For Immediate Release - From Jim Irvine        Merrittville Speedway Public Relations   905-892-8266 (Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville 

Thorold, Ontario (May 1) – “With the rain we had earlier today,” relayed Merrittville Speedway co-owner and L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Feature Winner Pete Bicknell, “who would have thought that we would be here tonight … I think we caught a break … thanks to everyone for coming out!” 

105.1 The River Night at the Thorold showplace launched the 2010 Championship Chase for all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions and for Pete Bicknell, Greg Panunte and Dolf McCready – the trio remain undefeated after each driver scored their second win in as many starts. Panunte and McCready’s wins came in the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman and Hoosier Stock Divisions respectively. 

Niagara IceDogs Fan Appreciation Night also saw Rob Overholt and Chris Steele as first time winners in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder and J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Division’s first events of the season. 

Like his win last week in the Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 50 – Bicknell’s win came right down to the wire – holding off Mat Williamson by a mere ..069 seconds. 

“It was a real barn burner,” exclaimed Williamson – happy to finish second to Bicknell, “I can’t say enough … to race guys like Pete … nose to nose – it’s unbelievable … a dream come true.” 

Prior to a late caution, Bicknell had enjoyed a comfortable lead on the stellar field. In the closing laps after the lap 29 restart Williamson made a strong challenge for the lead similar to last week’s last minute pass by Bicknell on Chad Brachmann. 

At Starter Doug Leonard’s double checkered flag salute – Bicknell was able to hold on to the win … by just a nose. 

Until Williamson’s rally – the race to watch was for third with veteran second generation drivers Fred Carleton, Scott Wood and Todd Gordon mixing it up. Carleton and Wood made late race charges as well to challenge Gordon with Carleton actually taking control of the show spot along the backstretch the final lap. 

“I stuck to the bottom all night … although it went away – I stuck to my plan,” revealed Gordon post race, “I saw alot of Fred.” 

At the checkered flag it was Gordon trailing Bicknell and Williamson with Carleton settled for 4th with Wood 5th.  

Bicknell led the entire distance – surging past fellow front row starter Tim Jones at the start. By the time Williamson got to second spot with 10 laps in – Bicknell opened up almost a straightaway lead. Several cautions through-out the event found Bicknell in control. 28 drivers attempted to qualify for the 24 car starting field with last week’s runner-up Chad Brachmann winning the B Main. 

Last Saturday, Greg Panunte’s opening round win in the King of the Crates Series powered by Niagara Motors was a lead in to a family celebration of his grandfather Rudy Huneault’s 80th Birthday. 

This week – the celebration continued with the Port Colborne driver winning his second straight event of the young season. 

“I wouldn’t be here without him,” thanked Panunte once again, “he got me started in the sport many years ago … sometimes you get lucky … we’ll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts … anyone could have drove this thing though!” 

Taking the green flag in the 25 lap event for the Sportsman Feature – front row starters Panunte and Brad Rouse were side by side. It wasn’t until the first time down the backstretch that Rouse had the advantage. The lead was brief however as by Turn 4 – Panunte was in control. 

By lap 5 – Brandon Easey was in third spot with the three leaders about 5 car lengths apart from each other. Unfortunately Easey and rookie second generation driver Jason Moore got hooked together. The two were able to free their cars from each other with Easey losing several positions. 

With Panunte stretching his lead to the halfway point – fourth generation driver BJ Willard was catching Rouse through heavy lap traffic. 

“Lap traffic was really tough,” commented Rouse post race, “I think we need to spend some time with the rookies … we were there once ourselves.” 

With the race staying under green – Panunte’s margin at the finish was about a ¼ lap on Rouse who was able to hold off Willard. 

Finishing in fourth was Ryan Susice with Brandon Easey rebounding back to fifth spot. 

“I could hear Ryan coming,” revealed the new uncle BJ Willard, “slower cars were 2 and 3 wide … you just had to pick a line and follow it through.” 

Similar to last week’s Hoosier Stock 50 when many of the front-runners ended up not finishing – it seemed like the same fate would hit Dolf McCready after black smoke was seen coming from his ill sounding car late in the race. 

“Under caution … it would just die,” added McCready,” but at speed … everything was ok!” 

Ken Sargent was first to lead the 20 lap event – opening up a 5 car lead on third generation driver Brent Begolo before a lap 3 caution slowed the event after some 6 cars came together in turn 4. 

McCready was quick to challenge Begolo for the runner-up spot before another caution found Sargent challenged by last week’s winner. 

Quite a battle raged between the two – including brief contact that saw the two leaders switch lanes. While the two front-runners were playing cat and mouse – rookie Kevin Aube was able to close in. 

A late caution set up a green white checker finish freezing the joesaver.com lap counter with McCready holding on to top spot at the checkered flag. Aube was able to steal second from Sargent at the line.  

“Just my second time in the car,” commented the former 4 Cylinder Truck standout Aube, “thanks to Brian’s Tire … dad and I made some changes since the first time … what a run.” 

Brent Begolo held on for 4th spot with Al Sleight 5th. 

“Ken’s excellent to race with,” added a relieved McCready, “he’s gonna have his day.” 

“Just another good race,” added Sargent, “everyone is so on top of their game … the competition is just amazing … you have to absolutely love it.” 

In the early stages of the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Feature – you didn’t want to be up front. 

Damian Gore was first to lead the event but the second generation driver was forced from top spot almost right away after losing his right rear tire. While this happened in turn 2 – rookie Brandon Boychuck’s car was left straddling the front-stretch wall in turn 4. 

Rob Goulding was the new leader on the restart – quickly facing a challenge from Rob Overholt. Overholt would overtake Goulding out of turn 4 the next time – about the same time that Aaron Wiley would coast into the infield with problems of his own. 

While Wiley was out of his car attempting to fix the problem on his own – Goulding would retire to the pits. 

With Overholt out front – the battle was on for the runner-up spot between Rocco Conte and Trevor Goulding. Minor contact between the two allowed Overholt to run away to a comfortable lead. 

As the race winded down, Overholt came up on slower cars – allowing Conte to close to within a car length at the finish. 

“It couldn’t have been any better,” prided Overholt, “it’s a brand new car this year …. Thanks to Rob (Goulding) for all his help with it!” 

Conte’s night was far better than it started, “A bad draw had me starting way at the back … I slowly worked my way to the front … thanks also to Rob Goulding for all his help.” 

Goulding would join the two and his cousin Trevor Goulding in Victory Lane. Terry Larmet and Garnet Wilson rounded out the top 5. 

Former Champion Paul Klager was first to lead the 20 lap J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature out racing up and comer Josh Sliter to the green flag.  Klager and Sliter would soon be joined by Jason Corless and Chris Steele in a thrilling 4 wide battle for top spot. 

When it all sorted out – Klager was still in control with a good lead before Steele closed in quickly. Steele would overtake Klager in turn 2 of lap 10. 

“He kinda snuck up on me,” added Klager, “racing with Chris sure was fun!” 

The last half of the race saw a see saw battle between the two – still door to door through increasing lap traffic. Steele would soon open up a lead of a couple car lengths – stretching it at the checkered flag. 

“It was an awesome race,” revealed Steele, “we’re happy to get the win!” 

Josh Sliter who settled for third questionned, “up to half way … the car was great … the last half I developed a huge vibration … I’m thinking the drive shaft became unbalanced.” 

Rick Brubacker and Jordan Curran rounded out the top 5. 

FEATURE RESULTS:

 Merrittville Speedway Inside Track Motorsport News Pit Notes 

Alicia and Travis Braun are the proud parents of Carter – born Sunday April 25th. First Grandson for Bill and Kathy Willard and nephew of BJ Willard. Proud grandparents – Wally and Lynn Braun and great grandparents – Al and Laura Willard. 

Through the 5 divisions – 116 cars competed in the first regular point night of the 2010 Season. Race fans were greeted by the Aaron’s Dream Machines of Kevin and Rob Knapp as the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Kid’s Club held it’s Registration Night along with the staff of the Aaron’s St. Catharines location. 

Younger race fans can still sign during each race event in the Kid’s Club area behind the main grandstands. 

Aaron Wiley completed a McGyver-like pit stop in the infield and returned to action in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder but was several laps down in 15th spot. His pit crew – his fellow racer and wife – Jocelynne who kept her car on the track finishing 7th. 

UPCOMING AT MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY 

Z101.1 presents a special Mother’s Day offer for all moms – a $2 Grandstand Discount on Saturday May 8th. Canadian Tire Financial Services Employee Night will feature all 5 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Divisions. 

Gates open at 5:30. Showtime is 7:00. 

For further information on the 59th Season – race fans and race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book and Twitter.

 Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars and special events including the inaugural June 17th WoO LMS Extravaganza presented by Brian’s Tire Repair Turn 4 Collision and PineView Drywall and brought to race fans by GIANT FM, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton, Inc, Toolneeds, Auto FX Graphics and Signs and IBEW Local 303 Niagara. 

WoO LMS Advance Tickets are still available -to get yours – call 905-892-8266 with either VISA or MasterCard or visit the Speedway Office during business hours or on race day.Crazy Offer! 

Race fans – check your 2010 Ticket Stubs for a Crazy Offer from Little Caesars Pizza – located at 572 Niagara Street in Welland. With the purchase of a HOT-N-READY Pizza and Crazy Bread – receive a Free Crazy Bread!

Sounds Good!

Enjoy all the play by play from the Merrittville Announce Team of Clint Geoffrey, Mikey Kruchka and Fran Buschardt and special guests all season long on our new state of the art Yorkville NX Series Loudspeakers. Race fans and teams can also tune into 89.9 FM to listen to live feeds from our FM Transmitter.

Your Local Dirt Track is where it's at!! Merrittville Speedway "The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara"  

Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home! 

Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.” 

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS 

The 2010 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – L. St. Amand Enterprises, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc. 

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives. 

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. 

Look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer or maintenance centre including Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.