5/15/2024
Merrittville Speedway
CAA Niagara Nostalgia Night to feature 2024 Wall of Fame Inductions
Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee is set to host its annual celebration of speed Saturday June 15, 2024 featuring the 73rd Season CAA Niagara Wall of Fame Inductions by Auto FX Graphics and Signs.
After watching his father, Bob St. Amand Sr race his way to the 1972 Modified Championship at Merrittville, Bob St. Amand Jr will join his dad as a member of the CAA Niagara Wall of Fame. Upon retiring as a driver, Bob Sr would become Pit Steward Saturday Nights and would be joined by his son who would become Race Director starting in 1987.
Bob St. Amand Jr was instrumental in establishing one way communication with drivers and the transponder scoring system. Throughout his career through both L. St. Amand Enterprises and St. Amand Auto and Truck Repair, Bob Jr has to this day supported many events and drivers.
Looking back to the 1970s, Erik Tomas has been part of Merrittville’s Announce Team while putting local, national and international motorsports in the spotlight professionally up to his retirement from the Raceline Radio Network this past year.
With the support of Plazek Auto Recyclers, Tomas and his partner – the late John Massingberd put Merrittville in the spotlight in the 1990s when the Super DIRTcar Series was aired on TSN. Tomas was recently honoured with John Massingberd Award by the Canadian Pro Mod Drag Racing Association.
Another career that began in the 1970s led Andy Imbeault to championships in the Sportsman Division at Merrittville in 1983 and 1986 amongst other championships and victories at many speedways. Nicknamed “the Flying Frenchman”, Imbeault has enjoyed a racing career of more than 50 years that also includes a title in the former Eataly Foods Triple Truck Challenge in 2016 and to this day competes in Vintage Race Car Events throughout the area.
“We’re excited to once again host the event that celebrate’s the Speedway’s illustrious past,” said Reunion Committee Chairman Rick Kavanagh, “everyone looks forward to reconnecting with our Alumni … sharing memories amongst friends whether it’s former drivers, crew members, supporters, staff and fans while honouring our newest inductees.”
In addition to our 2024 CAA Niagara Wall of Fame Inductions, we will recognize two new recipients of the CAA Niagara Dedication to Racing Award. This year’s awards will be presented to two long time scorers – Judy Gordon and Kim Ashton.
Racing action will feature the 50 lap Jerry Winger Memorial for the 358 Modifieds in addition to the 35 Lap Al Willard Memorial Sportsman Event, Mod Lites, 4 Cylinders and Vintage Race Cars.
Merrittville Speedway Alumni and Vintage Race Car Teams looking for further information on tickets or to register your car for competition can contact Rick Kavanagh at rick.kavanagh@hotmail.com or Erica Bicknell-Jones at racemerrittville@gmail.com.
Alumni are required to register by Saturday June 8, 2024.
Race Fans will surely want to check out the vintage race cars on display throughout the grandstand area in addition to select cars of today. Inside Honker’s Turn 1 Bar are quite an array of photos from over the years that will provide memories for long time race fans and spark interest for younger generations.
ABOUT THE JERRY WINGER MEMORIAL The Jerry Winger Memorial dates back to 1959 when it was established by the former driver’ crew after the up and coming start passed away due to illness.
ABOUT THE MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY REUNION COMMITTEE First established in 1991 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary Season, the committee consists of Chairman Rick Kavanagh, former racers Bill Willard Jr., Ken Walsh, Ted Renshaw and Terry Huffman, second generation enthusiast Mark Swartz in addition to Erica Bicknell Jones and Jim Irvine both formerly from the Speedway. An Annual Reunion Night highlights each season in addition to the presentation of several history laden awards.
ABOUT CAA NIAGARA For more than 100 years, CAA Niagara has served the community providing year round piece of mind and member exclusive savings. Visit your local CAA Niagara location today or learn more at www.caaniagara.ca
Submitted By: Erica Bicknell-Jones