Thorold, Ontario – With the first Holiday Doubleheader of the 2015 Season opening with Lococo Wholesale Rankin Cancer Run Night Saturday Night – Monday May 18th’s Zavitz Financial Strategies and Employee Benefits Extravaganza will remember a driver we lost this past February to the disease.

One week from today former Pinty’s Delicious Foods Modified Champion and L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Famer Brian Stevens will be remembered with a 44 lap $4,444.44 to win Main Event for the 358 Modifieds.

“We’re expecting quite a field to challenge our Pinty’s 358 Modifieds,” relates Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell-Jones, “… any of our Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series Drivers have a shot at Victory Lane as will drivers including Tim McCreadie … Danny Johnson and Brett Hearn. It’s fitting that it’s a Syracuse Qualifier … 30 years ago next year Brian came home 5th in the Big Block Main Event”

Hearn of Sussex NJ has come to love Mondays in May at Merrittville over the years and may be an odds on favorite. The day Stevens passed away was the opening of the DIRTcar Nationals and before leaving for Volusia Speedway Park in Florida promised him a ‘Gator’ with a win.

To relive Hearn’s Victory Lane interview in this video courtesy fellow racer Shayne Pierce click on https://www.facebook.com/shayne.pierce.39/videos/o.411315092354924/1553967281529382/?type=2&theater

“Throughout his career, Brian had great support from many racing-minded businesses and it’s wonderful to see many of them come together for this special night,” said Bicknell-Jones, “he also was fortunate to have a dedicated crew and loyal fans and perhaps one of the first fan clubs that worked together to keep Stevens Racing in contention every race.”

Long-time sponsors of Stevens – York Electro Plating, Hingston Metal Fabricators and Cosgrove Racing Engines now owned by Tom Cosgrove’s son and former racer Ken Cosgrove in addition to Transport Sales and Service and the Slack Family, Rev’s Full Throttle Powersports, the Tony DiPaolo Corporation’s James Little, Gallagher’s Farm Market, long-time fan Dylan Wurfel, Mike Lindsay, Harry Vanderzanden, Bill Sargent, Nancy Ewer, Bicknell Racing Products, Pete’s Automotive and Hoosier Tire Canada are among the friends that have come forward with donations to help build the winner’s share to one that features many of Stevens’ former numbers.

“We are encouraging Niagara’s business community … race fans and especially those who knew Brian to join with us,” added Bicknell-Jones, “it is our goal to remember him with quite a spectacle and reward competitors right through the starting field with bonus purse money … anyone can support the event!”

While cash donations of any amount would be appreciated – an amount of $44.00 would be fitting with all monies generated going right into the purse for the event.

Individuals wishing to support the Brian Stevens Memorial should contact Jim Irvine via e mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at the Speedway Office up to Race Day.

In addition to the 44 lap Brian Stevens Memorial the Holiday Extravaganza will feature the first ever visit for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Dirt Late Model Series in addition to Hoosier Stocks and the first Ballhockey.com Enduro Qualifier accelerated by Niagara College

The special event is a presentation of Zavitz Financial Strategies - a truly independent financial planning organization that thrives on developing new and better ways to help their clients … right here in the heart of Niagara!

For more than 20 years, the team at Zavitz Financial Strategies has been meeting the insurance and investment needs of individuals, families and companies. Their experts will help you to bring the pieces of financial planning together.

ZFS Employee Benefit Solutions has expertise in the design and management of group insurance plans. Tap into their experience and insight into team dynamics to solve your toughest benefit problems. Call Paul Scott at 905-714-4134 to get the results you want.

ZFS Benefit Solutions prides itself in delivering knowledge and solutions to all of your employee benefit needs. With a ‘no pressure’ review of their services – you will be on your way to greater corporate success.

When the Grandstands open at 5:30 … Race Fans and Teams alike will surely want to visit the Front Gate Entrance Area as quite a display of Brian Stevens Memorabilia will be on display. Showtime is set for 7:00 PM.

Last December, long-time Stevens Racing Crew Member Ray Samuel started a Face Book page where memories of Flyin’ Brian can be shared. To take a look back click on https://www.facebook.com/groups/flyinbrian/

To reach Merrittville Speedway call the Office at 905-892-8266 or via e mail – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold, Ontario.

For all the news on Merrittville Speedway’s 64th Consecutive Season in 2015 – visit www.merrittvillespeedway.com. Become a fan of Merrittville Speedway on Face Book at www.facebook.com/Merrittville Speedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Merrittville

MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY SPONSORS The 2015 64th Anniversary Lucas Oil Weekly Racing Series for Merrittville Speedway’s 5 Divisions is brought to race fans and racers by division sponsors – Pinty’s Delicious Foods, Rick’s Delivery, Rev’s Full Throttle Powersports, Hoosier Tire Canada and Van Raine Construction and Contingency Partners http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/contingency.html in addition to many marketing partners. Visit them at http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/sponsors.htm and visit them when you require their products and/or services.

Lucas Oil Products is one of 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 favourite automotive retailer or maintenance center including KC Auto Parts, RCM Racing Equipment and Tim Phillips Garage.