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James Baker
THOROLD, Ontario (August 2) - For many years Adam Ferri was a regular competitor in the Sportsman and 358 Modified divisions at Merrittville Speedway.
Saturday evening Ferri used that experience to his advantage, capturing the $2000 to win, opening leg of the Ontario Dirt Late Models "Civic Holiday Challenge" at Merrittville Speedway.
Much pre-race publicity shadowed the race. The show was the first-ever appearance of the Ontario Dirt Late Models (Canada's only dirt Late Model touring series) at the Erica Bicknell promoted facility, one of the most professionally operated speedways in Canada.
It was, however the local favourite Ferri, from nearby Port Colborne, ON who stole all of the thunder for the popular win.
Ferri's trip to victory lane was well-earned. The veteran of many Saturday night battles at the Merrittville oval had to hold off the challenges of Chris Ross to preserve the historic win.
And containing Ross is no easy task as the Wallaceburg, ON driver has developed into one of Canada's most promising Late Model drivers this season.
But there was no stopping Ferri Saturday night at Merritville. The converted open-wheel driver was on a mission as he recorded his second career Ontario Dirt Late Models victory.
Ross earned $1000 for his runner-up finish.
Trailing Ferri and Ross was the trio of Greg Oakes (Franklinville, NY), Doug Ricotta (Warsaw, NY) and 2005 ODLM series champion Jim Dale, Jr. of Shrewsbury, ON.
Hard-charging Justin Coulter of Leamington, ON impressed with a sixth place finish with Paul Rivait(Tilbury, ON), Paul Turner(Picton, ON), Jeff Dayman(Welland, ON) and Keith Cameron(Tilbury, ON) rounding out the top ten. Completing the finish were Gregg Haskell(Chatham, ON), Rick Baker(Ridgeway, ON), Mike Lewis(Wallaceburg, ON), Chad Valone(Warren, PA) and Ed Carley(Freedom, NY).
The "Civic Holiday Challenge" closes Sunday(August 3) at Humberstone Speedway in Port Colborne, ON with $2000 paid to the winner. In addition, racers will vie for a $1500 bonus offered by Ontario Dirt Late Models race coordinator Debbie Brush to be split among the top five drivers in points from the two-day event. The racing program, part of Humberstone's "Molson All Canadian Championship," will begin at 7 p.m.
And no doubt, the local favourite Adam Ferri, will be in the house very focused on defending hometown honours.
Erica Bicknell contributed to this story.
"Civic Holiday Challenge"...Adam Ferri, Chris Ross, Greg Oakes, Doug Ricotta, Jim Dale, Jr., Justin Coulter, Paul Rivait, Paul Turner, Jeff Dayman, Keith Cameron, Gregg Haskell, Rick Baker, Mike Lewis, Chad Valone and Ed Carley.
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