HOLLINGSHEAD RETURNING TO RACING AT MERRITTVILLE IN 2010 –
SHARES SOMETHING WITH DAYTONA 500 SINCE DAY 1

For Release – February 15, 2010 From Jim Irvine

Merrittville Speedway Public Relations

905-685-7223 (Winter Office)

Thorold, Ontario (February 15) … So who was excited after the finish of this year’s 52nd running of the Daytona 500?

Quite an emotional celebration by Jamie McMurray – the 9th different winner in 9 years!

And didn’t Dale Jr.’s charge to the front just about blow the candles out on America’s Race as it became a year older?

52 years ago yesterday the first 500 was run. 52 years ago today – Randy Hollingshead was born and several times over the years – the two events have been on the same day.

For the returning Hamilton driver – one February 15th that he will always remember was in 1998 when Dale Earnhardt Senior won his one and only 500. Surely, Hollingshead as many of us were – were in the receiving line along pit road – congratulating Earnhardt in spirit.

And that was an emotional Victory Lane Celebration as well - one that hasn’t been seen since!

As we are enjoying our Family Day Holiday today – Randy Hollingshead is expecting delivery of quite a birthday present – his Pro Chassis Modified Lite Race Car.

“It’s been a long 10 years away from racing,” commented the former Bomber and Pro Stock stand-out Hollingshead, “up until today … I have only seen a picture of the car … I can’t wait to see it in person … I have a lot of work to do in a short period of time!”

In fact, that short period of time began early in the new year, “I talked to RCM Racing Equipment’s Chris Long about the class … Chris went to work and in no time at all … I owned a race car,” anticipated Hollingshead, “it probably all came together in a couple weeks.”

Hollingshead’s new car is a 2008 Chassis from the Delaware area with only a couple races on it. Through Quebec Modified Lite Driver Dean Pronovost - the car is set to be delivered to it’s new owner as early as today.

“I have been out of it so long … I’m hoping though that the learning curve will be real short,” admits the birthday boy, “the biggest change for me may be all the safety advancements ….one way radios … hans devices … fresh air systems … back in the day we didn’t have them.”

Racing began for him back in 1977 lasting until 2000 and while his career focused on our Bomber and Pro Stock divisions and even a 358 Modified – he has also raced on asphalt ovals – giving drag racing a run as well.

The self proclaimed ‘Car Nut’ can enjoy his passion through racing – especially his stint at drag racing, “every week you didn’t know what you were going to see … everything from vintage cars … to those right off the showroom floor … but you always miss your roots.”

“I really considered the Hoosier Stocks,” revealed the former Gasport (now Humberstone Speedway Champ), “but with the Modified Lite … even though it’s 5/8th scale … they are quite similar to the 358’s … so I’m looking forward to the challenge … 52 year old Rookie of the Year … that has quite a ring to it.”

The recent changes to the Modified Lites with their similar body styles of the 358 Modifieds helped draw him to the class and his New Year’s dealing with RCM’s Long.

The two are no strangers to each other though as Chris Long was Hollingshead’s crew chief in his first go round in the sport – one that was quite successful.

Despite not winning a Merrittville title – Hollingshead was always a front-runner and fondly remembers one season – winning 5 in a row leading to 9 wins for the season.

“What am I doing right … what am I doing at all and why is this happening” were some of the thoughts that still run through his mind years later … the same ones that must have been going through former Champ Paul Klager’s when he had his incredible win streak a few years back.

Chris Long and former crew man Ron McGarry were also part of that achievement as well.

For Hollingshead, Long and McGarry – the trio will reunite again this season as the rookie will join together with Klager and up and coming driver Andy Tallman and that Tim Tallman led team.

Randy however never really lost touch with Chris and Ron over the years. Randy is uncle to both of them.

Up until today with a picture being his only contact with his new car – although he won’t admit it … what probably sealed the deal is that his new Modified Lite is yellow.

While everything will be new to him in his first year in the J&S Heating Modified Lites – his look will be old school – going back to his original color scheme and not the white and red some race fans may remember him in.

Commercial Oil in Hamilton has been his long-time employer supporting his racing as well and joining him in his return to racing is new sponsor – Arnott’s Automotive in the Steel City as well. RCM Racing Equipment will also be on his #77 Suzuki-powered machine as he hopes to add other supporters in the coming weeks

Hollingshead surely is hoping that Practice Day and Merrittville’s Season Opener will find him up to speed for May 8th’s event.

While his Wedding Anniversary this year is on Friday May 7th – 16 years ago Randy married his wife Laura right on the Start-Finish line at the race track.

Previous to that, Randy had sold his car to Mike Stevenson with the terms that he could race it himself that night.

In the end, it ended up raining out that night but the wedding took place – all beit under umbrellas.

Randy and Laura have a 5 year old daughter Caprice who has never seen her dad race.

That is sure to change this year as he plans on racing all season long at Merrittville in addition to the Modified Lite Championship Tour that visits several other local tracks.

So as well all enjoy Family Day – Happy Birthday Randy!

The Merrittville Speedway Racing family is happy that you will be back on track too in 2010!

In the weeks leading up to the start of the season … race fans can keep visiting www.merrittvillespeedway.com for all the pre-season news - Drivers making moves from one division to another … former drivers returning to the sport and all the news on what events to look forward to … it will all be revealed.

Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions featuring local heroes and up and coming new stars and special events including the inaugural June 17th WoO LMS Extravaganza brought to race fans by GIANT FM, TV Cogeco, Modern Corporation, Cotton, Inc. and IBEW Local 303 Niagara.

Make your plans … call your friends and maybe even get a carpool together and enjoy a staycation at the speedway with plenty of free parking and camping spots – a night at the races is so much fun and so close to home!

Your Local Dirt Track is where it’s at!!! Merrittville Speedway ‘The Best Family Entertainment in Niagara.”

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS

The 2010 Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions was brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – L. St. Amand Enterprises, Original Pizza Logs, J&S Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoosier Tire Canada and Turn 4 Collision in addition to contingency sponsors Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Hoosier Tire, Lucas Oil Products, Inside Track Motorsport News, Intercomp, ISC Racer’s Tape, Jaz Products, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Motorsports Safety Systems, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R.J.S. Racing Equipment, Racing Optics, Schroeder Torsion Bars, Schoenfeld Headers, Ultra Shield Race Products, Wrisco Industries and XRP, Inc.

Lucas Oil Products is one the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem solving additives.

Through innovative product research and development along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry.

Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products at their favorite automotive retailer including Drummond Home Hardware in Niagara Falls and through RCM Racing Equipment.