For Release   - Saturday April 26, 2008 From Jim Irvine    Merrittville Speedway Public Relations  905-892-8266 

Thorold, Ontario (April 26) – Billy Bleich will embark on a new chapter in his racing career today in the Baron Roofing Windows and Doors Spring Sizzler 100. 

When the gates open at 4 this afternoon Bleich’s #108 will be on display in the Grandstand alongside his new team-mate Brad Rouse. 

With the help of Baron Windows and Doors – Bleich is all geared up to join the L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Division as one of a healthy crop of rookies in 2008. 

“There’s no question … I would like to start off my rookie season perhaps under different circumstances,” admits Bill Bleich whose first event will be a 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series 100 lapper, “I’m hoping that I qualify with a good starting spot … I can settle in and learn from all the veterans in the field.” 

Bleich has already learned from one of those who will join him on the starting grid as he was one of several local drivers that completed the recent Bicknell Racing Products Chassis Seminar and Pete Bicknell Driving School. 

“Driving the car is similar to our Open Sportsman Engine, relates Bleich, “there is a lot more throttle response though … through the school and last week’s practice I’ve learned how to control things like the increase in torque.” 

Billy’s car is a 2007 Bicknell and although he also purchased a former Russ Hefti-driven BRP – plans are to eventually sell that car off – but not before his son and fellow racer Billy Bleich Jr. may take it out. 

The younger Billy has quite a Kart Racing career before joining the Saturday Night ranks and the Hoosier Stock Division. 

A driver that Bill may look forward to having his son race against is the elder Bill’s Uncle – Hoosier Stock driver – Kirk Wilson.  

Back in the day – Bill got involved in the sport when he began to crew for his uncle when Kirk was in the former Bomber Division. Growing up in the Western Hill area of St. Catharines, Bill also attended West Park High School – a place that has produced so many of Merrittville’s stars – past and present. 

From names such as Pete Bicknell, Dan Rizzardo and Bill and Tammy Willard – the neighborhood boasts drivers today like BJ Willard, Mat Williamson, Tyler and Cody McPherson and others like Bleich that we recently discovered. 

It was at West Park that Bill would meet his wife – Shani – who was quite a talent herself in the days of the Ladies Races. 

Kirk actually raced against Shani’s dad at the track but it wasn’t until she transferred to West Park that they officially started dating. 

It wasn’t long before Bill would start on his own racing career and it for the 1991 Season that he built his first street stock before moving on to the Pro Stock Division for 1994. 

In 2002, Bill would leave the full fendered cars behind in making the move to the Sportsman Division. 

In addition to Baron Windows and Doors, Peninsula Press and Westside Trucking & Excavating are helping him make the division move as are his crew – his brother-in-law Jamie Porter, Matt Rutt, John Kaas and Jamie Porter Sr. 

“I owe a lot to Brad,” added Bleich, “it’s only been in place a little more than a month … but he was a big help in bringing Baron to our race team … I can’t thank all our families enough either … we put them through a lot to be able to race.” 

Terry Vince’s ERD Engines put together Bill’s Engine using his Sportsman Block with all new components bolted on. 

Away from the track, the Bleich Family is quite active as well. 

In addition to the two race cars for both Bills, the younger sons are heavily involved in minor sports. 

Joseph – who had a brief Kart Racing stint is quite a Hockey Player and was on the Welland Tiger Minor Atom Team that recently won the OMHA Championship.

He plans on playing Summer Hockey in addition to Soccer. 

On you way in tonight – stop and wish Bill and his Baron team-mate Brad – Good Luck in tonight’s Baron Roofing Windows and Doors Spring Sizzler 100! 

Enjoy tonight’s event and the rest of the 2008 Season – Merrittville Speedway’s 57th! 

Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway TONIGHT – 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 Windows and Doors.  

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

All of these Special Events puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as must see events and it’s just the start of 2008 – you won’t want to miss a single event all season! 

To learn more call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.