(Mercer, PA March 21, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park is proud to announce the divisional sponsors for the 2017 racing season. “We truly appreciate the support that all of our sponsors provide,” said track owner Bill Altman. “But, our divisional sponsors deserve a big round of applause because they make tremendous contributions that allow for us to provide the quality racing experiences for our competitors and our race fans. We hope that everybody can utilize the products and services of our marketing partners, and, when they do, please tell them that you heard about them at Mercer Raceway Park.”
Precise Racing Products has stepped up its sponsorship of Mercer Raceway Park for 2017. For several seasons, the speed shop located in Sarver, PA presented the Stock Cars. That class was dropped from the weekly slate and, now, the Stock Cars will compete only in selected special events, with this week’s Chiller Thriller being one of them. But, Precise Racing Products remained loyal to Mercer Raceway Park, and it has now taken on the sponsorship of the track’s headline division, the 410 Sprint Cars! Weather permitting, Jack Sodeman, Jr. will start the quest on April 1 to be the first ever Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Car Champion.
Another change in the roster of sponsors will be the new benefactor of the track’s 358 Modified program. Turn Four Toilets will now assume that role. Turn Four Toilets is owned and operated by another generation of the Schaffer family, and it is only fitting that the new venture will throw its support behind the division. Relatives Jeff Schaffer Sr. and Jr. are regulars in the class, and they will be on hand this Saturday to challenge for the win and the bragging rights that would go along with a triumph over the BRP Big Block Modifieds in the Chiller Thriller!
Bonnell’s Rod Shop, of Fairview, PA, is back again as a sponsor of the 305 Sprint Cars. “Scott does so much for Mercer Raceway Park that it is hard to explain all of the ways that he helps promote the sport that he loved,” Altman noted. Bonnell was a leading driver in the 410 and 360 Sprint Car ranks before suffering career-ending injuries while racing at another venue. “Such an experience may have soured some others, but Scott still brings his passion to the sport,” Altman acknowledged. The 305 Sprints will debut on April 1.
Faithful friends of Mercer Raceway Park Ray Baselj and Ron Eperthener combine forces once again to present the Mini Stocks. Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking, both of nearby Grove City, are back as the title sponsors of this popular and entertaining class. “So many young racers get their start in the Mini Stocks,” Altman said, “and it is great having these former racers supporting the effort.” The Mini Stocks will be part of the fun March 26, going in the Snow Flake 25, which is the biggest and most prestigious race of the season for these cars.
Last but not least, Rock Concrete Supply, located in Monaca, PA, also returns as the sponsor of the Modified Lite division. Company owner Richard Lawson has raced in the class at the Park, and he currently fields a racer for his grandson, former division champion, Shane Pfeuffer. Watch for Shane to challenge for the win when the Modified Lites take to the track for the first time on April 1.
Remember that racing will start this Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. The Chiller Thriller on March 25 will feature the BRP Modified Tour against the track’s Turn Four Toilets 358 Modifieds, along with support from the Crate Late Models, Stock Cars, and UEMS Modifieds. The Snow Flake 25 and Jack Frost Enduro will run the next day, March 26.
Gates will open for the Chiller Thriller at 4:00 for the Pits and for the spectators. Ticket prices will be as follows for this special event: adults $17, seniors (60+) $15, and students (ages 9-15) $7. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $35, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will also be $35.
For the Jack Frost and Snow Flake 25, on Sunday, pit gates will open at 11 and racing will commence at noon, with an open practice session. The practice session will be available for all cars in any class. The Snow Flake 25 for Mini Stocks will take to the track at about 2:30, with the Jack Frost to follow. The Sunday program will have the following prices applied: adults $13, seniors (60+) $11, and students (ages 9-15) $5. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available at $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minor children of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.
There will be no two-day ticket packages offered.
If the weekend should fall to inclement weather, the same programs and formats will be repeated on April 1 and 2.
Also, 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.
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.