After Five Decades, a Racing Legacy is Up for Grabs - The time has come for Del Merritt, the owner of Hermon's Speedway 95, to pass on the torch to a new generation. But here's where it gets interesting - the buyer is none other than Ricky Craven, a former NASCAR Cup Series winner. After 57 years at the helm, Merritt has decided to sell the track, marking the end of an era. But what drove this decision, and what can we expect from the new ownership?
Merritt's journey with Speedway 95 began in 1968 when his friend Dana Crockett invited him to be an assistant flagman. Despite having never attended a race before, Merritt was drawn to the sport and has remained passionate about it ever since. 'If someone had told me 57 years ago that I'd still be doing this, I would have thought they were crazy,' Merritt admitted. As he prepares to step down, Merritt is coming to terms with his decision to sell to Craven. 'I've seen what he's done, and I see his genuine interest in the track, so I've relaxed a bit,' he said.
The annual Paul Bunyan Speed Weekend will be Merritt's last hurrah as owner, with the event taking place over three days. 'We're going to have an incredible weekend, as we always do,' Merritt said confidently. 'I think I'll go out with a bang, and Rick will do a great job.' Merritt has nothing but positive thoughts about the ownership change, emphasizing that he wouldn't have sold if he had any doubts. 'Did I want to sell? No. Did I have to sell? No. But I think it's time. Everything has its time,' he reflected.
Merritt's involvement with the track goes back to the early days when he worked as a flagman and in the pit area. He eventually became a part-owner when he, along with Maynard (Red) Baker Sr., his wife Alice Baker, John Michaels, and other minor investors, purchased the track for $200,000. Over the years, Merritt has seen the track through its ups and downs, but he has no regrets. 'Not one,' he said firmly. For Merritt, the track has been more of a hobby than a significant profit-maker. 'I have other businesses that do far better,' he noted.
Craven, who has a long history with the track, having raced there himself, as well as his mother, Nancy, and late father, Alan, has promised to keep the track running for at least the next 10 years. 'Del is a wonderful human being,' Craven said, praising Merritt's dedication to the track. Kim Baker Allen, the track's long-time office manager and daughter of Red and Alice Baker, echoed this sentiment, stating that Merritt has put his 'heart and soul' into the track. Unity Raceway owner Ralph Nason, who is the only driver to have won three consecutive Oxford 250s, also commended Merritt for his commitment to keeping the track as a racing venue, despite receiving offers from construction companies.
As the racing community reacts to the change in ownership, opinions are likely to be divided. Some may welcome the new era under Craven, while others might be nostalgic for Merritt's tenure. We want to hear from you - do you think Speedway 95 is in good hands with Ricky Craven? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
