For Immediate Release       from Jim Irvine Merrittville Speedway Public Relation                              with files from www.race101.net    905-685-7223 (Winter Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville

Thorold, Ontario (December 20) – No doubt many of Merrittville Speedway’s Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Drivers are well on their way in their preparations for the 2012 Season.

That’s probably true for Bobcat of Hamilton 358 Modified Driver Shayne Pierce. Before the new season begins however the Wainfleet Ontario native has some unfinished business from 2011 to take care of.

While in his second season in the Thorold DIRTcar facility’s premier division, Pierce was also a member of the RACE 101 Class of 2011 that will hold it’s final session, graduation and Premier Driver selection in February.

At the same time the incoming class will be introduced for the organization that was designed to offer aspiring racers the education they need to advance their careers. Racers looking to learn more RACE 101 or apply for 2012 can visit www.race101.net.

Pierce’s current classmates include King Ferry NY Big Block Modified Driver Mike Mahaney and fellow Canadian and DIRTcar 358 Modified competitor Luke Whitekker  of Iroquois among others. RACE 101 Alumni includes current Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Driver Adam Leslie of Port Colborne.

“Adam was very helpful in sharing his experiences before I went and throughout the program,” relates Pierce, “what to expect through each phase and how to approach situations.”

Involvement in RACE 101 features several on track sessions in the program’s asphalt Super Late Model in addition to classroom sessions. At home – there are weekly on line classes as well.

“Racing has evolved to the point where a driver has to be their own best salesperson, spokes person and ambassador,” said RACE 101 co-founder AnnaMarie Strawband. “The days of a driver just getting behind the wheel are over.”

“RACE 101 has definitely helped to increase my confidence,” relayed Pierce, “I am able to make more informed decisions when it comes to changing my car and the public relations aspects I’ve learned and applied to my racing are invaluable.”

Pierce was able to help the Giant Tiger location in Fonthill celebrate the company’s Anniversary last summer by staging a Race Car Show and BBQ and looks forward to being involved once again this summer.

RACE 101 was founded in 2009 by Tony Blanchard who served as Crew Chief for Joe Gibbs NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Joey Logano while he was a Development Driver in the USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup Series. Blanchard’s partners in RACE 101 include Strawband and motorsports commentator and public relations specialist Adam Ross.

RACE 101 is an acronym for Research, Analyze, Consult and Educate. To view a documentary click on  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JVUG5hC8Zog

In addition to classroom sessions at RACE 101’s headquarters in Denver North Carolina, this past November included an On Track session at Hickory Motor Speedway.

“Driving the Late Model was definitely a different experience than my Modified … the speed level is the same but everything else is the complete opposite,” added Pierce.

Saturday Nights during the summer months, Pierce is one a talented group of young up and coming drivers who compete against quite a field of talented veterans. After engine problems late in the season affected his rookie year, Pierce found he was starting to drive his Pro Act Roofing and Contracting New Generation Racing Engines #88 Bicknell Racing Products Chassis rather than having the car drive him.

For 2012, the second generation driver is planning to add a number of special events to his weekly stop at Merrittville Speedway. A Schedule that could include select PASS Events in the RACE 101 Howe Chassis Super Late Model if he is chosen as the Premier Driver this February.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 61st Consecutive Season in 2012 including news on returning and new drivers  – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Race fans and Race teams alike can follow Merrittville on Face Book (Facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway) and Twitter (Twitter.com/Merrittville).

To reach Merrittville Speedway during the off season – call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223.

Join us next season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars. 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 2011 60th Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Bobcat of Hamilton, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to many marketing partners Visit them at . http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

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 the PartSource locations in Welland and St. Catharines, Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage