15081802a

Rick Bellante and Family celebrate 1st Annual Gabe Bellante Memorial with winner Gary Lindberg in 2014. (Photo-Julie Davidson).
 
 
By: Merrittville Speedway      
August 18 2015
 

Thorold, Ontario - Since he was 4 years old, Rick Bellante had shared a passion for racing with his Dad Gabe Bellante. Now 42, the owner of Rick's Delivery has been a life-long fan ... a racer ... a car owner ... a car and division sponsor at Merrittville ... all shared with his dad.

With his passing in October of 2013, we all can share his life when the 2015 David Chevrolet King of the Crates Series concludes this Saturday August 22nd with the 2nd Annual 40 lap Gabe Bellante Memorial.

Bellante has provided an additional $1,200 cash that will be put into the purse for the night right from 1st to last. The Feature Winner will take home $1,200 with the top 5 now $750, $570, $415 and $350 with additional monies right through the field of 24 starters.

2013 was the final season for Bellante as a car owner for Sportsman competitor and friend Greg Panunte whose final full season saw him earn the King of the Crates Series Title. While 2014 no longer saw Bellante as a car owner - a friendship with Brad Rouse saw Rick's Delivery become a sponsor of the 2013 Mr DIRTcar and Napa Auto Parts Super Dirt Week Champion.

"Once again we couldn't have asked for anyone that is more passionate about the sport and the division than Rick," said (Merrittville Speedway GM) Erica Bicknell-Jones, "the Series Finale will give us all a chance to remember Gabe."

For 50 years, Rick's dad Gabe was faithfully at Merrittville Saturday Nights and if you were at a special event anywhere across the DIRTcar Circuit - chances are you would see him there too.

"I don't think he missed a single Saturday Night," remembered Rick of his Dad, "he was a diehard fan who lived to see a good race. If you asked him who his favorite driver was ... he would proudly say ... All of them!"

Gabe Bellante was the kind of guy everyone knew and liked. If you would follow Series Events or attended other race tracks - chances are you would see Gabe and his wife Donna and the kids in their motorhome getting ready to enjoy a night at that track - making friends there too.

While attending races at the Volusia Speedway Park one February in the late 80's with Davey Moore, Gabe would become ill and would have triple by-pass surgery down south. While in recent years he wouldn't travel as much - he was able to enjoy the racing endeavours of his son.

Rick Bellante, like so many, has experienced a lifetime in the sport with many memories to cherish of times at the track spent with his dad, family and friends.

"Dad always loved a good race ... however it turns out - we are looking forward to a great night of racing to honor him," added Bellante, "good luck to all the drivers!"

Going into the 40 lap $1,200 to win Gabe Bellante Memorial, 2 time King of the Crates Series Champion Cody McPherson sits 7 points behind current leader Brad Rouse who took home the Mini-Series Title in 2011.

Between the two at 6 points out of top spot is third generation driver Brent Begolo who is looking for his first win of the season and his first career title.

Current overall point leader Gary Lindberg who won the inaugural Gabe Bellante Memorial last year will be looking to move into the top 3 as the second generation driver is out of first place by 9 points. Chad Chevalier rounds out the top 5 but has the most work ahead of him as he’s 23 points behind Rouse.

In the first two King of the Crates Series Events this season, Rouse won the opener on Baron Roofing and Siding Night June 6th while McPherson took round two on August 1st’s Tim Hortons Night.

The Pen Centre presentation of the 40 lap Gabe Bellante Memorial David Chevrolet King of the Crates Series Finale begins when the Great Clips Grandstand Ticket Office opens at 5:30 with Show Time at 7:00 PM.

Merrittville Speedway is located at 2371 Merrittville Highway in Thorold. For directions click on http://www.merrittvillespeedway.com/directions.html or call 905-892-8266 or via e mail – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.