Thorold, Ontario (May 30) – If you aren’t currently a CAA member – the Saturday May 29th event hosted by the Niagara Club at Merrittville Speedway surely had to show you why you should be.  

CAA Niagara Tow Truck drivers put in quite an effort in the caution-filled event – the same service members enjoy yea found 5 new 2010 Winners in Victory Lane with Billy Bleich and Cody McPherson scoring their first ever wins at the Thorold DIRTcar sanctioned facility in the Hoosier Stock and Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Divisions. 

In other Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series action – Chris Steele and Mat Williamson each won their initial features of the new season in the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified Divisions. 

Dave Small was the first driver to see the Checkered Flag – taking the opening round of the Turn 4 Collision Triple Crown Series for the 4 Cylinders. 

“It’s taken me 4 years to get here,” exclaimed an overwhelmed Billy Bleich in Victory Lane for the first time,” Pro-Act Roofing joined us this season … if it wasn’t for them and everyone else … I’d be sitting in the stands.” 

Bleich took control of the 20 lap Hoosier Stock Feature just prior to a lap 9 caution from early leader Brett Robbins. The two former karters waged quite a battle side by side leading up to the yellow flag before Bleich took over top spot. 

Bleich ran to a 5 car lead on the restart with drivers running three and four wide throughout the field behind him. By lap 15 Dolf McCready rose to the runner up spot from starting 20th but with an almost straightaway gap to the leader – wasn’t able to reel in Bleich. 

“This is one of Dolf’s old cars,” added Bleich, “we haven’t brought out the new Todd Gordon-built car yet … that should be next week.” 

“We needed a caution to catch Billy,” hoped Dolf McCready, “ it was a good run … after blowing an engine last week … thanks to Ken Cosgrove – we put the new engine in yesterday … and here we are.” 

Former champion Mike Dooley – making a return this season had to be happy with a third place finish but commented, “it’s been a little frustrating so far – this is a carbon copy of my former car – we’ll scale it and make some adjustments and give it another try next week. 

Brent Begolo and Robbins would close out the top 5. 

Sophomore driver Len Dignard set the pace at the start of the 25 lap Original Pizza Logs Sportsman feature. By lap 2 – Cody McPherson was already into second from starting seventh. 

Dignard would lead the field into lap traffic with a comfortable lead but just past the halfway point – McPherson had caught the leader and took control of top spot into turn 1 on the 13th circuit. 

With CAA Niagara Staff on hand in the Toolneeds Trackside Suites cheering the second generation CAA-sponsored driver on – his cousin and CAA team-mate BJ Willard would soon take over the runner spot. 

A multicar incident on lap 17 slowed the family feud – allowing Brad Rouse to join the fray when racing resumed. 

From seventeenth starting position – Rouse would become the new leader in the closing laps but with the checkered flag in sight – lap traffic would slow his pace allowing McPherson to regain top spot. 

“I was committed to the top by then,” commented Brad Rouse post race, “I can’t complain though … we had a good solid run.” 

“My car was way too tight … I couldn’t get it to turn,” rejoiced McPherson in Victory Lane, “luck was on my side tonight – with Brad and BJ pressuring me … I was just trying to keep it smooth.” 

“I think the monkey is off my back,” informed third place finisher BJ Willard, “previous CAA Nights … I really haven’t done all that well.” 

Greg Panunte and Ryan Susice came from 21st and 19th respectively to round out the top 5. 

Blair Young was first to lead the 20 lap J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Feature in a car of his own design before former champion Dave Russell took top spot on the second lap. 

A couple early race cautions would slow Russell’s pace before another former champion began to challenge. Paul Klager would become the new leader before yet another caution on lap 9 would slow the field.

With Klager out front on the restart – it was Jason Corless who quickly took control until a lap 11 incident would again slow the pace. 

Additional cautions around the halfway point put the race on hold – including an incident involving Corless himself. The slew of cautions would help keep the leaders in sight for Chris Steele who after starting tail on the field after flipping his car in the heats was now in the top 5.

“I kinda missed on the set up tonight,” admitted Klager who would wind up in third at the finish, “I was good … but too early  … we got Chris back together … so that’s good too for our Pro Cars.” 

Chris Steele who took the runner-up spot after Corless’ misfortune – continued his march to the front by overtaking Klager at the start-finish line to start lap 13. 

The only thing slowing Steele was one final caution in the closing laps. At the checkered – Steele was some 5 seconds ahead of Josh Sliter who made a late race charge to overtake Klager. 

“It probably looked a lot worse than it was,” thanked Chris Steele, “just a shock and some bars … thanks to everyone that helped … this car was fast.” 

Co-announcer Mikey Kruchka was quick to comment, “now that has to be the understatement of the year!” 

“Thanks to Mom and Dad,” said runner-up Josh Sliter, “they made the trip to Georgia this week for this new Crutchfield engine … it really hauls the mail.” 

With the full moon it’s most visible, yellow fever also struck the early stages of the 35 lap L. St. Amand Enterprises 358 Modified feature. 

Justin Sharpe was the initial leader before Tommy Flannigan took control after a lap 2 restart. Rookie Chad Chevalier was quick to challenge the leader but Flannigan held on – opening a 5 car lead by lap 10. 

Just after taking control of third spot despite a softening right rear tire – Tim Jones would slow on lap 14 after the tire went flat slowing the field once again. 

With Chevalier as the new leader on the restart – Flannigan would quickly battle back to resume top spot with another yellow soon to slow the pace. The new third place driver – Mat Williamson. 

On the restart – it was Williamson that would soon challenge Flannigan. Contact between the two would find Flannigan off the pace. 

Williamson would resume control on the restart and by lap 20 – pulled away to a comfortable lead over now runner up Chad Brachmann.  

In surprisingly one of the longest green flag runs of the entire night – Williamson would stretch his lead to almost a straightaway by lap 30. 

“I knew I was fast at the start,” revealed Williamson in Victory Lane, “ I stuck to my lane … thanks to all my sponsors … these are the guys that make it happen!” 

Williamson since the start of the season has added Semenuk’s Esso and S&W Service Centre to the side panels of his #6. 

“Mat was definitely better than us tonight,” added Chad Brachmann who managed to narrow the gap slightly in the last 5 laps, “ runner-up again … we’ll just keep plugging away – hopefully one of these days it will be us that cross the finish line first.” 

Williamson and Brachmann were followed by Pete Bicknell, Boyd MacTavish and Chevalier. 

The start of the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Triple Crown Series had them three wide at the start of the 20 lap event. 

Dave Small, Rob Overholt and Jocelynne Wiley were all battling for top spot with Overholt eventually taking control before lap 2 caution. 

Small would take top spot on the restart – pulling away to a 10 car lead. Eventually Aaron Wiley – who won the final Series Event in 2009 would land in the runner-up spot – enjoying a 10 car lead himself over Overholt. 

Wiley eventually ran Small down – mounting a serious challenge on lap 12. Wiley would nose into the lead before Small took it back before a caution on lap 14. 

Small would resume control of top spot and was never challenged – enjoying a 5 car lead at the finish.  

“It’s been far too long,” commented Small, “ it’s nice to be up front and have some fun.” 

Despite settling for second, Aaron Wiley postured, “Couldn’t lose to a better guy … Dave built Jocelynne’s car … and we work on each other’s together.” 

Small and Wiley were followed by Overholt with Rocco Conte and Evan Curtis.   

Merrittville Speedway Inside Track Motorsport News Pit Notes 

Not only did Tim Jones fall victim to a flat tire, Monday Night first time Hoosier Stock Feature Winner Graham MacKay and veteran Ken Sargent lost tires in their feature event. 

Hoosier Stock Victory Lane saw a 4th car join the celebration as Jason Fontaine was named Driver of the Week going back to May 8th’s event. 

The night started off on a somber note with the infield flags at half mast in memory of former driver, crew chief, car owner and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Famer Don Ledingham who passed away earlier in the day. During the week, Rudy Huneault – grandfather of Sportsman Competitor Greg Panunte also passed away. 

The entire Merrittville Racing community’s thoughts are with both families. 

For complete results from the CAA Niagara Night visit  http://www.speednetdirect.com/results.php?track_id=8430

http://www.speednetdirect.com/results.php http://www.speednetdirect.com/results.php 

UPCOMING AT MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY 

June kicks off at Merrittville Speedway with Semenuk’s Esso presenting the Meridian Credit Union Family Autograph Night – Saturday June 5th. 

A break in the Lucas Oil Weekly Series Racing action packed night will find drivers from all divisions bringing their cars over to the front stretch for a meet and greet with race fans. 

Gates open at 5:30 with 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!

Win an iPAD from joesaver!

Join joesaver’s online mobile savings club to get exclusive Merrittville offers. By joining – you will be entered for a chance to win an iPAD during Saturday August 28th’s event courtesy of joesaver.com - the home of local online savings!

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.