RACING IN MERRITT BC

Race Day in the Nicola Valley

EXPERIENCE THE MERRITT SPEEDWAY

Racing in Merritt BC – Have I got the hot ticket for you! I’m excited to share my first-ever visit to the Merritt Speedway. For someone who is relatively new to town, I was hooked from the moment the engines roared. Follow the No. 8 road through the Nicola Valley to Marmott Rd just 5 minutes outside the city.

Racing in Merritt BC

Eager fans await the races. (Tia Delaney)

Fun for Everyone Racing in Merritt BC

“They run stock cars on rebuilt engines,” dad says as we pull out of the driveway. I am excited as the big Race Day is finally here at the Merritt Speedway! I’ve wrangled him and my uncle to come with me as all of us are first-timers to the track.  Yes, here is to growing tourism in Merritt BC!

Race Day in the Nicola Valley

I loved everything about this day, from the delicious smell of the concession to the children jumping up as the races began. However, watching the crowd, I spied lucky fans scoring the top-row seats. Everyone cheered loudly as their favorites pulled across the finish line. 

Racing in Merritt BC

Cars speeding around the track. (Tia Delaney)

 

Attractions in Merritt

Although moving here a year ago, I haven’t yet experienced the must-see attractions that my new community has to offer. For example, racing, fishing, camping, hiking, sledding, and exploring the many lakes and hills surrounding us. It’s an absolutely beautiful community, and I’m excited to check it all out!

 

Clear day for racing

Clear blue sky and racetrack. (Tia Delaney)

Nostalgia at First Glance

We pull up and make our way to a thin white building that conveniently says “Ticket Booth” along the side. It is set next to a long row of old wooden blue bleachers. The nostalgia is present as the fresh outdoor air and scenic view bring back memories of country fairs and rodeos of my youth. Above all a great way to spend a day!

Cash-Friendly Car Racing in Merritt BC 

We walk up to the ticket counter, meanwhile, the announcer’s voice booms as he shares commentary on the racers, “Fire up your engines, we’re ready for some racing in Merritt BC!” The cashier waves us over, “We take cash only,” she says helpfully. I file that away under Useful Information, as I don’t want to miss out on tickets, memorabilia, and concession snacks. You really will want to put Nicola Valley racing on your activities list.

Seniors Discount at the races

Eyes ahead, the races are on! (Tia Delaney)

A Seniors Discount

“Are you a senior?” she asks my uncle, “It depends,” he answers with a grin. “Are you over 55?” she says with a chuckle. Dad’s laugh is the answer as he rags on his younger brother, “Guess who’s a senior now!” It’s always a good time with these two, never a dull moment!

Kid Friendly Place

The cashier takes our cash, “That will be $10 each per senior and $15 for one adult.” However, note that kids 10 and under are free, definitely playing the “cool auntie” card next time the little ones are in town. For those of you looking for fun things to do in the city, it truly is a fun and affordable way to spend an afternoon. 

Truck sprays water on track

No dust in sight with this tanker. (Tia Delaney)

Retro Water Tanker when Racing in Merritt BC

Stamped and on our way, I move closer to get a good look at the giant white tanker truck with an exposed engine to laps around the track. Firstly, I notice the sheer size of the tires. Secondly, the rate it travels is at a rocking speed. The track is thoroughly doused with water before the announcer calls the cars to the track to begin grooming it for Merritt Speedway racing.

 

Hear the Car Engines Roar

You can hear the roar of the engines. As a result, the whole place is beginning to sound like a Ferrari convention. It certainly is a great sound, the rumble sits low in your chest.  Subsequently, you can picture yourself strapping into your car and getting ready for your first race!

A Birdseye View

I hunker down on the far bleachers with a side view of the racers coming out of the pit and navigating their first corner. Likewise, the smoke starts radiating from cars still being worked on. We still have 15 minutes until the first race begins. But most importantly, the drivers are ensuring their race cars are safe for a day at the track.

Announcing the Starting Line

The announcer’s voice booms across the field ushering in the starting Line-Up and greeting the fans. Meanwhile, I scan the crowd for those who have arrived early to take in BC’s Fastest Dirt Track. The Merritt Speedway. Moreover, it is not to be missed!

The Final Lap when Racing in Merritt BC

In conclusion, the dust settles as the final racing invitational completes its last rounds. Likewise, we raise a salute to the fans, sponsors, and drivers, as the trophies are handed out and the victory lap is taken. A successful season all in all, and happy fans look forward to the new year in anticipation.

Racing into Fall

Subsequently, with the end of the Racing Season, it’s time to get geared up for Fall. For instance, Pumpkin carving, Apple bobbing, Costume hunting, Cider sipping, and Eggnog delighting are just a few of the treats we have in store for you. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel you’ve fallen in love with Merritt just a little bit more!

Carving Time

Carving Time! Photo Credit: Tania Stewart

Racing in Merritt BC

Nicola Valley racing at Merritt Speedway

4 Season Getaway

 

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Clearwater Speedway

Merritt Speedway Brings New Life to Sister Dirt Track

What happens when you are a member of a race track during a pandemic?

Clearwater Speedway – With no racing in 2020 anywhere including Merritt BC Canada, many racers were just vibrating, waiting, hoping, and dreaming racing. Well, good news for racing fans, the Merritt Speedway “the home of dirt track racing in the Nicola Valley”  helped resurrect a track that has been shut down since about 2006. That race track is the Clearwater Speedway.

clearwater speedway in bc

Clearwater Speedway. Photo credit: Susanne Snider

How does Clearwater Speedway happen?

A few Merritt Speedway racers attended an event in Rimby, Alberta called The Covid Cup in 2020. They travelled 12 hours to the event and almost got rained out for the weekend.  Consequently, the Merritt racers were caught, at times, waiting the rain out, under a tarp in a torrential downpour. The question going around circles was, “Why are we here?” Followed by, “there must be a closer venue”. Almost unanimously “Clearwater!” was said out loud. These five members got busy and had a soft opening of the dirt racing track in Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada in July of 2021. 

merritt speedway crazt times on a dirt race track

Chills and Thrills at Merritt Speedway Photo by Ken Beckett

Clearwater Speedway was once a busy, fun dirt track

Located at  75 Camp Two Rd, Clearwater, BC, the race track came on hard times in 2006. At the time the support just wasn’t there 15 years ago. In other words non-profit race tracks are a lot of hard work, insurance is expensive and there are never enough volunteers. Therefore it seemed like the right thing to do for the Merritt Speedway, who has been running consecutively for 30 years, to lend a hand and make it happen. 

dirt track race car racing in BC

#33 Ryan Sorenson & #13 Dennis Smith. Photo credit by Ken Beckett

Dirt Track Circuit in Pemberton, Merritt and Clearwater BC Maybe?

Currently there are quite a few Clearwater racers and their families that travel to Merritt to race. With a devoted racing community and more joining yearly, it’s the right time to get things started. The property has a new owner who is truly on board with the restoration as he remembers attending events years ago. Clearwater Mayor and council passed the final adoption of the rezoning application for the speedway.

Clearwater Dirt Track 2021

#89 Colin Reimer Street Stock Clearwater Invitational Champion Photo by Meghan Reimer

Clearwater Speedway is a sister track to Merritt Speedway, and ran 6 races this year.
In particular there were three classes competed – Late Model, Street Stock and 4 Cyl Bomber.

While in Merritt we ran the regular amount of races this season – Late Model, Street Stock, 6&8 Cyl Bomber, 4 Cyl Bomber and Junior 4 Cyl Bomber. B.C. Micro Mini Sprints came out to play four races as well. This years race season is complete, the enthusiasm from racers and fans, even with Covid 19 safety protocols and restrictions, was very promising. The community support has been amazing, but local volunteers are still very much needed.

 

 

Contact:  Clearwater Speedway
Website: www.merrittspeedway.ca  or  www.clearwaterspeedway.ca
email:  merrittspeedway@outlook.com

Clearwater, British Columbia, Canada Dirt Race Track

Merritt Speedway, Merritt BC, Canada

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Tire Shop in Merritt – Nicola Valley BC Canada Mechanics

Fountain Tire Merritt – Tire Service in the Nicola Valley

Tire shop and mechanic service in the valley of Merritt

Fountain Tire is a preferred tire shop in Merritt BC Canada. This local mechanic automotive service station takes care of commercial and light car and truck automotive repair. And of course Tires, lots of tires. Fountain tire Ltd (Merritt) opened in Merritt in 2008 by Larry Ruttan.

tire shop in merritt

Fountain Tire New Owners

In 2021 Jamie and Sheila Hatch will become the new owner/operators of Fountain Tire (Merritt) in British Columbia Canada. Jaime moved to Merritt from Drayton Valley, Alberta in 2018. He worked as assistant manager. Soon after Sheila and the kids followed.

Jaime is a red seal journeyman mechanic and has been in the industry for over 23 years. However, when he is not at work, he enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with family. Therefore they have settled nicely into the Nicola Valley, so much so, they are members of the Merritt Speedway. Subsequently, their daughter, Megan, is a race car driver.

Merritt Speedway Stock Car Racing is well know in the Nicola Valley for its sense of community and family for over 30 years. The speedway is looking forward to when we can race again.

Sheila says, “The advantages of operating a tire shop in Merritt are that you meet so many different people from many walks of life. This community has a sense of family, everyone looks out for each other.”

fountain tire

Sheila continues with, “And for us, because Merritt has several highways coming into it, we are able to assist those who need help when travelling through our beautiful valley. We have had the pleasure of helping out the travelling talent that come for various music festivals that run each year. Never a dull moment and Oh ..the weather!”

tire man in merritt

Brandon Hatch of Fountain Tire Merritt Photo Credit: Sheila Hatch

Meet the Owners

Sheila and Jamie Hatch, the owner of Fountain Tire Shop in Merritt, and their son Brandon, are like most of us, surviving Covid-19 by planning to get involved in community events. In other words they are really putting themselves out there expressing that we are all on this road together.

Fountain Tire Staff

Communities need to stick together to survive hard times. There is strength in numbers. At the tire station they have 7 staff in addition to 2 more red seal journeyman mechanics. 

Tires For All Seasons

Whether you need tires for the highway, bush, logging truck or racing they have a wide assortment of quality tires. Tires for a range of budgets that best suit their customers. Fountain Tire in the community of Merritt BC is known to go the extra mile for their customers. Most importantly get them back on the road safely and in a timely manner.

Who is Fountain Tire?

Fountain Tire Ltd. is a Canadian company, founded in Wainwright, Alberta by Bill Fountain. The first store opened in 1956. As a result they have stores from B.C. to Ontario.

Contact Information

website: www.fountaintire.com
facebook: merrittfountaintire
email: f132@fountaintire.com
Phone: 250-378-2442

Tire Shop in Merritt

Nicola Valley Mechanic Station

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Merritt Mountain Biking in the Nicola Valley

Experience Mountain Biking Trails in Merritt British Columbia Canada

It is easy to get outdoors and go Merritt mountain biking in the Nicola Valley

 

Exciting News 2021

The MMBA is happy to announce through a Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative grant that they have received funding for $145,000 towards the Merritt trail system. We are very excited as this will be a huge benefit to Merritt and the surrounding areas! Jordan Pinto.

Outdoor Extreme Merritt Mountain Biking – Along with getting some quality time outdoors, mountain biking in the Nicola Valley provides the best type of sightseeing on wheels. No crowds. Lots of trails. Mouth-dropping scenery. Therefore to enjoy the trails in our backcountry all you need is a water bottle and your ride. Nature and the adrenaline rush provides the rest.

Merritt Mountain Biking Association

The Merritt Mountain Biking Association gets all the credit in the Nicola Valley for our trails and for creating such extreme rides.  The Nicola Valley provides the beautiful backcountry scenery, the wildlife sightings,  the remote wilderness  lakes  and the many forested rolling hills. It is here in British Columbia Canada where mountain biking is free. Make this your mountain biking adventure vacation destination spot. 

merritt mountain biking

After the final climb on Swakum Mountain. Photo Jordan Pinto.

Obviously the Nicola Valley Offers Some of the “Best” Terrain in BC for Avid Mountain Bikers 

Being centrally located, Merritt mountain biking offers a wide range of biking trails for newbies and extreme mountain bikers alike. In addition, Merritt tends to experience mild winters with little snowfall and warm, dry, sunny summers making Merritt a year round mountain biking destination most years.  The best thing about Merritt British Columbia is it is a great base camp for mountain biking in nearby areas like the trails in  Kamloops, Kelowna, and the Fraser Valley. A fact that adds to the shine that Merritt is a great destination for multiple mountain biking adventures within BC. But it all starts here. Experience the Nicola Valley on a mountain bike!

Merritt Mountain Biking - Experience Nicola Valley

Town of Merritt, BC, Canada

Merritt Mountain Biking Nicola Valley

Hoodoos Merritt BC Moonshadows Rv Park Coldwater River.

 

Outdoor Extreme Merritt Mountain Biking

Merritt Mountain Biking Accusation. Photo courtesy of Jordan Pinto.

Outdoor Extreme Mountain Biking

Photo by Jordan Pinto President of MMBA.

Become One With Nature

Isn’t it amazing how the power of nature and spending time outdoors can change your mood and mental health. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed the benefits of nature and  physical activity can impact personal stress.  In the midst of this trying and difficult time, everyone needs to feel less stress. It might be time to enjoy some nature by participating in some Merritt mountain biking.

Outdoor Extreme Mountain Biking in Merritt BC

Photo by Jordan Pinto

Nicola Valley Mountain Biker

Photo by Experience Nicola Valley.

Nicola Valley Biking

Important to know we enjoy 220+ kilometers of mountain biking trails in the Nicola Valley with 3 main trail riding destinations – Swakum Mountain , Coutlee Plateau and Iron Mountain. Coutlee Plateau primary trail type is cross-country. Iron Mountain is an all-out mountain & downhill trail network. Check out Trailforks and Experience Merritt for more information about the Nicola Valley. To clarify,  there are trails that will challenge the most experienced rider.  Also offering some of the best family oriented biking trails in the region. Notably some trails can last for hours while some may be quicker. The only time schedule is yours with nature. Enjoy while  connecting with a lot of majestic scenery. Expressly there is zero disappointment on any of these trails.  

Mountain Biking - Merritt BC

Mountain Biking trails – Merritt BC. Photo Trailforks Jordan Pinto

Extrememountainbikingnicolavalley

Mountain trails. Photo by Jordan Pinto.

 

What more is there

After you have conquered one or more of MMBA trails, take time to cool off and relax in one of the many outdoor patios that are scattered around Merritt. For a small town we have a great selection of restaurants and pubs. Understanding that it may take more than one day to tackle all the trails that MMBA has to offer, Merritt has a generous  selection of hotels and motels. Or are you choosing to camp. With over 200 lakes to pick from or if wanting to camp close to downtown Merritt. The Nicola Valley is your summer destination vacation. 

Merritt Mountain Biking - Experience Nicola Valley

Monck Park Beach.

 In fact check out  Monck Park  just 22 km north of Merritt, and then 12 km off Hwy 5A via narrow paved road. The park rests on the shores of one of our lakes. It just happens to be called Nicola Lake.  

Merrittbc

Lundbom Lake. Photo courtesy of ehCanadaTravel.com.

Mountainbiking

Claybanks Merritt BC. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Camping on the River

The Claybanks RV Park and Campground offers spacious, well-maintained sites along the Coldwater River. Claybanks has you covered with 44 full-serviced RV sites and 20 tenting sites. This pet-friendly campground is open year-round. While located south of Merritt along the Coldwater River, the Moon Shadows RV Park and Campground offers great camping year-round. Especially both campgrounds being pet-friendly. 

outdoorswimming.

Alleyne Lake. Photo by Tania Stewart.

Nicolavalley

Monck Park. Photo by Tania Stewart.

jordan pinto

Jordan Pinto – Merritt Mountain Biking Association

The MMBA (Merritt Mountain Biking Association) came into existence in the spring of 2000.

Jordan Pinto, the President, shared with us that their intentions are to make the riding in the Nicola Valley a great experience. Therefore, one of their primary goals is to advocate for long term trail access by working with Government.

Consequently, the MMBA was one of the first groups in the province to have an agreement with the crown to manage the trails we ride. The MMBA has signed a new agreement with the Province in 2012. Contact Jordan Pinto, the President of the Merritt Mountain Biking Association in Merritt BC Canada, for more information. 

Including the breathtaking and amazing scenery, Merritt has much more to offer. 

Of course during your down time you could take some enjoyment in checking out our downtown shopping. Notably Merritt’s downtown core offers a wide variety of hidden gems.  Truly take the time and stroll downtown Merritt BC.

 

Coldwater Hotel

Thanks to the Coldwater hotel.

 

Nicolavalleytrails

Walking the Trail. Photo by Tom Reynolds.

The best time to visit Merritt BC, Canada is in the summer, fall, winter and the spring. With it’s dry climate through-out the year make it an ideal “Destination Place” year-round . Unknown tourist from the coast.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro mountain biker, Merritt BC provides trails for every-one, every-category and skill level. We have the services to make your stay rock.  Numerous Hotels, Motels, B&Bs as well as campground and RV parks.  The Nicola Valley has it all. Importantly you can leave the hustle and stress behind of the big city and enjoy our small town hospitality. That is truly enjoyable.  Come and join us and explore!

Merritt Mountain Biking in the Nicola Valley, BC. 

 

Nicola Valley BC Canada

 

Nicola Valley Mountain Biking Adventures

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Racing in the Nicola Valley with Merritt Printing

Merritt Printing plays many roles in the Nicola Valley supporting businesses and events

2020 has been hard on many business, and that is why more than ever it is important for all of us to support local small businesses

 

Racing in the Nicola Valley and Merritt Printing have both brought people together in Merritt BC and beyond for many years, not only to watch racing but in support of racing. Locals, out-of-towners and racers bring their family members and best buddies, some join the racers in the pits, most take a seat in the stands. All are reading and buying items printed by Merritt Printing. 

2020 has brought about many changes to the world, and it hasn’t spared anyone or anything.  Racing has been delayed or cancelled, fans are left out, all are waiting and hoping. The effects reach even further, it affects services and businesses all over town.

Racing in the Nicola Valley

Grass growing on track surface at Merritt Speedway 2020

Merritt Printing and Racing in Nicola Valley

You would not believe what just one business, like Merritt Printing, provides for Merritt Speedway.  Merritt Printing is located at 1951 Garcia St and is actually three businesses in one.

1951C Garcia St. – The Engraving and Sign Shop 

Merritt Printing

Some of the items Merritt Printing provides Merritt Speedway

The Merritt Printing engraving and sign shop designs, creates and manufactures items for many Nicola Valley businesses and events including awards, signs, custom decals, custom t shirts and cups, plus many other items. Then there are the  USB’s, key chains, shopping bags, buttons, the list goes on. As well, there is something we utilize a lot of at the track is 50/50 tickets.

Marketing Racing in the Nicola Valley

Services provided by the print shop to Merritt Speedway are sponsor signs, decals, magnets, bumper stickers, year end awards and championship jackets.  Plus all those signs that tell you what to and not to do, you know the ones.  A big seller at Merritt Speedway.

1951B Garcia St. – The Office Supply Store.

All your office needs are available here includes pens, pencils, art supplies, invoice books, paper, printer inks and toners. If it’s not in store, its only usually a day away, that’s pretty good for our little town.

Oh, and office furniture too, such as desks, chairs, filing cabinets, lamps, and more. 

1951A Garcia St. -The Print Shop

Merritt Printing in Nicola Valley

Printing jobs for Merritt Speedway

The services provided at the print shop are vast. The talented staff at the shop, can perform many jobs for your business and/or events.  Bring the item with you or email it in, it can be done. 

For simpler jobs like scanning and emailing projects, the staff is always available to assist and get it done. Bigger jobs like business cards, brochures, menus, custom invoice books, lock out tags and much, much more are designed and printed in house.

Laminating is another service provided by the print shop, whether it’s a pocket card or a two foot wide by six foot item, it is all possible at Merritt Printing. If in doubt, just ask!

Racing in the Nicola Valley Printing

The amount of paper printed for the track is surprising. Print jobs include membership & car registration forms, membership cards, schedule cards, rule books, and full colour race day programs.

Support Your Small Businesses in Merritt BC

Sadly, that is just one business of many that the Merritt Speedway utilizes and one that is not getting orders from the track this season. 2020 has been hard on many business, and that is why more than ever it is important for all of us to support local small businesses.

We want to keep these services in town, not lose them to out of town sources. Come and visit Merritt Printing, you will be surprised at the many services they are supplying Merritt businesses. Drop in to the sign shop and say hi to your local Experience Nicola Valley Blogger, moi. 

Shop Local Merritt, you’ll be glad you did.

Check out Merritt Printing

1951 Garcia St. Merritt B.C.  V1K 1B8  250-378-6808

website:   www.merrittprinting.ca     

email:  merrittprinting@telus.net   

www.facebook.com/MerrittPrinting/ 

 

Empty stands at Merritt Speedway

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