(Mercer, PA June 8, 2016): Herr’s Snacks will present Meet Your Heroes on Midseason Championship Night at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday, June 11. “Because we have lost so many events to rain already this season, the Midseason Championship runs will take on added importance in the hunt for a track title,” said track owner Bill Altman. He explained why. “The drivers will get double points for these races, so a strong finish will really help a driver, while a poor outing could hurt his or her chances.” But, with all of that drama comes a little added fun. The fans will get the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite drivers in not one, but two autograph and photo sessions. “This is always one of our best nights at the track because the fans get to talk with the drivers. I don’t know who enjoys it more, the fans or the drivers,” Altman noted. “I know I do!”
Because all seven classes of cars will be in action Saturday night, Mercer Raceway Park will utilize its innovative two-tiered racing format. Three of the divisions will run at 5:30 p.m. Instead of starting with the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites will take to the track first for their heat races. After the Junior Sprints, the Mini Stocks will compete under the twin banners of Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. At the conclusion of their heats and features, these racers will bring their cars behind the grandstands to allow the fans to see the cars up close and personal. The racers will be there, too, to talk with the fans. Many of them will have picture cards, candy, or other items to give to the fans.
Then, at 7, the final four classes will start their program. The Precise Racing Products Open Stocks will kick things off, followed by the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, and the potent 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints. As in the past, the meet and greet for these divisions will come after the preliminaries and before the main events. That session will be held on the front stretch.
And, what about those races? Depending on the size of the field, the first eight or nine positions for the final runs will be lined up on the basis of the points accumulated so far. Thus, the driver with the most points could start on the pole position. To take advantage of this, the top runners must finish at the front of their respective heat races. If the racer does not make the cut, he or she will fall into line according to the finishing order from the qualifications.
So, the pressure will be on Brandon Matus (4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints), Jimmy Holden (Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds), C.J. Jones (Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors), William Hurrelbrink (Precise Racing Products Open Stocks), Doug Jones (Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites), Tyler Fulton (Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking/Ray’s Racing Collectibles Mini Stocks) and Chase Metheney (Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints) from the very start of the racing.
The Pit gates will open at 3 p.m. and the spectator gates will open at 4. The racing will start at 5:30 for the first three groups, and, then, at 7, for the final four.
The regular ticket prices will apply. So, adults can attend for just $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The children, who so much enjoy the meet and greets, will be admitted for free. The Family Passes will be honored for just $28, and that applies to two parents and up to four minors of any age. Pit passes will be $30.
Coming up on June 18 will be the only appearance of the ULMS Late Models at Mercer Raceway Park. The speedway will have its annual fireworks show on June 25, courtesy of Pizza Joe’s. Then, on July 2 will be the popular charity event hosted by Auto Racers for Kids. This will be a unique program, as three, yes, three, classes of Sprints will be featured. This will be a must-see event for all fans who enjoy the open-wheeled cars!
Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track’s website, www. mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.
Marketing partners of Mercer Raceway Park include Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Mercer Hardware, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Scheidemantle Motors, Greenhill Farms Equipment, Inc., the Normandy Banquet Center of Hickory VFW Post 6166, Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service, Pizza Joe’s, Sharon Auto Wrecking, Inc., AMSOIL, Noga Ambulance Service, Inc., Pyrotechnico, Watson’s, Inc., Big Dog Indoor Racing & Hobby, Ritenour Equipment Co., Herr’s Foods, the American Cancer Society, Sunburst Environmental, and Lias Tires.
About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www. mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.