Mercer, PA (August 21, 2013): Mercer Raceway Park will host the 24th Annual Western Pennsylvania Sprint Car Championship this Saturday, August 24, with gates opening at 4 p.m., and racing starting at 7 o’clock. The historic event pits the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions against our very own Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, which also share sponsorship support from New Wilmington Motors and Ralph Butch, Inc. The program, which is made possible by Hovis Auto Supply, will include the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Open Stock Cars, and Mini Stocks.
The Western Pennsylvania Sprint Car Championship is one of the most prestigious races held in the region. Top names like Ralph Quarterson, Bobby Allen, and Daryn Pittman appear on the list of past winners. Who will it be in 2013?
Dale Blaney, of Hartford, OH, is one of the leading contenders, for sure. The Low Rider, as he is affectionately called, is seeking to reclaim the championship of the touring series from another regional favorite, Aliquippa’s Tim Shaffer. So, you know that a win at Mercer Raceway Park will go a long way towards achieving that goal. Danny Holtgraver, the rising star from Pittsburgh, has had an outstanding season at the Park, taking several wins even though he has competed there on rare occasions.
But, the All Stars will bring plenty of other talented drivers to the event! Cap Henry surprised the racing world with his outstanding performance on the biggest stage, the Knoxville Nationals. Caleb Helms, Caleb Griffith, Trey Gustin, and Bryan Sabetto are some of the sport’s most promising young talents, and they would like to build their resumes with a win at the tricky oval. Add in veterans like Danny Smith and Dean Jacobs, and you know that it will be an exciting experience.
The local contingent is primed and ready for the invasion. Jack Sodeman, Jr., of North Jackson, OH, copped the recent Lou Blaney Memorial. Eric Williams, from nearby Greenville, is the current point leader and defending track champion. He wants this one badly. Scott Priester, Rod George, and Mike Lutz are some of the other favorite sons who want to perform well for the hometown crowd. Mix in our own younger drivers, like Brandon Spithaler, Carl Bowser, Chris Best, and Brandon Matus, and you know that it will be a real donnybrook.
While the 410 Sprints are the headline act, you will want to pay close attention to the supporting cast. In the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors, young Michael Bauer is closing in on his first championship. His victory Saturday padded his points lead over Jimmy Morris, C.J. Jones and Joe McEwen. Rusty Moore will be gunning for yet another win as he is the odds-on favorite to snare a third consecutive title in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, which will run under the Open Stock rules this time out. Jamey Lee has been consistent in his quest for a first championship in the Mini Stocks, offered by Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles.
Special event ticket pricing will apply for this must-see event. Adult admission will be $23, seniors (60+) $21, and students (9-15) $9. Children ages 8 and under are free, as always. The Family Pass will allow two adults and up to four minors of any age for just $48. The Pit Passes will be $35.
Mercer Raceway Park will take a short break after this program, but racing will resume on September 7 with the final night of points racing. Plan now to attend that one, as the championships will be on the line in all six of the track’s exciting 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.