King of the Crates will be crowned tonight
Series races in the sportsman and mod lite divisions highlight Saturday night’s program at Merrittville Speedway.
Weather permitting, no slam dunk considering there have three rainouts already this season, the 40-lap, $1,000-to-win Gabe Bellante Memorial will wrap up the David Chevrolet King of the Crates series in the Yager Brothers Trucking sportsman division in the sportsman class at the Thorold track.
Cody McPherson won the opener in the three-race series May 28, while fellow St. Catharines driver Justin Sharp took Round 2 nearly two months later after rain washed out all the features on the July 23 program.
McPherson, who captured the track title in 2014, is points leader in the race for the division championship as well as the King of the Crates series. He leads Brent Begolo of Thorold 806-760 in overall points, and Sharp 192-187 in the series.
“It’s shaping up to be one of the highlights of our 65th Season for sure,” Erica Bicknell-Jones, Merrittville’s general manager, said. “Someone’s going to win the battle, and someone’s going to win the war
“For the fans, here’s hoping it’s an exciting finish.”
Tonight’s memorial race honours a man who spent Saturday nights at the speedway for 50 years.
Bellante passed on his love for the sport on to son Rick, who grew up following dirt track racing and became a driver before supporting other drivers through his company, Rick’s Delivery.
“Dad always loved a good race, however it turned out. We’re looking forward to a great night of racing to honour him,” Rick Bellante said. “Good luck to all the drivers.”
Gabe Gallante died in October 2013.
Gary Lindberg of Ridgeway is the reigning King of the Crates champion, but he put himself out of the running for this year’s crown when he moved up to race in 358 modified, the speedway’s top division.
The second series race on tap tonight is the 20-lap TUSA Special for mod lites. Paul Klager of Beamsville took the checkered flag in the series opener June 18.
Mod lite drivers are also set to compete in a series race Sunday night at New Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne.
Ridgeway’s Josh Sliter leads Welland’s Rob Misener 632-592 in mod lite points as he seeks his second track title in as many years.
Also featured as the Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series returns to Merrittville following a rainout last weekend is action in Pinty’s Delicious Foods 358 modifieds, Hoosier stocks and the Van Raine Construction 4-cylinders.
As well, the Kid’s Box Car Races, originally set to take place last week, will be held along the front stretch during intermission tonight.
Pete Bicknell of St. Catharines leads Lindberg 872-843 in the 385 modified points race. Ryan Susice of Ransomville, N.Y., is third in standings, with 840 points.
Two-time defending champion Mark Fawcett of Canfield, Ont., reigning Ohsweken Speedway track champ Dave Bailey of Hagersville and Pete Reid of Stevensville are 1-2-3 in Hoosier stocks, with 743, 720 and 698 points, respectively.
It’s shaping up to be an all-Welland battle for bragging rights in mini stocks. Kyle Rothwell has a 720-710 margin over Tyler Lafantaisie, while Tony Kelly of Niagara Falls is third, with 664 points.
Smithville’s Trevor Wright, with 518 points; and St. Catharines’ Sean Dominey, 484; are the top-two drivers in Merrittville’s newest racing division, novice sportsman.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with racing getting underway at 7 p.m.