|
James Baker
BLENHEIM, Ontario (July 29) - The "Ontario Dirt Late Models" roar into the national spotlight this week-end, visiting the Niagara region of Ontario for the inaugural, two-day "Civic Holiday Challenge." Canada's only dirt late model touring series opens the two-race event at Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, ON on Saturday(August 2) evening, before invading Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, ON for the Sunday(August 3) night finale.
Many of Canada's premier dirt late model racers along with numerous drivers from the U.S. will compete in the "Civic Holiday Challenge."
Early pre-race entries include Peter Mantha, Jr. of Gatineau, QC, Ed Carley of Freedom, NY, Jeff Dayman of Welland, ON, Jim Dale, Jr. of Shrewsbury, ON, Adam Ferri of Port Colborne, ON, Chad Valone of Warren, PA, Rick Baker of Ridgeway, ON, Gregg Haskell of Chatham, ON, Chris Ross of Wallaceburg, ON, Doug Ricotta of Warsaw, NY, Rick "Boom" Briggs of Bear Lake, PA, Paul Rivait of Tilbury, ON, Greg Oakes of Franklinville, NY, Justin Coulter of Leamington, On, Paul Turner of Picton, ON, Adam West of Ridgetown, ON, Keith Cameron of Tilbury, ON and Mike Lewis of Wallaceburg, ON.
Also extended invitations were 37 of Canada's top late model drivers from Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Thunder Bay, ON. The western province drivers were invited to increase the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" national presence, an effort which will eventually lead to the crowning of a true Canadian national dirt late model champion.
Saturday's race at Merrittville Speedway will be the ODLM's debut appearance at the 3/8 mile dirt facility. In previous ODLM events at the nearby Humberstone Speedway, also a 3/8 mile dirt oval, a pair of local favourites have taken all of the honours. Darren Kish of Port Colborne, ON prevailed in both 2006 races with another Port Colborne driver, Rob Ledingham winning the 2007 affair.
Both the Merrittville and the Humberstone events will pay $2000 to the race winner with $1000 guaranteed to the runner-up. "Ontario Dirt Late Models" race coordinator Debbie Brush has also added a $1500 bonus to the "Civic Holiday Challenge" to be shared among the top five drivers in points from the event.
Both nights of racing will feature full racing cards for the fans.
Saturday evening's show at Merrittville Speedway will also feature Sportsman, Stocks, 4-Cylinders, and Pro 4 Trucks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. The Merrittville track is located 12 miles from the U.S. border at Niagara Falls.
Humberstone Speedway has planned a full day of fun for race fans at Sunday night's ODLM "Civic Holiday Challenge" finale. Humberstone will be hosting "The Molson All-Canadian Championship" with activities opening Sunday at 11 a.m. Live bands and a fireworks display will be featured, with free camping offered to race fans throughout the week-end. The racing program will began at 7 p.m. and includes Mini Stocks, Sportsman, Week-end Warriors and School Buses.
Rules, purse and other information regarding the "Ontario Dirt Late Models" can be obtained by visiting the series' website at: www.ontariodirtlatemodels.com
|
