THOROLD, Ontario – The Stevens’ family passion for stock car racing at Merrittville Speedway continues with a third-generation, following the appointment of Melissa Stevens as race director.
The granddaughter of the late Ray Stevens and youngest daughter of the late Brian Stevens, Melissa Stevens brings a lifetime love of stock car racing to the race director position.
Melissa Stevens grew up at Merrittville and has wonderful memories of family and friends enjoying both the races and the barbecues and corn roasts in the pits afterward.
In the past 15 years, Melissa Stevens has experienced every aspect of dirt track racing throughout the northeast United States as well as numerous tracks in Ontario and Quebec. As a crucial part of a professional race team, Melissa Stevens became very well versed in how numerous race tracks operate, including what they do right and what they do wrong. She brings years of experience in scheduling, scoring, qualifying procedures, varying rules and widely differing track requirements.
As race director, she will strive to provide a fair and unbiased environment. No driver or race team will ever be favored or above the rules. It is imperative that all rules be applied and enforced consistently and fairly – there can be no tolerance for favoritism.
Melissa Stevens is looking forward to a great season and she wishes to thank Don Spiece and the management at Merrittville Speedway for the opportunity to bring all her expertise and enthusiasm to a successful and exciting 69th season at Merrittville Speedway.
The 69th season at Merrittville will begin with test, tune, and inspection day scheduled for Saturday, April 11. Pit gates will open at Noon with cars on the racetrack at 6 p.m. April 18t will be the annual Spring Sizzler. Garrison Automotive presents the racing program featuring the first visit of the season by the Southern Ontario Sprints plus 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Hoosier Stocks, and 4 Cylinders. April 25 will be the first race for the Bobcat of Hamilton Weekly Racing Series championship divisions with the season opener. The Mod Lites and V6 will join the 4 Cylinders, Hoosier Stocks, Sportsman and Modifieds.