the Sportsman and a 25 lap Street Stock Open Event.

With plenty of free camping – it puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as a must see event and it’s just the start of 2008 – you won’t want to miss a single event all season!

To learn more call 905-685-7223 until April 1st or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.

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