For Merrittville Speedway owner Pete Bicknell, Saturday’s induction to the Friends of Auto Racing Seeking the Co-operation of Racing Enthusiasts (FOAR SCORE) hall of fame gave him a chance to reflect on a lifetime behind the wheel. Looking back, the 53-year-old has no regrets and no plans to slow down anytime soon.
“Racing has been our whole life and it’s been good to us. It’s been tough on us and my daughters have definitely had to pay the price. There have been a lot nights when we weren’t home or together. My wife (Nancy) has backed me all these years and my brother is fully involved with the cars.
“It’s been a great time and a great life, “ said Bicknell, who began racing go karts at age 12 and last year won his 19th track championship at Merrittville.
Bicknell was recognized during the FOAR SCORE’s 59th annual banquet Saturday evening in Amherst, N.Y. He jokingly wondered if someone was hoping against hope that he might decide to finally ride off into the sunset.
“I don’t know if they’re trying to give me a hint to get out or what, but I don’t plan on ever giving this up, “ said Bicknell. “It’s all I’ve ever known. It’s funny because when I do receive honours like this, especially for a Hall of Fame, I wonder if they are trying to tell me something. “
With over 500 feature wins and 30 track championships to his credit, Bicknell—who was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003—has been a fixture on the local circuit for more than three decades.
“For 34 years, we haven’t missed a Saturday night of racing in the Niagara peninsula. When you think about the dedication that’s taken it’s pretty remarkable. “
