(Mercer, PA May 17, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park presented an exciting Saturday Night Live! program last weekend, and another one is on tap for May 20. “The fans saw a three-car battle for the lead in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars and a four-car tussle in the Mini Stocks presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking,” said track owner Bill Altman. To add a little excitement to the already exciting 410 division the purse for this weekend is being raised to $2100 to win. Stayed tuned to our social media outlets for some racers making their season debut at Mercer Raceway Park this weekend.
On the strength of his victory, Michael Bauer vaulted into second place in the standings for those Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints. He trails defending champion Jack Sodeman, Jr. by 21 counters, which is a small margin this early in the season. Jimmy Seger and Dan Kuriger are within striking distance. Veteran Davey Jones sits in fifth. Watch for competitive performances by A.J. Flick, the winner of the first race of the 2017 season, and Rod George, Gale Ruth, Sr., and George Hobaugh, Jr.
Kyle Fink snapped Jimmy Holden’s three-race win streak, but Holden remains atop the Turn 4 Toilets point standings as he salvaged a top five despite mechanical problems. Lonny Riggs, who remains winless despite having one of the fastest machines on the grounds each night, will challenge, alo9ng with former champion Frank Guidace and Sid Unverzagt, Jr. The Schaffers, Jeff Sr. and Jr., made their season’s debut last weekend, and they were welcome additions to the field.
In the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprints, Cody Bova slipped in for the win, but Mike Marano, II, Andy Priest, and Darin Gallagher each had creditable runs. Priest now has a slim two-point advantage over Gallagher in the standings, so watch the race within the race as these fellows battle their way to the front!
Mark Marcucci showed that he has not lost the winning touch in the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, but consistent finishes have Bobby Springer and Shane Webb at the top of the rankings.
Young Isaac Paden emerged from that four-car conflict to score the win in the Mini Stocks last week. But defending champion Tyler Fulton and Tim Callahan are the leaders in the quest for the crown offered by Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking Behind them, just five points separate the racers in positions three through five, Pat Hanlon, Bill Fuchs, and Rick Feely. Those racers and over a dozen others, will thrill the fans once again.
This week’s program will be Pittsburgh Circle Track Club night, so all members in good standing will be admitted to the stands for free. For those who are not members of that organization, admission can be achieved for just $13 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+), and $5 for students (9-15). The younger set, the children (8 and under), will be admitted for free, as always at the Park. The Family Pass will be in effect, and that will admit two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30 for those who want to see the cars and drivers up close and personal.
The gates will open at 4 p.m., and qualifications will start at 5:45, with heat racing following at 6:30.
If you cannot make it to the track this week, remember that the first of two consecutive Sprint Car specials will be held on May 27 and June 3. The first of the two will feature the B.O.S.S. traditional Sprints, that is sans wings, while the second will make up for the postponed Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions! Sandwiched in between, on May 28, Mercer Raceway Park will present the opener for the powerful trucks and tractors of the All American Spring Nationals.
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 for 2107 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