Mercer, PA (June 11, 2103): After an exciting Saturday Night Live! racing program presented by Scheidemantle Motors – your stop in Hermitage for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram products – Mercer Raceway Park will play host to the fourth annual Auto Racers for Kids Charity event. Each year, the racing community anxiously awaits this unique program when the speedway partners with the foundation that benefits children and youth in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. The 2013 edition is also made possible by Bonnell’s Collision Center.
The 410 Sprint Cars will be the headline attraction, paying $3,000 to the winner of the 30 lap feature. All of the track’s regular classes will also be in action, and they will be racing for additional prize money. However, there will be no points on the line for any of the classes, so the rankings are already locked in for the June 22 Mid-season Championships! And, without any registration fees or handicapping rules in effect, the pit gates will be wide open for any new racers that want to come in to challenge the tough competitors that appear weekly at the Park.
Rod George captured his first feature event since teaming up with veteran car owner Jimmy Chappel in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling/New Wilmington Motors Sprints. In the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, Frankie Guidace celebrated the recent graduation of his daughter, fellow racer Makayla Guidace, with a popular win. The college boy, Michael Bauer, scored in the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors the last time out. Trusty Rusty Moore is gunning for his third straight championship for the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, so his recent win padded his points lead. Shane Pfeuffer topped the Modifed Lites, offered by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete, while Ed Haylett made a triumphant return in the Mini Stocks that were racing under the colors of Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. All of these drivers, and many, many more will be on hand to claim the bragging rights and extra cash that goes with the prestigious victories!
Auto Racers for Kids, Inc. was founded in 2007. With the help and generosity of the racing community, the foundation has raised over $150,000 for numerous groups and programs. Donations have been given to the following: Court Appointed Special Advocates, St. Martin’s Center, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-a-Wish, Sarah Reed Children’s Center, Hunters Hope, Kiwanis of Erie, Achievement Center, Shriner’s Hospital, Newspapers in Education, Operation Warm, Butterflies for Kids, Junior Achievement, SafeNet, Erie Home for Children and Adults, and Community Shelter Services. Once again, the proceeds of this special event will directly benefit such deserving organizations.
In 2010, there were three Sprint Car races conducted under the Auto Racers for Kids banner. Daryn Pittman, now the points leader with the World of Outlaws, and Danny Mumaw took the checkers at other speedways in the region. Jack Sodeman, Jr. turned the trick at Mercer. His win was especially noteworthy, as he donated all of his winnings to the cause.
In 2011, Brian Ellenberger took the only Sprint Car victory. Danny Holtgraver scored the win in 2012, barely edging out Rob Chaney in a slam-bang finish that ranks as one of the most exciting in the history of Mercer Raceway Park.
Commemorative T-shirts will be available for sale during the event. The black shirts have a Sprint on the front and a Late Model on the back, as another Auto Racers for Kids Charity event will be held in July for the full-fendered set at Eriez Speedway.
The admission for this special program will be $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60+), and $7 for students (ages 9-18). Children ages 8 and under are always free at Mercer Raceway Park. As usual, the Family Pass will be available for $32, and that will be good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit passes will be $35.
The gates will open at 4 p.m. and qualification races will begin at 7 p.m. Come out early to get your favorite seats, as a large crowd is expected for the event.
If you cannot make it to the Auto Racers for Kids Charity event, remember that the Mid-season Championships will be held the very next week. Double points will be on the line on June 22, so positions could change in the standings.
Remember that alerts regarding any cancellation of a racing program at Mercer Raceway Park can be sent to your smartphone or other electronic device. Just go to the track website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the RainedOut.com icon, and follow the quick and 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.