Before the ‘Final Four’ meet at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis – it kicks off this weekend with regionals at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo. 

With it so close to home … as the count down to green continues – Merrittville Speedway over the next several days will present a ‘Motorsport’ version of March Madness … starting today! 

March Madness in the Motorsport community can mean so much. 

If your ride is on display all this week at the Seaway Mall – no doubt you have put a lot of time and effort into making the show. You just have the details left … we hope! If you are set to join the Pen Centre display next week – see you then! Is everything coming together? 

If you are just concentrating on being ready for the 2010 Season Opener … the Baron Roofing and Siding Spring Sizzler is now just 37 days away! 

For our younger racers from the Tuesday Night Lucas Oil Weekly Karting Series – March Madness can mean the transition from winter sports to the racing season. 

With his kart on display for the rest of March Break at the Seaway Mall, Brandon Ruch is looking forward to 7 days on the ice over an 8 day span as his hockey season winds down later this month. 

“This time of year is always quite a hectic schedule,” relates Brandon’s mom Stacy, “he’s played hockey since he was 4 and he known since then that he wanted to race.” 

This past season, the 7 year old Sherkston resident has played on two teams in the Port Colborne Sailors Organization – and both are in the playoffs. 

Brandon’s first year with the Novice Rep Team could be a memorable one for the team. 

In the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Finals against Mount Brydges – the Sailors are the first team in 25 years from the Port Colborne Minor Hockey organization to make it that far. 58 years ago was the last time that a team from the city won the provincial title. 

“Everyone has rallied around the kids,” added a proud mom, “with the Jr. B Pirates eliminated by Thorold already … Brandon’s team have been moved into their dressing room … but however it goes … the kids are having so much fun!” 

Mount Brydges scored the game winner in the opening game with 14 seconds left on the clock. Game 2 goes Saturday while Brandon’s District Team is preparing for their series against the St. Catharines Warriors. 

The Port Colborne Minor Hockey Association has more ties to racing than Brandon. In the Tyke Division where he played last season – Larry Lampman, Greg Panunte and Anderson are all coaches this season. 

So while Brandon won’t be able to meet many race fans the final day the Seaway Mall his #85R is on display … he enjoyed some time prior to taking in a movie with his grandmother – even signing some autographs. 

Once during the summer while at the Black Rock Speedway he was also asked for an autograph. That request came from NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver David Reutimann – while on some down time from driving his Aaron’s Dream Machine at Watkins Glen. 

“I think we were a little more awestruck than the kids,” remembered Brandon’s dad Kevin, “ Brandon had asked the second generation driver to autograph a picture of his kart … his response just blew us away after he found out he was a racer too – Reutimann’s response … Sure I will … but you have to give me yours first!” 

Reutimann and fellow NASCAR star Tony Stewart were both crewing for Jessica Zemken – the whole deal was put together by Kevin’s longtime friend Tim Anderson.  

Since the summer, Brandon’s class mates at St. Theresa School learned about his introduction to Karting that came last summer. As a Public Speaking assignment put together a 4 minute talk that earned him top honors at his school. From there he earned top honors across the city. 

“It covered the values of sportsmanship and proper driving techniques – things that he learned last season,” added a proud Mom, “he memorized it and probably still knows it … the only problem came as it did with most of us when we were younger – he had to substitute ‘emergency vehicle’ … most kids refer to them as ‘ambliances’ … you have to remember … he’s only seven!” 

In a very short period of time Brandon learned the importance of sponsors to any race team and was involved this year in securing one of BGR Karting’s newest for 2010 – CMH Sales and Leasing. 

Returning this season for the second season are supporters Sherkston Shores, Woodmaster Mouldings, Indexable Cutting Tools, Tamburri Garage, the Young Automotive Professionals and RB Signs, Banners and Designs. 

“I also have on my kart – a special thank you message to Mom and Dad,” prided Brandon, “I wouldn’t have had the season I had without them … winning and racing is lots of fun … but playing with the friends I’ve made is cool too.” 

Brandon’s dad comes to Kart Racing with his son as a former crew man for former racer Tim Anderson – who returned to race a little last season. 

Before that – he was always a car nut – starting to rebuild a 1968 Firebird when he was just 14 himself 

At a young age, Brandon has quite a background when it comes to motorized vehicles. At 3 years of age he had his own snowmobile, at 4 an ATV and at 5 – a dirt bike. 

With such a racing career already – you wonder why his interest in hockey. His pets even make you think racing. His dog goes by the name Karter … his hamster – Racer! 

As the kart racing season gets closer and closer – everyone at Merrittville hopes that Brandon’s team makes history on the ice! If you would like to follow his second year of karting this summer – visit his website – bgrkarting.com. 

In the weeks leading up to the start of the season … race fans can keep visiting – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com and follow us on Face Book or at www.twitter.com/merrittville for all the pre-season news - Drivers making moves from one division to another … former drivers returning to the sport and all the news on what events to look forward to … it will all be revealed. 

For further information on Kart Racing at Merrittville Speedway including the Annual RCM Racing Equipment Philbrick Farm & Garden Equipment Kart School this spring, contact the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com

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 brought to race fans by GIANT FM, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton, Inc. and IBEW Local 303 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 was 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. 

Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer including Drummond Home Hardware in Niagara Falls and through RCM Racing Equipment.