Mercer, PA (August 20, 2012): One of the region’s most historic Sprint Car races will return to Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, August 25. The 23rd Annual Western Pennsylvania Sprint Championship will be sanctioned by the All Stars Circuit of Champions, assuring that some of the nation’s top talent will be on hand. And, with several weeks of inactivity, the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car stars will be itching for a good fight! This race, which will pay a hefty $5,000 to the winner, is presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.
Leading the invaders, of course, will be two of Western Pennsylvania’s favorite sons. Current All Stars points leader, and defending champion, Tim Shaffer, will be looking for another win at the track close to his Aliquippa home. His arch rival, Dale Blaney, hails from Fowler, OH, and he’s just as familiar with the tricky oval. What is more, Blaney is also a former champion with the traveling troupe.
The return of the All Stars also means that Pittsburgh’s Danny Holtgraver and Port Vue’s Pete Miller, III will be in action. They both have victories to their credit in weekly action at the Park, and they would like to take it up a notch in front of familiar faces.
It will be tough for any of them to pull off the win, as the show will also attract veteran drivers like Danny Smith, Greg Wilson, Brian Ellenberger, Ed Lynch, Jr., Rod George, Mike Lutz, and Scott Priester, among others.
Eric Williams is currently leading the way in track points, and he wants to put an exclamation point on his breakout season. An All Stars win would do just that.
And, who can forget Mercer’s young guns: Brandon Matus and Adam Kekich? Matus upset the All Stars at another area speedway, and Kekich just grabbed his first career win at the Park!
Joining the Sprints will be the Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors. C.J. Jones took the checkers the last time out, but Chris Matthews was nipping on his heels. Over a dozen other drivers will challenge for the win in this competitive class.
Also on the card will be the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, but they will be operating under Mercer’s Open Stock rules. Curtis J. Bish has been tough to beat under the Open Stock format. Last, but not least, the Mini Stocks will be in action. Steve Longwell, Jr. took the win on Saturday after a battle with his father.
The Western PA Sprint Championship will have special event pricing in effect. Adults will be admitted for $23, seniors for $21, and students for $9. Children aged 8 and under are free, as always. The economical family pass will be $48, and that will be good for two adults and up to four minors, of any age. Pit passes will be $35.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., and racing will start at 7 p.m.
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 outwww.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, orwww.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.