Tracks sharing rules
Rules for 4-cylinder racing classes will be the same at three area tracks starting with 2018 season
Racing teams in the 4- and 8-cylinder classes whose need for speed can’t be satisfied only competing at the two tracks in Niagara have reason to celebrate heading into the 2018 season.
Starting this year the rules governing competition in the 4-class divisions at Merrittville, New Humberstone and Ohsweken speedways will be identical across the board.
That will enable teams, should they have the time, to budget and should they so desire, to race three nights per week: Ohsweken, Friday; Merrittville, Saturday; Humberstone, Sunday.
Another date also is being added to the racing calendar for 8-cylinder drivers. With South Buxton Raceway in Merlin, Ont., near Chatham, adapting rules already shared by Merrittville, Humberstone and Ohsweken, a fourth night, Thursday, and venue can be added to the dirt track circuit.
“Moving forward into our second season we’re excited in bringing
tracks, drivers and fans together,” Merrittville Speedway co-owner Don Spiece said. “We all have to work together for the betterment of the sport and the racing community.”
Spiece, a one-time racer, and wife Lorraine bought the Thorold track from the Bicknell and Williamson families before the start of the 2017 season.
Merrittville hosted its annual preseason meetings for drivers and pit crew members last Saturday at Club Castropignano in Port Robinson.
Ohsweken general manager Clint Geoffrey and Mark Chapman, the tech inspector at the Thorold track, said co-operation between the speedways could extend to personnel.
“With the three tracks sharing rules, don’t be surprised to see an inspector from another track helping out at other tracks sharing information and findings with each other,” Geoffrey said.
We really won’t know until all the snow melts and we see what the winter has left us.” Merrittville Speedway public relations director Jim Irvine
South Buxton is adding 8-cylinders to the lineup for the first time, but increased co-operation among the 4-cylinder divisions required a lot more involvement.
“Basically, the goal was to make an even playing field at all three track for the different makes and models,” Merrittville public relations director Jim Irvine said.
Driver meetings opened with an announcement that the track plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of kart racing.
“We are finalizing plans that will help us celebrate the rich history of kart racing while bringing further exposure to our Tuesday night program for years to come,” said mod lite driver Chris Watson, a karting program graduate who is coming back as Tuesday night starter.
What toll the winter has taken on the clay track won’t be known until early spring. Irvine said while a “good frost” helps the track stick together, “it all depends on what happens in the spring thaw.”
“We really won’t know until all the snow melts and we see what the winter has left us,” he said.
Drivers are encouraged to purchase VIP passes which are $250 and only available until Thursday, March 1.
Season passes for pit crew members are $375 each until March 1 and $450 afterwards.
Cost of grandstand season passes remain unchanged from 2016: general admission, $265 for adults, $245 for students and seniors; reserved admission, $295 for adults, $265 for students and seniors.
Race cars from all divisions will be on display March 12-18 at Pen Centre in St. Catharines and April 2-7 at Seaway Mall in Welland.
Weather permitting, Merrittville’s 67th season gets underway Saturday, April 14, with a test-and-tune. The annual Spring Sizzler, taking place one week later, will feature a visit by the Patriot Sprint Tour as well as racing in the 358 Modified, Sportsman and 4-cylinder divisions.