(Mercer, PA June 20, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park will host another Saturday Night Live! program on June 24 as a prelude to the Sprint Car extravaganza coming up on July 1. The Independence Day celebration will include the Patriot Sprint Tour, along with the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars and the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. There will be other action on the track that night as well as Fireworks! The holiday fun will be presented by Bonnell’s Rod Shop and Pizza Joe’s.

Rod George turned in a spectacular performance last week earning his first Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Car victory in several years. He held off defending champion and current points leader, Jack Sodeman, Jr., to do it. But, Sodeman has to be looking over his shoulder at the Professor, Michael Bauer, who is only thirteen points back in the title chase. These talented drivers, and more, will be fighting for the gold and the glory!

While Jimmy Holden and Lonny Riggs duke it out for supremacy in the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, Sid Unverzagt, Jr. is quietly putting together his best season ever at Mercer Raceway Park. Unverzagt has been running consistently, and he just needs a little luck to break through with that first career win at the Park.

Andy Priest had Ted Hull’s 305 Sprint Car humming this Saturday, as he captured yet another win in the quest for the crown offered by Bonnell’s Rod Shop. His former car owner, Gregg McCandless, turned in another solid run, and he has now cut Darin Gallagher’s points lead to just seventeen counters. Gallagher destroyed his primary car a couple of weeks ago, and he had to pull out his back-up machine to continue to compete. The trusty old mount was just a bit off the pace, but Gallagher will burn the midnight oil to get it up to snuff for this week’s contest.

In the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, there is a three horse race at the top of the standings. Bobby Springer continues to lead, but Jason Johnston and Shane Webb are both within sixteen points of him. Mark Marcucci remains hot as a firecracker, and Shane Pfeuffer and Doug Stanley are showing some speed, too.

There is another close contest in the Mini Stocks presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking. Bill Fuchs is atop the rankings, but Tim Callahan is only eleven points out of the lead. Former champion Tyler Fulton has slid back to third due to some engine problems, but he is only 31 points behind the leader, so don’t count him out! Isaac Paden is coming off a strong win, so this division continues to be one of the most competitive classes at the track.

The gates will swing open at 4 p.m., with hot laps and qualifications taking to the track at 6:00. Heat races will promptly follow.

Regular event ticket pricing will apply, so adults will be admitted for $13. Seniors (60+) will pay just $11, and students (ages 9-15) only $5. The children (ages 8 and under) will be admitted for free, as always. Families can get a special pass for only $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit passes will be $30, and purchasers can check out the racers as they prepare for action on the tricky oval.

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.