THOROLD, ONTARIO (March 1, 2023) … The 72nd season of racing at the Merrittville Speedway is right around the corner. The schedule is jammed-packed with events for every race fan, and a filled schedule of events for the Bobcat of Hamilton Weekly Racing Series, featuring the Corr/Pak Merchandising 358 Modifieds, Right Choice Auto & Leisure DIRTcar Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Rona Doidge Mod Lites, and Vansickle Pet Valu/PV on the Lane 4 Cylinders.
Merrittville Speedway will be hosting a car show in The Pen Centre during Spring Break, March 12-19 during regular mall hours. Drivers interested in having their cars in the show are to contact Lorraine Spiece at lorraines.merrittvillespeedway@gmail.com or call (905) 733-8197.
Cars will hit the track for the first time on Saturday, April 15 for test, tune, and inspection day. Gates open at 12 noon and practice will begin at 6pm. The 2023 Spring Sizzler presented by Peters Construction will take place on Saturday, April 22nd featuring the first appearance of the season from the Southern Ontario Sprints, plus 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, and 4 Cylinders. Select Total Service will present the 72nd Season Opener on Saturday April 29.
The month of May starts with the first home race of the season for both the Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders as part of the Duel on the Dirt on May 6 presented by Loop Paint. A big Bike giveaway will take place on May 13 presented by Auto FX. The DIRTcar Sportsman will have a Western Region race on Saturday May 20 presented by 2 Cool Automotive plus the first School Bus Race of the Season. Victoria Day Monday will see NASCAR legend Ken Schrader return to Merrittville as ZFS Benefit Solutions presents a 40-lap 358 Modified race, plus the NLMA Late Models, and Mod Lites. The Hoosier Stocks will be racing in a 75-lap event presented by Peacemaker 420. Saturday May 27, 97.7 will present a full card plus the Go Getters Stunt Surprise!
Entering the month of June, the Brian Stevens Memorial for the 358 Modifieds will take place on Saturday, June 3rd presented by DDL Accounting. The Modifieds will also have their $444 Pole Dash Challenge. The Hoosier Stocks and 4 Cylinders will have their second Duel on Dirt home races, plus the popular Autograph Night. The Pen Centre presents the first visit of the season from the Action Sprint Tour on June 10, plus the Best Appearing Dog contest. On Sunday, June 11, The all new Wreckfest Jr will take place presented by RONA/Doidge Building Centres. A 72 Lap Enduro accelerated by 97.7 HTZ FM, Pro Riders FMX, School Bus Racing, Gut and Go Demo derby, plus more will be on the card. CAA Niagara presents Nostalgia Night on June 17, featuring the Wall of Fame Inductions. The 50-lap Jerry Winger Memorial for the Modifieds will take place, plus DIRTcar Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, Mod Lites, and NRVS Vintage Cars. Cotton Inc will present the Gary Cunningham Memorial for the Southern Ontario Sprints on June 24, plus the popular Toonie Hotdog night!
On Canada Day, the Schools out for Summer Canada Day Extravaganza will take place featuring Fireworks presented by Bobcat of Hamilton. Saturday July 8, Merrittville Speedway and Hot Tub Heaven presents the Hot Tub Giveaway. The Action Sprint Tour will be on hand that night as well. Transport Sales & Service presents the racing action on July 15, plus the annual Truckers Show N Shine. FASTEK presents the full show on July 22, plus the retro race memorabilia contest. The month will end on July 29 as Exclusive Imprint presents the full Bobcat of Hamilton Weekly Racing Series program.
The second doubleheader weekend of the season kicks off the month of August as 2 COOL Automotive presents the Bill Willard Sr Stirling Silver Cup for the Sportsman plus School Bus race and Kids Box Car races on August 5. Then on Civic Holiday Monday, the 358 Modifieds will race a 72-lap event. The Grand National event will also see a lucky fan walk out with $1000 and a child walking out with 1000 pieces of candy! Baron Roofing will present the Civic Holiday Monday special. Saturday August 12, Niagara Trailers presents a full show plus Autograph Night. Country 89 & Giant FM presents the full show plus the Go Getters Pyro Performance on August 19. Service Master presents the Action Sprint Tour on August 26.
Semenuk’s ESSO will be sponsoring The Season Championship Night on September 2, featuring the John Spencer Memorial for the Modifieds. Cotton Inc presents the Southern Ontario Sprints on September 9 plus the 50-lap DIRTcar Sportsman event. Tim Hortons presents the extremely popular Wreckfest 2023 on Saturday, September 16. Ontario’s only School Bus Demo Derby will take place Under the Lights! A $3500 to win Enduro will also be on the card plus other events.
The 6th Annual Merrittville Market will take place on October 21. The Annual Night of Awards and Recognition will take place on Saturday, November 11 at John Michaels Conference and Banquet Centre.
Marketing opportunities are available throughout the season and advertising space is available throughout the Merrittville Speedway property. Businesses inquiring about marketing opportunities with Merrittville Speedway can contact Lorraine Spiece at lorraines.merrittvillespeedway@gmail.com or call (905) 733-8197
Follow Merrittville on social media including Facebook (facebook.com/MerrittvilleSpeedway), Twitter (@Merrittville), and now on Instagram (@merrittvillespeedway). For results, point standings, and more, check out www.merrittvillespeedway.com
- Doug Leonard on Mar 01, 2023
- Article Date: 3/1/2023 by Steven Petty