Thorold, Ontario (August 30) As a lead in to 2011 and Merrittville Speedway's 60th Season Brian's Tire Repair will present the 2010 Championship Chase Finale Saturday September 4th.
"Race fans are in for a real treat," exclaims (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell. "In our 59 year history several of our points races have never been so close prior to all the feature excitement - we'll also have a real fan favorite event, Autograph Night!"
Last season saw Mike Bowman become the 12th different winner in the 2009 running of the John Spencer Memorial. The 50 lap Event had real meaning to it as many members of the Spencer Family were in attendance – joining the Reunion Committee to honor the driver that lost his life back in the 50's as a result of a racing accident at Stamford.
A winner's list from the modern era includes Pete Bicknell, Fred Carleton, Larry Lampman Jr. and Chad Brachmann. The original annual trophy also includes former winners Jerry Winger, Murray Stricker, Bruce Van Dyke, George Winger, Bill Rafter, Sandy MacPherson and Lloyd Holt.
With Lampman inactive this season Bowman and Brachmann would very much like to have their names added to the trophy once again that dates back to the 50's as would the most recent 2010 winner - Fred Carleton.
Bowman just won his first event of the season at Humberstone while Brachmann looks to ride a second place finish this past Saturday into the finale.
Barring disaster, Pete Bicknell will just have to start the Brian's Tire Repair 50 lapper to win his 20th career title at the Thorold facility. Depending on who finishes where though Mat Williamson has a chance at making up the 44 points that he needs to put him into top
spot.
Never before has finishing position mattered so much in a points race as the one that will decide the Original Pizza Logs Sportsman Title. Brandon Easey raced his way into a tie with Greg Panunte after this past weekend's Ball Hockey International Sterling Silver Victory.
Through 15 feature events - both drivers have 716 points meaning the title could be decided by as little as 2 points. The top 4 drivers are within 28 points of each other so while they are on the watch for each other ... the two will also have to keep an eye on Cody McPherson and Ryan Susice as well.
For the second straight season, Panunte has tied for the title in the King of the Crates Series powered by Niagara Motors.
The recent BHI Night assisted by the Niagara IceDogs set up quite a battle in the Hoosier Stock point race as well.
Ken Sargent rebounded from near disaster to take second place behind Graham MacKay to take over the points lead. The former champion sits just 5 points ahead of rookie Kevin Aube who has made a smooth transition from the 4 Cylinder Trucks.
Going into the night the leader was Dolf McCready who is now going into the finale 10 points out of top spot.
Josh Sliter could miss the final night of action in the J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lites and still win his first career points title. Whether he gets behind the wheel of his dad's car once again or gets his own fixed - the races over the season between him and former champion Paul Klager have been worth the price of admission alone.
So have runs from rookies and veterans alike with Randy Hollingshead, Kory Howe and Derek Moore winning their first features this season.
In the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division Rocco Conte would love to make it three wins in a row to take his first title but that race could come down to the final lap as well.
Already the 2010 Triple Crown Champion - Aaron Wiley is just 8 points behind. Not out of the picture either is Rob Overholt with 18 points to make up.
You really couldn't ask for a better Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Show but wait there's more!
During the course of the evening - all of Merrittville's race teams will assemble on the front stretch for an Autograph Session. The gates at the start finish line will open and race fans of all ages can take part.
Every driver will have custom autograph cards to sign for you and many will have special treats for younger race fans as well!
It's all part of Brian's Tire Night at Merrittville Speedway.
Brian's Tire Repairs specializes in Large Truck Repairs of Domestic and Foreign Vehicles. Call their 24 Hour Emergency Service number at 905-646-7508 for mobile service as well or visit their newly expanded and renovated St. Catharines location at 3 Petrie Street.
When the gates open at 5:30 Saturday August 28th - the grandstand front gate area should have quite a display of race cars as Team Brian's Tire is well represented throughout all divisions Saturday Nights and in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights as well. Showtime is 7:00
Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold Ontario in the heart of Niagara. Race fans can visit http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/ or call the 24 Hour Raceline at 905-892-8266 for event information.
