(Mercer, PA August 2, 2016): Saturday, August 6, will be the Third Annual “Putsy” Kekich Memorial, named in honor of the late Paul “Putsy” Kekich, one of the most popular racers in the history of Mercer Raceway Park. Kekich was an outstanding driver, too, racking up wins in the Sprint Cars and Modifieds. Fittingly, these classes will be in the spotlight this weekend. The racing program will be presented by Bonnell’s Rod Shop and Sunburst Environmental.
The 4 Your Car Connection 410 Sprints will contend for a top prize of $3,000. Past winners of the event are Danny Holtgraver (2015), now a touring professional with the Arctic Cat Al Stars Circuit of Champions, and blossoming star, Brandon Matus (2014). And, while his win in August of 2013 was not an official memorial, young Adam Kekich dedicated his triumph to his “Tata” soon after his passing.
Jack Sodeman, Jr. has been on a tear lately, scoring several wins at the Park and at another area speedway. He can be counted on as a leading contender for this honor. But, racers like Brandon and Brent Matus, A.J. Flick, Michael Bauer, Scott Priester, John Garvin, Jr., Brandon Spithaler, Davey Jones, and many more will make things interesting.
Extra money will be on the line for the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, too. The winner will bank $800. Who will it be? Jimmy Holden? Kyle Fink? Lonny Riggs? Or, will Tommy Kristyak do a revival of his 2015 Kekich Memorial victory? Frank Guidace, J.R. McGinley, Kevin Hoffman, and Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Kevin Green, and Jeff Schaffer, Sr., and Jr. will be among the challengers. This race could have some added significance, too, in that it will be the final tune-up before the BRP Modified Tour rolls into town to challenge the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds.
A similar amount will be awarded to the winner of the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Andy Priest took home the gelt last year, and Cody Bova did so the year before. They will be back, along with recent winner Jimmy Seger. Darin Gallagher, Mike Marano, II, George Englert, Greg Dobrosky, Mike Miller, Gregg McCandless, Rod Jones, and Eric L, Williams will make sure that there will be battle to the finish!
The Precise Racing Products Open Stocks will vie for $500. William Hurrelbrink and Ryan Moyer will be gunning for the victory. But they will have to contend with the likes of Russ Byler, Shawn Smith, Curt Bish, Pat Fielding, and Terry and Leigh Wheeler, among others.
In the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, Doug Jones would like to grab the $400 payday, but Mark Marcucci, Jacob Bova, Shane Pfeuffer, Ken Meadows, Vivian Jones, Jason Johnson, Kurt Eckstrom, and Dusty Frantz will be in the hunt, too.
Tyler Fulton will be seeking his first kekich Memorial for the Mini Stocks, presented by Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. Isaac Paden and Shane Shook will be his primary rivals, but any one of a dozen others could pull off the victory.
Getting their first crack at a Kekich Memorial award will be the Elder Tractor Sales & Service Junior Sprints. Roman Jones, Ayden Cipriano, and Jordan Simmons will be contenders for the win. “Putsy” would be proud to see these youngsters racing around a track that he loved so much.
Remember, that the three star portion program will get going at 5:30 p.m. for those Junior Sprints, Mini Stocks, and Modified Lites. Then, at about 7 p.m., the four star segment will take to the track. So, if you just want to see the two Sprint Car classes, the 358 Mods, or the Stocks, you can stroll into the track a little later and see your favorites in action.
The Pit gates will swing open at 3 p.m., and the spectator gates will open an hour later.
Special event ticket pricing will apply for this event. The adults can see it all for just $17, seniors (60+) for $15, and students (9-15) for $7. The children (8 and under) will be admitted for free. A Family Pass can be had for just $35, and that will admit two adults and up to four minors of any age. A Pit Pass will be available for $35 if you want to mingle with the racers or watch them prepare for competition.
Remember, too, 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.