FIRST TIME WINNERS FIND FAST LANE AT MERRITTVILLE
Thorold, Ontario….It was a fitting Father's Day night of action at Merrittville as two second generation drivers made their first trips to victory Lane in 2000 - Brian Stevens in the 358 Modified 35 lap feature and Todd Saunders in the 15 lap Street Stock feature - both drivers from St. Catharines. Another first time winner in his first year of Dwarf Car racing was Wally Billings of Elmira - capturing the 15 lap event while repeat winners were North Tonawanda's Chad Brachmann in the 25 lap Sportsmen feature and Ken Sargent of Fenwick in the 15 lap Pro-Stock Feature.
The Pen Center Father's Day Fandemonium Night of action presented by Ed Learn Ford's Fast Lane, Raceline Radio and News Talk 610 CKTB also featured Sky Lungston's Motorcycle Thrill Show, which entertained the large crowd during Intermission.
The start of the 35 lap Modified Main event had up and coming driver Andy Green in control until Rob Krull became the new leader on a lap 2 restart. Right away Krull began to pull away from the field on an extremely fast track - eventually stretching his advantage to some 20 car lengths.Both Green and Bill Podwinski had impressive early runs diminished by problems which put both drivers off the pace. Towards the half way point Brian Stevens and fellow second generation driver Rich Vinson were catching leader Krull - both pulling away from the field as well. By lap 20 Krull still retained a 10 car lead over hard chargers Stevens and Vinson with the three in front of the pack by some 20 car lengths. Stevens eventually caught up to Krull and after bobbling slightly through turn 3 - Stevens was able to overtake Krull for top spot on lap 25. In the remaining laps Stevens was able to pull away to a 10 car lead himself with Rich Vinson also overtaking Krull for the runner-up spot. Rob Krull held on for third spot with Pete Bicknell and Bill Krull rounding out the top 5. Jim Begolo, Don Spatorico, Larry Lampman, Ken Cosgrove and Todd Gordon closed out the top 10.
"We've been the fastest car most of the year," relates an overjoyed Brian Stevens in Victory Lane," but we seem to have ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time until tonight; we hope to be back soon."
Modified driver Stevens is now in the running for a $2000.00 bonus if he can win July 1st and September 2nd in the Raceline Radio Triple Crown. Race fans are reminded to save June 17th tickets along with their July 1st and September 2nd tickets to be eligible to win $2000 if Stevens makes it to the podium on those dates.
Tim Lipsitt was first to lead the 25 lap Sportsmen feature - holding the top spot through several early race restarts for cautions. The second caution on lap 5 found 2000 rookie Kevin Gee and veteran Joe Meisel heading to the pits delaying a strong early run by Meisel. Lipsitt continued to set the pace through another restart on lap 8 but Lipsitt was now facing a challenge from Chad Brachman. Brachman took control of top spot on lap 10 with the current point leader leaving the field behind - eventually opening up a considerable lead on the field. Caution again on lap 16 slowed Brachmann's quick pace after front-runners Lipsitt and Rob Ledingham came together. Brachmann regained top spot on the restart and in the run to the finish opened up another comfortable margin over the field.
At the Checkered flag it was Brachmann on top once again with Garry Moreash in the runner up spot. John McKenney had his best run of the new season in taking the third spot and likewise for John Hagerman who came home fourth. Pete Cosco closed out the top 5 with Jack McKinney, Boyd MacTavish, Ken Walsh and Joe Meisel rounding out the top 10.
Todd Zelichowski set the pace at the start of the 15 lap Pro Stock feature before Bill Bleich took control along the backstretch of the first lap. Ken Sargent was quick to challenge with the defending point champion taking control along the backstretch of lap 7.
By lap 12 Sargent enjoyed a 10 car lead on the field and sailed to the checkered flag. Point Leader Darren Kish took the runner-up spot with Tom walker in third spot. Darryl Ebersole and Bill Bleich finished out the top 5. Don Spiece, Dan Gilbert, Jeff Dayman, Rick Baker and Dave Gifford rounded out the top 10.
Chris Rimmen was first to lead the 15 lap Dwarf Car feature before rookie Scott Gailer took control on lap 2. Gailer then set the pace until lap 5 when John Wrobel became the new leader. While Wrobel sat out front the race was for second spot with Rimmen and inaugural point champion Dave Russell swapped runner-up spot several times. While all this was happening, a driver on the move was another rookie - Wally Billings. Billings started scratch in the field but quietly made his way to the front of the field. By lap 9 Billings broke into the top 5 and into the runner-up spot on lap 12.
On the final circuit Billings took top spot and drove to his first ever Victory after joining the division recently. Wrobel and Russell closed out the top 3 while Lee Webber and Ray Webber rounded out the top 5. Rimmen, Dave Ackler, early leader Scott Gailer, Bill Perry and Jim Varble finished out the top 10.
From the start of the 15 lap Street Stock feature but it was Todd Saunders in control of the field. Lap after lap Saunders set the pace the entire distance. Aaron Vasas was the early challenger with Rob Knapp taking control of the runner-up spot by lap 4. By the halfway point teammates Chris Crawford and Lloyd Cichocki were battling for third spot with Cichocki eventually taking the show position. Point Leader Mike Ward made a late race charge to take fourth with Crawford settling for fifth. Rookie Mike Dooley, Vasas, Barry Beck, Mike Stevenson and Darlene Gifford closed out the top 10.
Merrittville Speedway is the place for TRW Employee Recognition night - Saturday June 24th. the first 500 fans will receive a free TRW Team Merrittville Photo when the gates open at 5:30. Racing beginning at 7:30 will feature all 5 divisions in addition to the City of Thorold Silver Anniversary Celebrity Media Shoot-out. Thorold's own and the newest Buffalo Bill Dan Giancola will be on hand to sign autographs. For further information call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.