THE INAUGURAL BOB ST. AMAND SENIOR MEMORIAL AT MERRITTVILLE -
FAMILY PLANS TO PRESENT ‘THE’ EVENT THIS SUMMER FOR RACE FANS AND RACE TEAMS
For Immediate Release - March 22, 2010. From Jim Irvine - Merrittville Public Relations - 905-685-7223 Winter Office or jimirvine@cogeco.net
Thorold, Ontario (March 22) – If you have not been following the Countdown to the 2010 Big Block Super DIRTcar Series Opener at the Hagerstown Speedway this weekend … maybe you should be. It’s as easy as clicking on
http://www.superdirtcarseries.com/NewsArchive.aspx. Whether you do or don’t – if you are a Merrittville Speedway Fan – you have to know that the Big Blocks are set to return to Thorold – Monday August 2nd – a trip they first started making annually since 1972.
In 2010 - with the celebration of the first Bob St. Amand Memorial 100 – race fans and especially race teams will see quite an event presented by L. St. Amand Enterprises.
“When we lost Senior unexpectedly last summer,” relates (Merrittville GM) Erica Bicknell, “the entire racing community rallied around Bob’s family … now they have embraced the event … it is shaping up to be the event of the summer!”
Since it was announced in the fall that Merrittville Speedway’s longest running event would be renamed in honor of Bob St. Amand Sr – the family has held several meetings with the goal to make it the best ever.
“It’s something he would liked to have been a part of,” prided Bob St. Amand Jr., “Merrittville drivers … and visitors alike … the drivers all meant so much to him … everyone in the family is doing their part.”
While the family-run company is sponsoring the event – it is inviting everyone to take on a challenge and participate in many rewarding levels that are available.
“We’re proud to bring back lap sponsorships,” reveals (Bob Sr.’s granddaughter Brooke St. Amand, “for as little as $30 you can support the drivers … we also have come up with some other ideas as well.” If you are interested, contact Brooke at 905-650-7989 or Amanda Rouse at 905-641-3175.
Race fans wishing to extend a special message to their favorite driver … or racing-minded business owners may wish to donate to the event. Visit
http://merrittville.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general to see who has already sponsored a lap.
“We are also planning on adding to the popular Kids Bike Giveaways,” added Heather St. Amand, “Papa was just as proud of the fans of all ages that came out to Merrittville.”
Several Merrittville Drivers over the years have enjoyed success in the event that brings DIRTcar’s best in each year. And that started right from the first edition in 1972. Although Will Cagle won – the rest of the top 5 were hometown heroes – Ivan Little, Jeno Begolo and Denny and Don Deagle – all of them Wall of Famers like Bob Sr.
The event over its history has been run as Big Block, 358 Modified and combined events. Since it’s return to Big Block – 2006 was the year that saw Merrittville Drivers Pete Bicknell and Ken Cosgrove take the runner-up and third spots.
Will this season – the first one run for Senior find a local stealing the spotlight?
Before it’s refocus to featuring 358 Modifieds – Ron Smoker stole the show from Brett Hearn in a last lap last corner move that is still being talked about to this day!
During the 358 phase – Bicknell (2002) and Jamie Turner (1994) both took home top honors.
In last year’s edition – Matt Sheppard put on a virtual clinic in winning his first August Classic at Merrittville after Justin Haers shattered the track record in Time Trials.
“How sweet it would be if one of Papa’s own is in Victory Lane,” anticipated Senior’s daughter Colleen Curvin, “regardless of the outcome … we are working on bonuses for Merrittville regulars … each division on the card as well.”
Bob St. Amand Senior was Merrittville Speedway’s 1972 Modified Points Champion and was inducted into the L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame by the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee in 2002.
When he retired from racing – he became Merrittville Speedway’s Pit Steward until his passing after last year’s Super DIRTcar Series Event. Up until that time the event had been run for 17 years in memory of Trevor Wilkens.
In addition to the 100 lap Big Block Modified 100 lap event – the extravaganza will also feature a Hoosier Stock Duel on the Dirt Big 6 Event and a Modified Lite Championship Tour Event.
The event also features the famous Club Castropignano Pasta Dinner.
In the weeks leading up to the start of the season … race fans can keep visiting – visit
www.merrittvillespeedway.com and follow us on Face Book or at
www.twitter.com/merrittville for all the pre-season news - Drivers making moves from one division to another … former drivers returning to the sport and all the news on what events to look forward to … it will all be revealed.
For further information on our 59th Season call the Winter Office at 905-685-7223 until April 1st or the Speedway Office during the season at 905-892-8266.
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars and special events including the inaugural June 17th WoO LMS Extravaganza presented by Brian’s Tire Repair, Turn 4 Collision and PineView Drywall and brought to race fans by GIANT FM, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton, Inc. and IBEW Local 303 Niagara.
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 2010 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – L. St. Amand Enterprises, 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, RCM Racing Equipment, KC Auto Parts and Tim Phillips Garage.
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