For Immediate Release Media Contact:  Lou Long (412-760-9755) Point Championships to be Decided at Michaels Mercer Raceway  (Mercer, PA August 14, 2019):  Michaels Mercer Raceway will determine its track champions in the Fast Five divisions this Saturday, August 17. Several of the classes are very close, so a position here or a position there could make all of the difference in who gets the hardware and the bonus money that will be awarded at the annual banquet over the off-season. Plus, the Junior Sprints will part of the action. In the unlikely event of inclement weather, the track will wrap up its regular season on August 24.  Then, traditional special events will be held in September and October, respectively. More on those events later. In the Diehl Ram Big Block Modifieds, three drivers have a legitimate shot at the championship. The father and son duo of Rex King, Jr. and Rex King, Sr. are tied for the points lead, with 297 markers. But just seven points behind them is Dave Murdick. While Kyle Fink cannot challenge for the title, he still has an incentive to do his very best because the Tugboat, Lonny Riggs, is only four points back. The other positions in the top ten seem safe, but the order could turn upside down depending on where the drivers finish their heats and the feature event. Bradd Rapp currently hold down sixth, followed by Bob Warren, Skip Moore, Erik Martin, and Rick Regalski. But there will be plenty of other talented drivers who will be gunning for a victory to bring the season to a close on a high note. There is also a tie atop the Racesaver 305 Sprint Car class, which is presented by Hards Welding and Fabrication and River Valley Butcher Block. Jacob Gomola and Kyle Colwell are tied at 337 points apiece. Mathematically eliminated is Greg Dobrosky, in third. He seems safe from the next two drivers, Chase Matheney and Andy Cavanaugh. Steve Cousins is safe at sixth. Positions seven, eight, and nine could change hands among Johnny Walker, Will Fleming, and Vincent Daugherty. Matt Gardina seems to have a lock on tenth. Another close battle will be in the Turn 4 Toilets Fastrak Limited Modifieds. Just two counters separate Brian Schaffer from Shayne Izzo. Izzo had the lead for most of the year, but Schaffer’s first career win vaulted him into the lead. Any one of four divers could assume the third position. Brian Sadler has it, but Jerry Schaffer, Erik Martin, and Steve Slater want it, and they could get it with some luck coming their way. Michael Kristyak, Gage Priester, and Jim Bryce seem secure. But, three drivers could ultimately be the tenth place finisher. Brandon Ritchey, Justin Halicki, and Garrett Krummert could get the nod. One class that will not have drama in store is the Barris Trucking Modified Lites. But, you will want to seem them race so that you can say “I was there,” when the checkers fall. Vivian Jones, the teenager from West Middlesex will be the queen for the day, regardless where she finishes. So long as she pulls a pill and takes a green flag, she will become the first female champion in the rich history of the track. Dusty Frantz has been her main rival all season long, but he will come in second. Two graduates of the Junior Sprint class, Ayden Cipriano and Jordan Simmons will duke it out with veteran Rod Jones for the third place in the rankings. Jacob Isenhart, Shane Webb, Nathaniel Bale, Mark Biskup, and Tyler Purnell look to sew up the remaining spots in the top ten, but there is an outside chance that Teddy Williams, Jeff Davis, or Jacob Eakin could crack the top ten. It will be an action packed race, as the Modified Lites have had good counts and tight competition all year long, making Vivian Jones’ accomplishment all the more impressive. Joe Campbell has the edge going into the final points run for the Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. Mike Porterfield and Johnny Bruce, Sr. could challenge, but Campbell could salt it away with a strong run. Once again, positions within the top ten could change hands among Dewayne Redinger, Kyle Donnelly, Bill Fuchs, Tim Callahan, Phil King, D.J. McRae, Joe Romanko, and Justin Bailey. Just like the Mod Lites, a banner field of ultra competitive Mini Stocks is expected. And, don’t forget those Juniors! While there is no championship on the line for them, Bragging rights will be on the line based upon the feature finish, so the youthful drivers will give it their all as they learn how to race around the tricky oval. The action will start at 7 p.m. Practice sessions will be at 6:30, and the Pit Gates will open at 4 p.m., as usual. The spectator gates will swing open at 5 p.m. Come out early to get your favorite seats! The regular event ticket pricing will apply. So, adults will enjoy the show for just $12. Seniors (60+) will come in for $10. 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 $30. Seniors (60+) and children (10 and under) will be admitted to the Pits for $25. Remember that there will be a Fast Five program held on August 24 regardless of the completion of this week’s events. If the August 17 show is completed as planned, there will be no points awarded on the 24th. Instead, the fans will see good old fashioned go for broke racing! But if the August 17 event is lost for any reason, the championship rounds will be held on the 24th. 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.