Mercer, PA (April 30, 2014): Drivers in the 410 Sprint Car division at Mercer Raceway Park will get one last chance to tune up before the All Stars Circuit of Champions rolls into town. This Saturday, May 3, they will be part of an exciting six-division show!
Jack Sodeman, Jr., of North Jackson, OH, is the current points leader and defending champion of the Luxaire Heating & Cooling/McCrudden Heating & Supply Sprint Cars. He won a thriller last Saturday. Eric Williams put forth a furious charge at the end of that race, but he came up just a few car lengths short when the checkered flag flew. Joining them will be Rod George, who took the opening event for this division. Can Carl Bowser rebound from the mechanical woes that kept him in the pits when feature time rolled around? Scott Priester, Adam Kekich, Brent and Brandon Matus, Bob McMillin, and many more will be on hand to do battle.
The Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds also went down to the wire the last time out. Eric Gabany, of Mercer, had the inside line working, but it was points leader Kyle Fink who hustled his car around the outside of the track to bring the fans to their feet. Shawn Fleeger has also shown great consistency, racking up three consecutive top five finishes. Don’t count out Frankie Guidace, Jimmy Holden, Lonny Riggs, and J.R.McGinley, either! They will be some of the talented drivers looking to reach victory lane.
While Clarion’s Michael Bauer romped to the win in the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, we got a glimpse of the future of Sprint Car racing, as sixteen-year-old Sye Lynch claimed a podium spot for the first time in his brief career. Andy Feil, who has already been in the winner’s circle this season, will be looking to regain his winning ways. Also hoping for better luck will be Cody Bova and Eric L. Williams, both of whom sustained major damage to their cars in a violent turn one crash. Jimmy Morris, Mike Marano, II, and many others will challenge for the win.
In the Rock Concrete Modified Lites, Rod Jones dashed to victory while Shane Pfeuffer, the opening night winner, retired early from last week’s event. They will square off against some of the top small car drivers in the country, including Darrin Gallagher, Big George Englert, Jacob Bova, and Matt Cain, to name a few.
Curtis J. Bish got his first win of the 2014 season in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars as a result of a rules infraction by the apparent winner, Leigh Wheeler. Bish will want to earn his next win on the track, but it will be a tough contest. Trusty Rusty Moore, a three-time and defending champion, Pat Fielding, and Tommy Burns, will be among those gunning for the win. Like the 410 Sprint Car drivers, they will be facing some invaders come May 10, as the more liberal Open Stock Car rules will surely attract some of the region’s best competitors.
Tyler Fulton has demonstrated his superiority in the Mini Stock class, presented by Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. But veteran Mike McConnell has been consistently near the front of the pack as well. Trooper Tim Callahan, Rudy Troples, Ed Haylett, Steve Longwell, Sr., Pete Blazak, and Patricia Riffe will also challenge for the win in this highly entertaining division.
The Saturday Night Live! racing program will kick off at 7 p.m.. Gates will open at 4 p.m., and practice runs will begin at 6:30.
Come out early, and bring your appetite, as the full-service concession stands will feature the popular kielbasa and kraut sandwiches!
Regular event ticket pricing will be in effect this week. So, adults will get to take in all of the action for just $13. Seniors (60+) will be admitted for $11, and students (ages 9 to 15) for $5. Children (ages 8 and under) are always free at Mercer Raceway Park. The economical Family Pass will be $28, and that will cover two adults and up to four minors of any age.Pit Passes will be $25.
Remember that the All Stars Circuit of Champions will make their first of three appearances at the Park on May 10. Also on the card that night will be the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Open Stocks, and Modified Lites.
Remember, too, that you can get alerts regarding any postponement of racing action at Mercer Raceway Park through Rainedout.com. You can sign up for this free service by clicking on the icon at the track’s website and following the simple 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.