Mercer, PA (June 5, 2013): After successive weeks of Sprint Car special events, including the first-ever Sprint Car triple-header presented by Bonnell’s Collision Center, Mercer Raceway Park will get back to basics with a Saturday Night Live! program on June 8. Drivers in all six of the exciting classes will be fighting for precious points in order to put themselves into prime positions for the Mid-Season Championships that are just two weeks away.
In the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, which are also sponsored by New Wilmington Motors, Danny Holtgraver was the winner the last time out, and who can forget his spectacular drive coming from last to win the Patriot Sprint Tour race! Scott Priester, also a recent winner at the Park, holds down the points lead, just twelve markers ahead of last season’s champion, Eric Williams. Jack Sodeman is third and has been very quick of late. Could this be the week that he breaks the ice? Dan Kuriger and Adam Kekich complete the top five. Brandon Matus will enter the event sixth, and you know that “Willis” will be looking for a top finish. The next four drivers in the standings are separated by a mere seven points. So, if Bob McMillen, Brent Matus, Chris Best of Bill Jones, Jr. excel on the speedway, that will shake up the rankings!
Frankie Guidace has risen to the top of the list in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified division. Behind him, there is a close battle among Lonny Riggs, Andy Paden, Jeff Schaffer and J.R. McGinley. With his own car sidelined, McGinley had a borrowed car fail him last week, so he dropped in the standings. Can he rebound from the misfortune? Jimmy Holden, last week’s winner, is a close sixth. Kyle Fink, Matt Reeher, Makayla Guidace and Max Smoker round out the top ten.
The college student from Clarion, Michael Bauer, sits atop the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warrior rankings.Last year’s champ, Joe McEwen, runs second. Jimmy Morris, C.J. Jones, and Jacob Lagastee are next. Andy Feil, Thomas Sanders, Jeff Goodman, Jacob Gomola and Greg Dobrowski will challenge for the win. But, the question of the day is who can stop Mike Miller? He is the area’s hottest driver, with four wins in a row at three tracks, using two different cars! One of those wins came last weekend at the Park, so you know that he will be tough as well.
The Precise Racing Products Stock Cars return after a one week sabbatical. Rusty Moore leads the way, as he is seeking his third straight points title. Bob Schwartzmiller is off to his best start at Mercer, and he sits in second. Andy Thompson, Curtis Bish and Garrett Calvert make up the balance of the top five.
Shane Pfeuffer, winner the last time out, leads the Modified Lite title chase. Cody Bova, Bill Stivason, Corey Webb and Jacob Bova want to snatch the crown from his grasp, though.
The Modified Lites are presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete.
Last but not least, the Mini Stocks see Jamey Lee at the head of the class. Mike McConnell, Tyler Fulton, Tim Callahan and Rudy Troples have logged several top finishes to get them high in the standings. Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles are the patrons for the division.
The gates will open at four, with heat racing starting at seven.
Regular event ticket pricing will apply this weekend. So, adults will be admitted for just $13, seniors for $11, and students (9 to 18) for $5. Children ages eight and under are always free at Mercer Raceway Park. The economical Family Pass will be $28, and that is good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be just $25.
Coming up on June 15, the speedway will host the annual Auto Racers for Kids charity event. This popular program will be made possible by Bonnell’s Collision Center. All six of the Saturday Night Live! classes will be in action. The Sprint Cars will race for $3,000! Remember that it was not so long ago that Jack Sodeman, Jr. claimed the win, but he donated all of his prize money to the cause. This program benefits area children and youths.
Remember that alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park can be sent directly to your smart phone or other electronic device. Just click on the RainedOut.com icon on the track’s website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, to register.
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, twitter.com/mercerraceway, facebook.com/mercerracewaypark for more information.