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MERRITTVILLE PREPARING FOR BACK TO BACK
56 LAP ROUNDS OF THE LUCAS OIL SHOOTOUT BY WWW.DIRTTRACKDIGEST.COM
For Immediate Release - May 3, 2007 - From Erica Bicknell - Lucas Oil Shootout Public Relations - 905-892-8266
THOROLD, Ontario (June 28) Southern Ontario and Western New York Race fans and teams have Merrittville Speedway all lined up for two mid summer events as the Thorold facility prepares to play host to two back to back Lucas Oil Shootout Events for the 358 Modifieds and Sportsmen Divisions.
Lucas Oil and the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee will fire the first shot Saturday July 14th with the 56 lap Jerry Winger Memorial for 358 Modifieds.
Also on target with the third round of the unique and fresh 358 Modified Special Event is Merrittville Speedway’s Nostalgia Night that celebrates the track’s history.
“It’s a huge event for us,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “ the Shootout itself … the Alumni BBQ … the L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame Inductions and Vintage Cars ... definitely a highlight every year not to be missed.”
In the inaugural event last season, Pete Bicknell captured the 55 lap Event and to date – the track co-owner and racer has not won a race yet this year but leads 3 time winner Scott Wood by the slightest of margins in the point standings.
Wood won the Overall Title Lucas Oil Shootout last season and at his home track has won three times and was close to repeating his series event win of last season at the Genesee Speedway – falling victim to an unfortunate late race flat tire. After two events, Wood trails Ransomville drivers Scott Kerwin and Jeff McGinnis in the ’07 Edition while Adam Ferri and Jon Miller round out the top 5. Kerwin and Tim Jones are the winners of the opening two rounds.
“It was awesome to see a former Genesee Driver come home and win his first 358 Race,” boasts former Sprint Car Driver turned Rookie Genesee Promoter Mike Lauterborn of the Jones win, “our Sportsmen event was awesome as well – I’ve got to thank all the teams for supporting us.”
The next week after Merrittville’s 56 lap event – the first of two 35 lap events will take aim at deciding the final outcome.
“Pete also won last year here,” remembers Humberstone Speedway GM Bob Davidson, “the class is so competitive … we’re looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds … it’s our only 358 event of the season.”
“Once again this year … we’re looking forward to hosting the final 358 Event,” boasts Ohsweken Speedway’s Clinton Geoffrey, “like last year … the championship will come right down to the wire.”
Ohsweken Speedway’s lone 2007 358 Modified 35 lap event is set for Friday August 3rd.
Merrittville Staff will quickly reload to welcome first time sponsors Ontario Environmental Safety Network for the Lucas Oil Sportsmen Shootout that fires another 56 lap event July 21st.
Don Spatorico, Chad Chevalier and Mike Bowman have each won one of the events to date. Chevalier and Bowman each have won two Merrittville Events as well and the two up and coming drivers sit atop the point standings.
Bowman’s second Merrittville win came in a 56 lap tune-up to the Lucas Oil Shootout held June 23rd after winning the Tour Stop the Firday night before at Ohsweken Speedway.
Merrittville Speedway’s Sportsmen Lucas Oil Shootout 55 lap event was won by rookie second generation driver Anthony Rizzardo while three time Sportsmen Champion Wayne Conn earned the inaugural title.
“The Sportsmen Finale will surely be a highlight of our 50th Season,” boasts Ransomville Speedway’s Joel Friesen, “there’s the race to win … the overall title and to be in the top 20.”
Ransomville Speedway will present the 50 lap Lucas Oil Shootout Sportsmen Nationals Friday August 10th.
When the checkered flag falls and the points are totaled it will become clear which of the Sportsmen Teams are in the top 20 – earning guaranteed starting spots for the Lucas Oil Cup Event to be held at the Brighton Speedway – Friday September 21st
“The Series is at the half-way point and interest in our event is huge,” reveals Brighton Speedway’s Mark Rinaldi, “and your guess is as good as mine at who will win and bring the Cup Home.”
Prior to the first Sportsmen Event, Sportsmen Race Teams were required to declare a home track and the Brighton Winner will earn their home track a Lucas Oil Sportsmen Special in 2008.
“Southern Ontario and Western New York Race Fans can be proud that they are able to witness such dynamic events at their local tracks,” prides DirtTrackDigest.com’s Adam Ross, “local racing is what were all about … once again the points races should be so close …anyone has a shot at either title.”
For further rules and information on the 2nd Annual Lucas Oil Shootout by DirtTrackDigest.com – race teams can contact Merrittville’s Erica Bicknell at 905-892-8266 or ebicknell@cogeco.net. Ransomville’s Jeff Anstett can be reached via e-mail at jeff061@hotmail.com or visit any of the 5 tracks’ individual web sites.
Lucas Oil Products is one of 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.
Lucas Oil Products was established by Forrest Lucas in 1989 in the United States and wasn’t introduced in Canada until 1997.
Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products in Canada at all PartSource locations and in Western New York at Advance Auto Parts or on line at either www.lucasoil.ca or www.lucasoil.com
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