by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman drove six winners on Thursday (April 17) at Northfield Park.

Merriman’s winners included Common Creed ($14.40) in race two, Hula Lu ($6.00) in race four, Addys Secret ($10.00) in race six, Cams Van Go ($3.40) in race eight, Ride A Cowboy ($4.40) in race 10 and Mount Joy ($3.20) in race 12.

Merriman, 35, began driving in 1998 and has since garnered 6,328 career victories and in excess of $32 million in purse earnings. He has posted 99 victories so far this year over Northfield’s Flying Turns, ranking him third in the local driving ranks. Only Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. (134) and Josh Sutton (133) have more local driving wins this year.

Merriman also drives at The Meadows in Washington, Pa., where he has also been winning races at an impressive rate.

To date, Merriman has garnered 204 wins so far in 2014, more than any other driver in North America.

Merriman says that he is not pushing himself to win the 2014 dash title.

“It would be great if it would happen,” said Merriman. “But, I have not set any goals for myself to chase.”

Instead of chasing career goals by driving other venues on his days off, Merriman balances being a successful driver with being a successful father. Kristopher Merriman, Aaron’s 11-year-old son, and Tessa Koran, Aaron’s girlfriend, take precedence.

“They are the most important part of my life,” stated Merriman.

Among various family activities, Merriman helped coach Kristopher’s basketball team to a third-place finish in their league.

“Things are just going really well right now and I hope that continues,” offered Merriman. “I love winning races. The winner’s circle is always a happy place and it is very gratifying to make people happy.”