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Mercer
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Sprint Spectacular Plus Fireworks Coming to Mercer Raceway Park

(Mercer, PA June 28, 2017): Sprint Car fans will see a unique tripleheader this Saturday, July 1, at Mercer Raceway Park. Bonnell’s Collision Center will bring to the speedway the Patriot Sprint Tour, a series devoted to winged racers powered by 360 cubic inch engines. Also on the program will be the track’s two regular winged sprint divisions, the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints and the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Some drivers will compete in two of the classes, and, several seasons ago, young Danny Holtgraver won both the 410 and the 360 races. Will any be bold enough to try all three? Will any be good enough to win all three? You will have to be there to see if for yourself!

Jared Zimbardi, of Bradford, is the leading winner on the Patriot Sprint Tour in 2017 and he is the current points leader. He is coming off a win at a New York speedway, and he has other victories at three more tour stops. Can he maintain his momentum? Zimbardi will face stiff competition from racers like Steve Collins, Kyle Drum. Darryl Ruggles, and Jordan Thomas, to name a few. And, because this Saturday’s event is part of a mini series, it is quite possible that some other notables will be on hand, like Chuck Hebing, Brian Howland, Robbie Stillwaggon, and Mark Smith. Even some racers familiar to Mercer fans may be there to race with the Patriots, including Dennis Wagner, Joe McEwen, and Cody Bova!

Jack Sodeman, Jr. will be looking to build upon his points lead in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprints, and a win could net the veteran from North Jackson, OH, a cool $2,000. Michael Bauer may have something to say about that, as he is challenging for his first 410 championship. Another racer to watch will be popular Rod George, who scored a win the last time he went to the post at the track he once dominated. Many others will be on hand, and those less fortunate will earn $200 to start.

Andy Priest and Darin Gallagher will square off for bragging rights and the extra purse money also on tap for the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprints. The winner’s share will be $600, and Gregg McCandless, Mike Marano, II, and others will do their best to grab the glory and the gold.

The Turn 4 Toliets 358 Modifieds will be going for $750 to win. While Jimmy Holden and Lonny Riggs must be considered to be contenders, watch for Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Kyle Fink, and the father and son duo of Jeff Schaffer Sr., and Jr. put them to the test.

Rounding out the card will be the Mini Stocks, presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles, and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking. Bill Fuchs, Tim Callahan, Tyler Fulton, and Isaac Paden will be in the hunt, for sure. But, so will more than a dozen other racers. These guys and gals have been putting on some of the most exciting, wheel to wheel action week in and week out. You will not want to miss them!

The gates will open at 4 p.m. Practice and time trials will begin at approximately 6:00 and heat racing will follow immediately thereafter.

Special event ticket pricing will apply. Adult admission will be just $15 for this program, and remember that Fireworks will be included, courtesy of Pizza Joe’s. Seniors (60+) will enjoy the Independence Day celebration for only $13, and students (9-15) for $7. The children (8 and under) will be free, as always. A Family Pass will be available for $35, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $35, and that will allow the bearer to get up close and personal while the racers are preparing for the evening’s speed contests.

Keep in mind that parking is free at Mercer Raceway Park, and there is plenty of room for free camping. No hookups are available, however.

Mercer Raceway Park will be dark on July 8, but racing will resume on July 15, with a Saturday Night Live! event. That evening will also be Racing for a Cure Night, as the speedway will show its support for the American Cancer Society.

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 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.