For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Lou Long (412-760-9755) Big Blocks, Fireworks, and More at Michaels Mercer Raceway (Mercer, PA July 17, 2019): On Saturday, June 20, the Big Block Modifieds will return to Michaels Mercer Raceway after several weeks off. The competitors for the Diehl Ram championship will take on the stars of the BRP Modified Tour in a 35 lap contest that will score points for both the track and the series titles. And, what may be more important, there will be a winner’s share of $3,000 on the line! This must see event is the Michaels Memorial Show sponsored by Erme’s, Inc.
In addition to all of the racing action, there will be fireworks!
Fans will also be pleased to know that there will also be an autograph session during the program, so they will get the chance to mingle with their favorite drivers, both old and new.
Just a handful of points-paying events remain on the schedule at Michaels Mercer Raceway. Amd, the same is true with respect to the BRP Modified Tour. So, the competition will be fast and furious as the racers try to amass as many points as possible in the few races left on the docket.
Rex King, Jr. is tied with his father, Rex Sr., for the lead in the track’s point chase, but in the Mod Tour standings, he leads his father by 27 points. “Cooter,” as he is affectionately known, has multiple wins at the track in 2019, and he is a three-time winner on the tour as well. One of those precious tour wins came in the first race of the year right at Michaels Mercer Raceway. So, he will be the odds-on favorite this Saturday. However, a strong performance by his dear ol’ dad could unseat him from the top spot in both rankings.
Other top drivers in the Diehl Ram track standings expected to compete are Dave Murdick, Lonny Riggs, Brad Rapp, Bob Warren, Rick Regalski, Eric Martin, Skip Moore, and Kyle Fink. Several of them are also running in the top ten with the Mod Tour, so they need a good showing to remain in the hunt on both accounts. But other top travelers will be tough to beat, including Jim Rasey, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Kevin Hoffman, and Garrett Krummert. And racers like Jimmy Holden, Kevin Green, Max Smoker, Steve Barr, Tommy Mattocks, and many more will add to the intensity of the event!
Another division coming back to the tricky oval is the Turn 4 Toilets Fastrak Limited Modifieds. Like the more powerful Big Blocks, these racers have been on the sidelines for a couple of weeks. So, you know that they will be ready for action, too. Jerry Schaffer scored his first win of the season, and he will be looking to build upon that success. His son, Brian, will have something to say about that, though, as he will be gunning for his first win. Brian finds himself in a tie with Shayne Izzo for the top spot in the standings. Others expected include Brian Sadler, Steve Slater, Jim Bryce, Josh Hinchberger, Tom Urey, Justin Halicki, and Dillon Barr. Will Eric Martin and Garrett Krummert do double duty, racing in both Modified classes, as they have several times already this year? You will want to come and see for yourself!
The Racesaver 305 Sprints will be in action, too. Kyle Colwell and Jacob Gomola are tied atop those standings. They will be trying to grab the loot put up by Hard’s Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block. But, Greg Dobrosky is just four markers behind, so, with a little luck, he could come out on top. Chase Matheny, Vincent Daugherty, Andy Cavanaugh, and over a dozen more racers will be on hand. A question on everybody’s mind will be whether Will Fleming’s car will be repaired and ready for action?
Who can keep up with the Jonses? That is the burning question in the Barris Trucking Modified Lite division. Vivian Jones the current points leadder, has scored several wins this season, and joining her father, Rod, as one of the top drivers in this division. But, her younger brother, Roman, is showing that he is just as competitive. Dusty Frantz, Shane Webb, Jordan Simmons, Teddy Williams, Ayden Cipriano, and others will challenge the Jones family for the win.
Joe Campbell has a substantial lead in the Mini Stock division presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking. He debuted a new car last weekend and took it to victory lane. Mike Porterfield, Johnny Bruce, Sr., and two dozen other racers will be in action this Saturday. This division has had exciting races that kept fans on the edges of their seats.
But, there will be even more on-track action for the fans to enjoy. The Vintage Cars will be at the track this Saturday. Come see these historic racers on one of the region’s most storied tracks. Old timers will cherish the memories and the younger fans will make new ones!
Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. and spectator gates will open an hour later. Practice sessions will be held at 6:30. The first heat race of the night will go to the post at 7 p.m.
The admission prices for this special event are as follows. Adults will enjoy the show for just $15. Seniors (60+) will come in for $13. Children (13 and under) will be admitted for free if they are in the company of a paying patron. Pit Passes will be available for $35. Seniors (60+) and children (10 and under) will be admitted to the pits for $30.
There will be a raindate of July 27 for the Michaels Memorial Show. If the rain date is not utilized, there will be a Fast Five program held on that weekend. Coming soon will be the Patriot Sprint Tour. The winged warriors from New York use 360 cubic inch powerplants, but there is no shortage of excitement when they roll out onto the speedway.
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.
About Michaels Mercer Raceway: Michaels Mercer Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstates 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 early October. For more information, check out www. mercerracewaypark.com.
Race Status
Mercer
73°
Feels like: 73°FFair
Wind: 2mph E
Humidity: 51%
Pressure: 30.24"Hg
UV index: 6