Stock car racing spring training postponed

Mother Nature gave Merrittville Speedway a very cold shoulder Saturday.

A freezing rain warning prompted the Thorold track to cancel its annual test-and-tune session and practice laps.

This year’s test-and-tune, essentially spring training and the pre-season concentrated into one day, will be held beginning 5 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.

Race teams will get the green flag for practice laps after their cars pass tech inspection, speedway spokesman Jim Irvine said. Modified 358, Sportsman, Mod Lite, Hoosier Stock and Mini Stock and, beginning this year, six-cylinders are the divisions that compete regular at Merrittville, but test-and-tune sessions are open to all classes.

In the past, Sprint cars have come out as have 4-cylinder trucks and Late Models, which are part of the regular Sunday night program at New Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne.

Merrittville’s 67th racing season is scheduled to get underway Saturday with the Spring Sizzler presented by Semenuk’s Esso. Three of the track’s regular divisions — 358 Modified, Sportsman and Mini Stocks — will be in action as will the season opener of the Patriot Sprint Tour.

All six racing classes will compete the following week, including Merrittville’s newest class, 6-cylinders.

Humberstone’s 59th season starts Sunday, April 29.