THOROLD, ONTARIO (August 2, 2021) … Former Merrittville Speedway track champions Mat Williamson (St. Catharines), Cody McPherson (St. Catharines), and Rob Murray (St. Catharines) all picked up wins in the S&W Service Centre 358 Modifieds, Rick’s Delivery Sportsman, and the Hoosier Stocks respectively on Civic Holiday Monday at Merrittville Speedway.
Dylan Llord from Thorold, Ontario won the Glo n’ Go 4 Cylinder feature and Rodney Rutherford picked up the win in the Enduro. The night was concluded with a huge fireworks show.
Tim Jones started on the pole and lead early before Boyd MacTavish brought out the opening caution in the main event for the S&W Service Centre 358 Modifieds. On the restart, Tyler Willard was able to work past Jones and drive off from the field. As Willard began lapping the back half of the field, Mat Williamson began tracking down the 777. Williamson spent multiple laps trying to get to the inside of Willard, but the gap never opened. As Willard worked to the outside of Trevor Wright to put him a lap down, Williamson cut to the inside and got alongside the leader. Williamson would complete the pass and grab the checkered flag over Willard, Gary Lindberg, Tim Jones, and Chad Chevalier.
The Rick’s Delivery and RM Racing Lubricants Sportsman feature began with the front row of Billy Bleich Jr and Brent Begolo tangling in turn one, allowing Cody McPherson to slip on by and take over the lead. From there, it was all McPherson who dominated the race. McPherson, who was disappointed with his efforts over the past couple of races, redeemed himself and parked his Lucky7 ride in victory lane. The former Mr. DIRT titlist would score the win over Brad Rouse, James Friesen, Brent Begolo and Greg Panunte.
Hoosier Stock action on Monday found two familiar foes at the front of the field by the end of the race, Rob Murray, and Dave Bailey. Steve Shaw Sr. got out in front early from his front-row starting spot, but it was Rob Murray who would take advantage of good track position (started fourth) to quickly grab the lead. Dave Bailey moved up from his eighth starting position to follow race leader Murray right in his tire tracks. That was ultimately how they would stay as Murray drove defensively and held off Bailey, Jason Fontaine, Ryan Beagle, and Mike Thorne.
The Glo & Go Tanning 4 Cylinders did battle in the first Duel on the Dirt event at Merrittville Speedway. 26 4 cylinders went to work. Austyn Werstroh would take the lead early and control much of the race while multiple comers and goers battled for the right to get to challenge Werstroh. Dylan Lord fought his way up through the field. The driver has had multiple bouts of bad luck, some self-inflicted, but tonight Lord caught a break. After Austyn Werstroh won the race, his car failed inspection, and Dylan Llord who crossed second after starting 14th would be declared the winner and collected $1000.
The night was capped off with an electrifying fireworks show in front of the packed Merrittville crowd, followed by a 25 lap Enduro won by Rodney Rutherford. Rutherford survived multiple close calls to earn $600 from event sponsor Go-Getters.
Racing continues at Merrittville Speedway this coming weekend for a doubleheader. On Friday, August 6, the Burger Barn presents a Sprint Car twin-bill with the 360 Sprints and Crate Sprints, as well as the Hoosier Stocks and the 4 Cylinders. Saturday night, Niagara Employment Help Centre presents a full Weekly Racing Series program featuring the Bill Willard Sr Stirling Silver Cup for the Sportsman.
Report from Jonathan Howe
Discussion about this post