HURST AND WILSON NAMED
TO
MERRITTVILLE SPEEDWAY WALL OF FAME
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Thorold, Ontario …
July 19th — Legendary modified driver Fred
Hurst and veteran racer, car owner and
broadcaster Gordy Wilson of Ransomville,
N.Y. were inducted into Merrittville
Speedway’s Wall of Fame Saturday
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Hurst
began his racing career in 1953 with his
innovative father Harry, winning
championships in 1965 and 1967 with his
immaculately-prepared, Corvette powered
No.35s.
“This has been an
out-and-out pleasure for me tonight. Just
great coming back here seeing my old buddies
— just a great honour getting this thing,”
said Hurst who admitted he hadn’t been to
the speedway in 25 years.
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Wilson’s 60-year
involvement in the sport ended just last
year as long-time Merrittville announcer —
noted for his “They’re stacking ‘em up like
cord wood.” retort during big wrecks. He
also hosted his Pit Stop radio show for 30
years.
“When I worked
here I always knew in advance who the Wall
of Fame recipients were,” said a visibly
emotional Wilson. “This track is more home
to me even though I live in Ransomville. The
people here have just been great over the
years.”
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The championship
board, introduced by former owner Bryant
Irvine in 1991 was re-dedicated and will be
prominent at the speedway among the Wall of
Fame posters.
“The 52nd Nostalgia
Night was probably a real epitome for us,
especially with Brian Stevens winning the
feature and his families involvement here
going back to 1952,” said reunion chairman
Rick Kavanagh, declaring the entire evening
with over 300 track alumni present, a huge
success.
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