Thorold, Ontario (February 2) – If the recent snowstorm has got you stuck at home – you can take the time to relax and enjoy the start of the racing season in the comfort of your own computer room. While the countdown to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Anniversary Season is down to under 3 months away – for several J&S Heating and Air Conditioning Modified Lite Drivers … their first green flag of 2011 is down to just hours away.
Defending Champion Josh Sliter is hoping to get a jump on the competition in making the trip to the East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa Florida for the 35th Annual Winternationals.
“I am just hoping to qualify and to represent Merrittville and the NYDCA well,” relayed the first time champion in 2010 just prior to leaving for the Sunshine State.
One of the last times Sliter raced in 2010 was during the International Modified Lite Championship that annually anchors Merrittville’s final weekend. Many of the drivers that annually make the trip to Thorold for the 2 day showcase will also be kicking off their new seasons in this event but Sliter will not be on his own.
Travelling and racing with him will be his uncle and former champion Shawn Sliter who will be behind the wheel of his brother Ray’s # 27 before he rejoins the 358 Modified Division for his sophomore season.
Also joining the Sliters is another former Champion who like the elder Sliter last season is gearing up for his rookie season in the 358’s.
Paul Klager will be racing a Five Star Racing Products Car for Adam Murphy who will also be in his familiar #28 for the trip south. Murphy’s trailer carried a third car as Jason Corless is making his inaugural to East Bay.
“It’s been two years since I last raced there,” revealed Murphy while putting the final touches to the three cars, “we have struggled there in the past but with all we have learned over the years … I really think that we have got something to compete with … we’re all excited to get it started!”
For Corless - who spent much of last season recovering from an injury – the Bolton resident is looking forward to returning to competition after a couple of races to close last season.
“It was last year that Murphy and I watched East Bay on their web cast,” remembered Corless, “I’ve heard a lot about East Bay and figured it was something I had to do.”
To watch the Modified Lite portion of the Winternationals and for further options on viewing the other events live – click on http://modfury.com/ppv/
Team Merrittville will also be represented by Chris Steele. His engine will be between the frame rails of Dean Pronovost’s Pro Chassis Car while Pronovost will take over the controls of the #00 that Steele drove the final night of the Championship back in the fall. Steele will be using the trip to prepare for a return to regular weekly competition Saturday Nights in 2011.
For Klager, Sliter, Pronovost and Murphy – the racing will begin tonight as the All Star Challenge is part of Wednesday’s lineup.
Usually for the Modified Lites - the Winternationals at East Bay take place after the Daytona 500 and the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at the Volusia Speedway Park, however this season it takes place before racing to the east begins.
Racing at the track and on line at modfury.com is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. For all the news leading up to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Consecutive Season visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or join Merrittville Speedway on Face Book or follow on Twitter.
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a 60th Anniversary 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 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc.
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 Drummond Home Hardware, KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.
For Immediate Release from Jim Irvine Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville
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