MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY’S NEWEST SECOND GENERATION DRIVER LOOKING TO GET START IN KARTS IN 2006

Thorold, Ontario … For long-time Merrittville Speedway fans a familiar name is making a return in 2006.

Larry Czinege Jr. is looking forward to expanding on his family history – getting his start in Kart Racing Tuesday Nights with his dad – two time Merrittville Sportsmen Champion – Larry Sr.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” relates both father and son, adds Larry Jr., “ my one time last season was fun … and quite a thrill.”

While watching racing on TV including his NASCAR favorite Dale Earnhardt, Jr., the younger Larry developed an interest in racing himself, thinking, “ it would be cool if I could do that … Dad and I talked about it and thought maybe karts would be a good start”

Larry got a big surprise for his 13th birthday as his dad presented him with a new kart.

The delivery of it was kind of delayed though as the owner had to finish out the season with it. The owner – Junior Restricted Light Kart Champion Mat Williamson – who also made quite a name for himself Saturday nights in his #6 Sportsmen as well in 2006.

Larry Czinege Sr. also made quite a name for himself in the Sportsmen Division – winning back to back Merrittville Championships in 1990 and in his last season 1991.

“ Eventhough I retired from driving,” comments Larry, “ I haven’t really left … I’m still building engines … the last year three years for Sam Crogran and some drag racing pieces too.”

Through the years Czinege has made quite a name for himself having built engines for such drivers as Al Wagner, and kart engines for Larry Lampman Jr. before he made the move to Stock Cars and Championships in the Sportsmen and 358 Modified divisions in a career that is still going strong to this day.

Czinege also built the engines for Pete Bicknell in two of his 1980’s Syracuse Super DIRT Week Small Block triumphs.

In recent years, Czinege has also been busy building his Mid City Auto Service which he recently moved to a new location south of Humberstone Speedway on Highway 3. The Ridgeway business will sponsor Larry Jr.’s kart.

When asked if he will carry his father’s 23 into his own racing, Larry Jr. responded, “ as much as I’d like too … I’m going to turn 14 during this season … so I think I’m going with that.”

Larry will turn 14 on August 7th – the night Merrittville Speedway and the local racing community annually celebrates the life of Trevor Wilkens – a young driver that also enjoyed success in karts and Stock Cars before his untimely passing.

Prior to his first season of racing, Larry enjoys Ball Hockey and plans on continuing on at the BHI Complex at Niagara College in Welland.

Larry’s school is St. George in Ridgeway where he is classmates with another second generation driver – Katelynn Winfield – daughter of current Sportsmen/358 Modified driver Ken Winfield – another family that has quite a history in the sport.

Is there be a rivalry developing this summer for who rules in Ridgeway?

Larry Jr. can only listen to stories of his dad’s accomplishments and enjoys looking through the memorabilia that describes Sr.’s racing career.

“Mom’s real proud of me too … wanting to follow in Dad’s foot steps and all,” adds the anxious teenager.

Although his racing career is just about to start with karts, Larry Jr. is already confident that he will be like many racer kids before him – following their dads into Stock Cars.

“Sportsmen or Modified is where I’d like to be,” adds an inspired Larry Czinege Jr.

With his dad’s experience as a guide, Larry should build on his own keenness for the sport – continuing the family ties to racing at Merrittville as the 60th Anniversary Stock Car Season approaches.

For further information on Kart Racing at Merrittville Speedway – call 905-892-8266 or visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com.