Throughout Merrittville Speedway’s history … there have been stories of many families where second … third and even fourth generations have shared an involvement in the sport. One such family is the Wood Family where in 2011 … two cousins have some big projects ahead of them.
Cousins Nick and Austin Wood have virtually grown up in the local racing community and each will celebrate the 60th Anniversary Season in their own way.
12 year old Nick will join students from across the Niagara Region at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake as a part of the eighth annual District School Board of Niagara’s Heritage Fair this coming Tuesday. Nick will spend the day talking about his project he put together that covers much of Merrittville’s history like he did recently successfully at Westmount School in Thorold where he attends Grade 6.
“I spent about an hour or so with Nick,” relates Merrittville Speedway’s Reunion Committee Chairman Rick Kavanagh, “he really had some great questions … it’s thrilling to see the younger generation taking such an interest in our heritage.”
About the time Nick finishes up for the day … his 16 year old cousin Austin will be preparing to take to the track with his new project after Saturday’s Test and Tune postponement. After several seasons in the Turn 4 Collision 4 Cylinder Division – the Thorold High School Student will be a Hoosier Stock Rookie - driving the former Kevin Aube #3 which is now the Brian’s Tire #38. Tuesday Night’s new date will be the second time he has been on the track this season although engine problems cut short his track time in last week’s Pete Bicknell Driving School.
“In the few laps that I was able to get in … the car felt really good,” commented Wood, “definitely a lot more power … and it’s a different driving technique … I so wanted to get as much seat time as I could.”
Austin’s problems were related to a bearing failure and since then the power plant has been repaired by Joe Fioravanti. After practice, Wood will face a big test right away with a 60 lap Feature April 23rd on the schedule.
It was only a matter of time for Austin to get behind the wheel of a race car as while growing up he would be in the grandstands cheering on his uncle Scott and several years ago his dad Chris who raced himself as a team-mate to Wayne Conn in the Sportsman Division back in the day. One day Austin raised the question, “Can I race sometime?” with the answer … maybe next year we can put together a 4 Cylinder and as they say the rest is history.
“That first season … I attended the driving school too,” remembers Austin, “the first time on the track was my first time driving any kind of car ever … I thought I was going so fast … but I got told otherwise in the pits.”
Wood actually drove one event last season in the Hoosier Stock Division, “it was the final event of the season at Humberstone,” added the Grade 11 Student, “it was really something to run with the top guys … I can’t wait for a full season.”
For his rookie season, Austin plans on concentrating on Humberstone and Merrittville with some trips to Ohsweken as well. While his team-mate Sam Rodgers will remain in the 4 Cylinder Division in 2011, his former #38 was sold to the Kocariks for Kourtney and both of those are stories that also need telling this season.
Recently Nick announced that when he gets to be Austin’s age that he too would like to get behind the wheel of a 4 Cylinder. The longtime member of the PartSource Kids Club has begun to help out on his dad’s car – putting it together in the off season and keeping it clean and waxed through the season.
In the off season Nick and Austin are both active in the Thorold Athletic Association playing hockey for the Thorold Blackhawks. With Nick preparing to move on to the Bantam level next season as a goalie he no doubt is watching his favourite Carey Price for some pointers as they battle the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Funny thing is though … his favourite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs. We can always hope for next year.
“My grandfathers starting taking me to Thorold Junior B Games,” thanked Nick, “my grandmother and mom have always been involved in power skating and figure skating … so it was only time that I took to the ice myself.” Nick and his grandfathers still attend the Thorold Junior B Games where Nick helps with the between period Puck Toss.
Nick’s grandfathers are former racer and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame Member Lyndon Wood and Phil Manning who while as an owner/operator supported Scott’s racing through his Phil Manning Trucking Company before retiring.
On the ice Austin played for the Thorold Midget Red House League Team.
Beyond his rookie season in the Hoosier Stocks, Austin would like to work his way up the racing ladder with thoughts of one day competing against his uncle Scott – a driver that he still looks up to to this day.
About to complete Grade 11, Austin is thinking of learning a trade after high school. While working summers for his dad’s Wood and Company Landscaping business he spent time at Ken Cosgrove Auto Repair and Machine as a Co-op Student.
“I’d like to apprentice as a welder,” looks ahead Austin, “I have experience doing it through school and such … but I think it’s something that really interests me.”
Since he got started in racing, Austin has enjoyed support from the Thorold Tim Horton’s and select St. Catharines locations and they will join him again on the Brian’s Tire Repair #38. Also sponsoring his efforts in 2011 are Lincoln Fabrics, JC Drywall Taping and Stucco, T&T Hydro Seed, RBC Dominion Securities and the Matt Gardiner Investment Group, Bronze Envy European Tanning Studios, the Pen Centre, Auto FX Graphics, Fioravanti Custom Engines, United Motor Collision, Lakeshore Towing and the Lamb-Bocchinfuso Funeral Home. Austin would also like to extend special thanks to Doug and Todd Gordon, Bob Walton and Grandma and Grandpa.
“I got my first win last season,” boasted Wood, “it was a double feature night at Humberstone … I didn’t know what set-up to go with but it worked out real good … before a caution – I had built up almost a straightaway lead.”
While Austin has a goal of racing against his uncle … Nick probably would like to show up his cousin one day.
Merrittville Speedway’s rich history is made up of many stories of it’s racing families. With third generation driver Austin Wood on his way and the same love for the sport developing in Nick – the cousins can only rely on their heritage. One that will keep the celebration going well beyond the Thorold track’s 60th!
For all the news leading up to Merrittville Speedway’s 60th Consecutive Season visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com or join Merrittville Speedway on Face Book or follow on Twitter.
Join us this season on a Saturday Night for a 60th Anniversary LUCAS OIL WEEKLY RACING SERIES EVENT featuring FIVE Divisions with local heroes and up and coming new stars.
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.”
For Immediate Release from Jim Irvine Merrittville Speedway Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office), jimirvine@cogeco.net or www.twitter.com/merrittville
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