5/10/2023
Merrittville Speedway
CAA Niagara Nostalgia Night to Feature 2023 Wall of Fame Inductions
Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee is set to host its annual celebration of speed Saturday June 17, 2023 featuring the 72nd Season CAA Niagara Wall of Fame Inductions by Auto FX Graphics and Signs.
After joining one of Merrittville’s first families, our first inductee, Guy McPherson, established his own racing history highlighted by a Tri Track Series title in 1991. The St. Catharines’ racer would evolve becoming an official about the time his two of his sons began their racing careers in the Tuesday Night Kart racing program. While a previous championship car owner for his sons, Guy continues to support both boys with their own ownership efforts today by sponsoring Cody and Tyler or crewing if needed.
Our second inductee got his start in the sport of racing in go karts. Although not at Merrittville’s kart track as it had not yet opened, Larry Lampman Jr. would be found racing around local kart tracks like Virgil. Eventually, Larry would join the Sportsman Division Saturday Nights where he would earn a championship in 1997. Success would follow the Port Colborne driver to the 358 Modified Division with championships in 2003, 2006 and 2009.
“We’re excited to once again host the event that celebrate’s the Speedway’s illustrious past,” said Reunion Committee Chairman Rick Kavanagh, “everyone looks forward to reconnecting with our Alumni … sharing memories amongst friends whether it’s former drivers, crew members, supporters , staff and fans while honouring our newest inductees.”
Racing action will feature the 50 lap Jerry Winger Memorial for the 358 Modifieds in addition to Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Mod Lites and Vintage Race Cars.
Merrittville Speedway Alumni and Vintage Race Car Teams looking for further information on Alumni only tickets may contact Erica Bicknell-Jones at racemerrittville@gmail.com.
Alumni are required to register by Saturday June 10, 2023.
Race Fans will surely want to check out the vintage race cars on display throughout the grandstand area in addition to select cars of today. Inside Honker’s Turn 1 Bar are quite an array of photos from over the years that will provide memories for long time race fans and spark interest for younger generations.
ABOUT THE JERRY WINGER MEMORIAL The Jerry Winger Memorial dates back to 1959 when it was established by the former driver’ crew after the up and coming start passed away due to illness.
ABOUT THE MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY REUNION COMMITTEE First established in 1991 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Season, the committee consists of Chairman Rick Kavanagh, former racers Bill Willard Jr., Ken Walsh, Ted Renshaw and Terry Huffman, Bill Tripp, second generation enthusiast Mark Swartz in addition to Erica Bicknell Jones and Jim Irvine both formerly from the Speedway. An Annual Reunion Night highlights each season in addition to the presentation of several history laden awards.
ABOUT CAA NIAGARA For more than 100 years, CAA Niagara has served the community providing year round piece of mind and member exclusive savings. Visit your local CAA Niagara location today or learn more at www.caaniagara.ca
ABOUT AUTO FX GRAPHICS & SIGNS Since 1989, Tim and his staff have worked hard producing wraps, lettering, signs, decals, graphics and other services from their 5000 square foot facility in St. Catharines. Tim is a huge supporter of stock car racing and many of the cars on the track on Saturdays nights are examples of his exceptional work. Visit them at www.autofxgraphics.com
CONTACT:
Jim Irvine, Reunion Committee Public Relations
905-984-0608
Submitted By: Erica Bicknell-Jones
