(Mercer, PA March 30, 2017): With two special events in the books, the attention at Mercer Raceway Park will turn to the first Saturday Night Live! program of the 2017 racing season. While no championship points will be on the line in the opener, the action will be fast and furious, as all competitors in the five racing classes will try to establish themselves as the ones to be watched throughout the balance of the campaign. “There is nothing like getting an early season win to build your confidence,” said Eric Williams, a former track champion and the newest member of the management team at the Park.

Leading the way on April 1 will be Jack Sodeman, Jr., the current kingpin on the local 410 Sprint Car circuit. Sodeman will be gunning for his third consecutive championship with the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints. He will have plenty of competition from the likes of Michael Bauer, Dennis Wagner, and many more.

Some of the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals 358 Modified drivers were in action last weekend for the Chiller Thriller BRP Modified Tour race, and none performed better than popular J.R. McGinley, who copped a top five feature finish. Lonnie Riggs was ready to give it a go, but he was collected in an early incident, so he will be looking for improvement. And, don’t forget multi-time champion Jimmy Holden! He is expected to return this weekend.

The Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars will see their first action of the year this Saturday. Defending champion Jimmy Seger has moved on to 410 Sprints for 2017, so Andy Priest will be the odds on favorite in this division.

The Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites will also get their first track time in 2017. Doug Jones will lead the way, but watch for new cars in the division, as there were several unfamilioar faces at the practice session held last weekend.

Can Tyler Fulton regain control of the Mini Stocks, presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles abd Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking Big things are expected for these racers, as an influx of new equipment from another area speedway should make for highly competitve programs.

No foolin’, the gates will open Saturday, April 1, at 4 p.m., with a 6:30 starting time. Practice sessions and time trials will commence at about 6 p.m.

The regular event ticket pricing will be in effect. So, adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. Children (8 and under) will be free. The Family Pass will be available for $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.

If you cannot make it to the track this weekend for the opener, the same program will be offered on April 8, with one exception. The point chase will begin! Coming soon, on April 15, the ULMS Late Models will make their only visit to Mercer Raceway Park.

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, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Scheidemantle Motors, Greenhill Farms Equipment, Inc., the Normandy Banquet Center of Hickory VFW Post 6166, Ritenour Equipment Center, Pizza Joe’s, AMSOIL, Noga Ambulance Service, Inc., Pyrotechnico, Watson’s, Inc., Big Dog Indoor Racing & Hobby, 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.