Mercer, PA (April 5, 2012): When Bob Felmlee received the accolades this January for his fifth Sprint Car championship at Mercer Raceway Park, it appeared that there would be a vacancy on the throne. Felmlee had sold all of his equipment and he was still searching for a ride. However, he recently struck a deal with car owner Jim Chappel. So, the reigning points king will return to defend his crown this Saturday when the track plays host to the opening event for the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars.
For just the third time in his illustrious career, Felmlee will be a hired gun. Most of his success came behind the wheel of his own race cars. “It will be different,” Felmlee said. But, he is optimistic that he will work well with his new car owner. “Jim and I are both pretty laid back, so we should get along fine.”
The team will debut a brand new race car this Saturday. It will be a GF-1 chassis, just like the one that Felmlee drove in 2011. The team will choose between Rider and Garrett race engines. “Jim has good stuff, I am excited about the opportunities,” Felmlee said. He was at the shop earlier this week to install his seat and shoulder harness. The crew still has some finishing touches to make, but they will be ready for action when the pit gates open at 4 p.m.
The team of Felmlee and Chappel will focus exclusively on Mercer Raeway Park for the 2012 season. Felmlee wants to deliver a championship for his new car owner.
Felmlee will do battle with Rod George, a former champion at the track, and veterans like Brian Ellenberger and Andy Priest. Young guns like Carl Bowser, Brandon Spithaler and Adam Kekich will also want to make their marks. The father and son team of Brent and Brandon Matus will also be in the hunt.
The Saturday Night Live! racing program will also feature the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, the ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, and the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. The Modified Lites, sponsored by Rock Concrete and Big Daddy’s Speed Center will also be in action. The Mini Stocks will compete in their second event of the new season.
Gates will open at 4 and racing will begin at 7. Come out early to pick your favorite seats!
Tickets will be $13 for Adults, $11 for Seniors and $7 for Students. Children age 8 and under are always free. The economical Family Pass will admit two adults and up to four children of any age.
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.