Mercer, PA (July 22, 2014): Mercer Raceway Park will present another doubleheader of exciting auto racing action this weekend. The fun will start on Saturday evening, July 26, with the Racing for a Cure event benefiting the American Cancer Society. It will continue on Sunday, July 27, with round two of Smackdown!, the annual contest between the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds and the BRP Modified Tour. Each night, gates will open at 4 p.m., practice will commence at 6:30, and racing at 7.
All six divisions will participate in Saturday’s program. Thus, the 410 Sprint Cars will top the card, campaigning for Luxaire Heating & Cooling and McCrudden Heating & Supply. Their racing siblings, the Bonnell’s Rod Sop Outlaw Sprint Warriors will also be in action. The Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds will tune up for the big event on Sunday, as will the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, and the Rock Concrete Modified Lites. The Mini Stocks will make their lone appearance on behalf of Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. These will be full point events, so the racers will be fighting for every position to improve their title hopes.
One driver whose championship aspirations may have been dashed is Jack Sodeman, Jr. The Sprint Car veteran from North Jackson, OH sustained yet another injury while competing at another area speedway. Under track rules, though, points could still be awarded to his car number if another driver were to sit in for him. So, you will want to be in the house to see if a substitute will fill in.
Eric Williams, currently second in the standings, is in the best position to capitalize on Sodeman’s misfortune. Williams comes into this event well rested following his recent marriage and honeymoon. And he has momentum on his side, too, for he won the week before the happy event. Things won’t be easy, though, as a host of talented drivers will challenge Williams for the win.
Jimmy Morris will look to build on his successes in the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, as will Kyle Fink in the 358 Modifieds. Similarly, George Englert and Mike McConnell will lead their respective classes, the Modified Lites and Mini Stocks, onto the speedway.
Can anybody stop trusty Rusty Moore? The New Castle Stock Car ace is closing in on his fourth straight points championship. He came from behind to register yet another win two weeks ago. He will start last once again due to his current wining streak.
Regular event ticket pricing will apply for Saturday’s program. So, for only $13, adults will be admitted, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. Children (8 and under) will be free of charge. The Family Pass will be $28, and that will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $25.
SmackdownSunday night, of course, marks the return of the Big Block Modifieds. Can Lonny Riggs do it again? He defeated the touring series on July 12 with his Mercer-legal 358 Modified. Or, will somebody else step forward to carry the flag for the Mercer faithful? The Big Block stars will try to regain control of the Park. Three dozen of the region’s best racers were on hand two weeks ago, and several more are expected this time around.
The Penn Ohio Pro Stock Championship Series will make its debut on Sunday, too. This new venture brings together the best competitors from Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio operating under the more liberal Open Stock rules. Can one of the invaders knock off Rusty Moore?
The Outlaw Sprint Warriors will battle for a winner’s share of $1,000, so there may be some unfamiliar faces pitside for Sunday’s contest. The Modified Lites will round out the card.
Special event ticket pricing will apply for Sunday’s racing. Adult admission will be $15, seniors $13, and students $7. The Family Pass will be $32 that night,and the Pit Pass will be $30.
If you cannot attend this weekend, August 2 will be another Saturday Night Live! event. Plus, there ill be bike races for the children, sponsored by Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Approved Toilet Rentals. Then, on August 9, the track will honor one of its favorites, the late Putsy Kekich. This will be the first race held in his honor. You won’t want to miss that one.
You can stay on top of the racing action at the Park with your favorite social media. You can also get live feeds from the electronic timing and scoring sent straight to your electronic devices.
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.