For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Lou Long (412-760-9755)
Mercer, PA (April 9, 2104): For three consecutive seasons, Brandon Spithaler, of Evans City, has won the opening event for 410 Sprint Cars at Mercer Raceway Park. This Saturday, he will get the chance to earn an unprecedented fourth straight. The competition will be tough, though, as all of the region’s stars are expected to be in action.
Divisional champion Jack Sodeman, Jr., of North Jackson, OH, will look to unseat Spithaler. Former titleholder Eric Williams, Scott Priester, Chris Best, Brent and Brandon Matus, Adam Kekich, Carl Bowser, and many more talented racers will vie for the top honors. The 410 Sprints are presented by Luxaire Heating & Cooling, Ralph Butch, Inc., and New Wilmington Motors.
Frankie Guidace, of Mercer, will sport new colors on his 358 Modified as he opens his title defense. So will his daughter, Makayla, and rival Lonny Riggs. Jimmy Holden will be back with his potent machine, as will Jeff Shaffer, Kyle Fink, Matt Reeher, and Shawn Fleeger, to name a few. Approved Toilet Rentals will be back as the title sponsor for the 358 Modifieds.
In the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Clarion’s Michael Bauer will be gunning for yet another victory. Bauer will be challenged by the likes of C.J. Jones, Jacob Lagastee, Jimmy Morris, and others. This growing class will boast a big crop of rookie drivers. Third generation racer Cy Lynch will make his much-anticipated debut in a full-sized car. He comes from championship stock, as both his grandfather, Ed Lynch, Sr., and father, Ed Lynch, Jr., have had considerable success at the Park and other area speedways.
Trusty Rusty Moore will be back with his Precise Racing Products Stock Car. Moore has been one of the most successful pilots at the track over the last several seasons. Curtis Bish, Jr. was perhaps Moore’s toughest foe. Will this be the year that he can dethrone the king of the Stock Cars?
Shane Pfeuffer surprised the crowd at the track’s banquet and awards ceremony in January by announcing that he will try for a second point title in the Modified Lites, presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete. It was anticipated that Pfeuffer would move up to the Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Several new competitors are expected in this class also.
Jamey Lee became a regular at the Park in the Mini Stock division in 2013, and he earned his first track championship. He will look for a repeat, but look out for Tyler Fulton. The young driver dominated the Snowflake 25 contested in early January, and he will certainly try to keep that momentum going in the first points race of the season.
The weather forecast for Saturday is favorable, so come out early to get your favorite seat. Gates will open at 4 p.m., and racing will begin at 7 p.m.
Regular event pricing will be in effect for this event. That means that adults will enter for just $13, seniors (age 60 and over) for $11, and students (ages 9-15) for $5. Children ages 8 and under are always free. Family Passes will be available for $28, which will be good for two adults and up to four minors of any age.
Mercer Raceway Park offers free parking and a full menu will be available at the track’s concession stands.
If you cannot make it to the speedway this weekend, another Saturday Night Live! program will be on tap April 19. Bonnell’s Rod Shop will add extra money to the purse that night for all divisions.
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 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.