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For Immediate Release - March 18, 2008 - From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office)
Thorold, Ontario (March 18) – With Merrittville Speedway’s Baron Roofing Spring Sizzler 100 - 39 days away and counting down – many of the Thorold track’s DIRT Weekly Racing Series Race Teams and those from across the DIRTcar circuit are putting the finishing touches to their machines. So too are those that race Tuesday Nights on the infield Kart Track at the Thorold facility.
For one family – the Sliters – pre-season preparation takes on a whole new meaning in 2008.
While Shawn’s Modern Corporation 71S Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lite entry is gone over since returning from a pre-season racing trip to the East Bay Raceway in Tampa Florida – the final touches are taking place on his son Dillan’s 71Jr Margay Kart.
When the details of the RCM Racing Equipment-presented Kart School were posted on the Kart Message Board last November – the younger Sliter replied within 24 hours, “I can’t wait for it!!!!!!!”
For the 11 year old, Grade 6 Student at St. John Bosco School in Port Colborne it has been a two year wait that really escalated last summer.
After a couple of trips to the Tuesday Night races last summer – including some testing in Mitchell Tallman’s Philbrick Farm & Garden #8M – the wheels were really put in motion for his 2008 debut.
Sliter and other first time karters must attend the two day Kart School which begins with a classroom session Saturday April 5th in the Speedway ’s Dipper’s Turn 1 Meeting Facility located behind the Turn 1 Grandstand Area.
“It’s a must for first time Novice and other karters alike,” informs (RCM Racing Equipment’s) Chris Long, “but karters of any level are welcome.”
In class and on track sessions will teach and develop entry level or inexperienced karters the basics of karting – focusing on understanding the track rules and providing basic instruction of kart setups, maintenance procedures and proper driving techniques.
Although it will be Dillan’s first summer as a Tuesday Night Racer, he is no stranger to Saturday Nights.
After enjoying the races from the stands he eventually joined his dad’s race team and now serves a crew member on the 71 in addition to team-mate Jamie Gilbert’s #53. His duties also see him helping out when needed with the other Sliters who also compete in the Lucas Oil Open Wheel Lites – Josh and his Uncle Ray.
Dillan’s dad and Jamie Gilbert have done most of the work putting his CMH Leasing Midas Front Row Speed and Performance Kart together. He is looking forward to the Tuesday Nights when his Grandpa Ray and Grandma Sharon will join them not to mention his mom Lenie and younger sister Ryleigh.
“Ryleigh’s a little young yet but she really likes her racing,” adds Lenie when asked if she too will get behind the wheel, “she cheers for all the family and Kory Howe … she wouldn’t want to show up Dillan though so she may delay her racing.”
About to celebrate another birthday, Dillan’s mom Lenie admits to being scared out of her wits over her son’s first racing season. She should feel somewhat calmed when remembering what her husband Shawn probably has gone through over the course of his racing career – not to mention what she surely experienced herself en route to her 2007 Pure Stock Championship earned at the Humberstone Speedway – last season!
When not in racing mode, Dillan enjoys an after school program at the ‘Y’ when not playing ball hockey and basketball. In the summer months he will have to juggle his new sport of Kart Racing with his baseball, bike and scooter riding hobbies among others.
Dillan has developed such a keen love of the sport at such a young age. Week in and week in – that spirit will drive him as he gains karting racing experience this summer. And that experience starts right away with the RCM Racing Equipment Kart School .
The two day event begins with a Classroom session Saturday April 5th in Dippers Turn 1 Meeting Facility which is located in behind the Turn 1 Grandstand from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
On track portions run Saturday April 19th from 8:30 AM until 11:30 AM in addition to Sunday April 20th – running all day 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Registration is $50 per person and for families where there are two drivers – an economical rate of $120 has been established which includes both drivers and one crew member.
New 2208 Karters are reminded that attendance is mandatory while other karters may wish to participate to improve their skills and increase overall knowledge of the sport.
For further information or to register – call Chris Long at 905-383-1480 or contact him via e mail at rcmracing@sympatico.ca. Karters are also encouraged to visit www.rcmracing1.com.
“I am very excited to go racing,” reveals Dillan.
Once the Kart School is complete – an open practice is set for April 22nd, followed by the 2008 Spring Series Opener – Tuesday April 29th.
Dillan’s wait will soon be over.
Your local Dirt Track is where it’s at and it’s at Merrittville Speedway in just 39 Days – Saturday April 26th.
The star studded 358 Modified Super DIRTcar Series Stars are set to challenge our home town heroes in the Spring Sizzler 100 presented by Baron Roofing.
Rounding out the show are 40 lap Sportsman and 25 lap Street Stock Events.
Through the three divisions and others throughout the season – the local Karting Community has quite a connection to Merrittville’s Saturday Night Divisions.
With plenty of free camping – the Spring Sizzler 100 puts Merrittville Speedway on the map as a must see event and it’s just the start of 2008 – you won’t want to miss a single event all season!
To learn more call 905-685-7223 until April 1st or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. |
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