by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman moved within three wins of Greg Grismore for the 2006 Northfield driving title by winning four races on Wednesday (Dec. 27), while the three-time defending champ posted just one winner.

With Grismore racing at Yonkers over the weekend, Merriman appears poised to lift the crown from Grismore, who is not scheduled to drive over the Flying Turns during the remainder of the year.

Merriman’s task will be made tougher by the presence of Tony Morgan, the nation’s leading driver, tonight and tomorrow, as he seeks 1,000 wins on the season. Morgan has 13 drives tonight and Merriman has 12. Tomorrow, Morgan has drives in all 14 races.

Tonight’s special Thursday night card will also feature a retirement ceremony for 14-year-old pacer Wholehearted, who races in the 10th and has 52 career wins. Additionally, driver Mark Headworth will be looking for his 2,000th career win. The Toledo-based teamster currently has 1,996 victories.