(Mercer, PA July 26, 2017): Mercer Raceway Park will host bicycle races for the children this Saturday, July 29. “This will be a fun night at the racetrack,” said owner Bill Altman. “It is great to see the friends and family cheering on the future stars!” Altman added, “several of our competitors got their starts riding their bikes at Mercer and other area speedways.” This is all made possible by Turn 4 Toilets and Ray’s Racing Collectibles.

Please remember that all children must have their helmets to participate.

Saturday Night Live! action will also take place on the speedway. The racing will be intense, as drivers try to gather precious points towards the championships. “We are entering the final stretch run.” Altman explained, “the season championships will be decided before Labor Day, so there are only a handful of opportunities.”

Clarion’s Michael Bauer, known as “the Professor,” jumped 14 points ahead of defending track champion, Jack Sodeman, Jr., in the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars. Bauer has emerged as the leading feature winner, with three tallies to only one for Sodeman. Other feature winners expected to compete are Rod George and A.J. Flick. But, there are several others who could break through, including George Hobaugh, Jr., Dan Kuriger, Gary Kreiss, Jr., Mike Miller, and Jimmy Morris, to name a few.

In the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, Jimmy Holden has a commanding 87 point margin over Lonnie Riggs thanks to five feature wins. Riggs, Kyle Fink, and Jeff Schaffer, Sr. have also graced victory lane. But, Sid Unverzagt, Jr., Richard Whitney, Tommy Kristyak, and many more could earn their first victories of the season.

One of the closest contests is in the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars. Darin Gallagher holds a slim two point advantage over recent winner Gregg McCandless. Andy Priest has four victories to his credit, but mechanical problems have him far behind that duo in the championship hunt. Mike Marano, II, Jeremy Kornbau, and Joe Sylvester are others who could grab a win this weekend.

Likewise, in the Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking Mini Stock ranks, Tim Callahan has a two point lead over Bill Fuchs. Defending champion Tyler Fulton, Isaac Paden, and Shane Shook are others who could move up in the standings with a trip to the winner’s circle.

In the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, only four points separate Shane Webb and Bobby Springer. Mark Marcucci has four triumphs, and Kurt Eckstrom and Dug Stanley have also scored victories. You just never know who will come out on top in this class!

The gates will open at 4 p.m., and practice and qualifying will start at about 5:30. Heat racing will follow.

Regular event ticket pricing will prevail, so adults can attend for $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The children (8 and under) will be free, as always. Family Passes 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.

August will be action packed, so plan to be at Mercer Raceway Park often. The fourth annual Putsy Kekich Memorial will be held on August 5. Smackdown! will be on August 12, pitting the BRP Modified Tour against the track’s Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds. August 19 will be the Summer Shootout featuring some of Ohio’s best in a true border war. The FAST 410 and 305 Sprints will invade, taking on Mercer’s own Precise Racing 410s and Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305s. Then August 26 will bring in the Patriot Sprint Tour to make up for a rainout.

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.