Merritt Speedway first opened its gates in 1968 with Gene and Maryann Kregear as owners. Gene decided to turn his back forty into what today is one of the most prestigious dirt tracks in the country. By the end of the 1979 season, Gene’s interest had moved to Oklahoma. He sold the track to former driver Phil Fuller, who ran the track in 1980 and 1981. Phil decided to move on, thus turning the track back over to Gene Maryann. Gene had made the move west, and had started a cable business which left him no time to come back and run the speedway. So he contacted Ed and Carmen VanDuinen about buying the track. Ed had married Gene’s daughter and bought the home next to the track. After a little talking, he convinced Ed and Carmen, to meet him at the MSPA spring meetings. Ed and Carmen returned home and they had a track to get ready for the 1982 season.