Mercer, PA (May 5, 2012): Once again, the veteran drivers showed the way at Mercer Raceway Park. Rod George, of Kittanning, scored the win in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, while Frank Guidace, of Mercer, dominated the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Russell Byler made his season debut a successful one, as he was victorious in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. Guy Griffin topped the Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Mark Marcucci led the way in the Modifed Lites presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete. The Ministock nightcap went to Jerry Bratcher.
The Kittanning Comet, Rod George, took advantage of a restart on lap 16 to overtake Scott Priester, who led from the start of the 25 lap affair. George followed Priester into turn one, but rocketed off turn two. George’s momentum carried him into the lead as the pair entered turn three. “My wife always gives me hell every night for sleeping on the restarts, so I decided to make it count tonight,” the happy winner said.
Priester looked to be the class of the field in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprints for the first fifteen laps. Even George agreed. “Scott was running a super race, if it would not have been for that yellow, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have gotten around him.”
Priester swept into the lead at the drop of the green and he held off a challenge from Pete Miller, III, who was looking for a weekend double to celebrate his birthday.
Priester stretched his lead as he encountered traffic on lap eight. Meanwhile, George worked past Miller and took off after his pal. Priester was able to maintain his advantage as they negoitiated through the slower cars.
The 16th lap was problemmatic for more than Priester, however. The caution that set up George’s winning move eliminated the fourth and fifth place cars of Jimmy Light and Broc Martin. Their misfortune moved Eric “Turkey” Williams and Bob Felmlee closer to the front.
Williams took advantage of his opportunity, passing Miller in the waning laps to take third.
At the checkers, it was George over Priester, Williams, Miller and Felmlee.
The sixth spot went to Jason Dolick. Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus and Rob Chaney completed the top ten.
Heat wins for the 24 car field went to Felmlee, Priester and Chaney. The B Main winner was Craig Folmar.
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Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: Rod George, Scott Priester, Eric Williams, Pete Miller, III, Bob Felmlee, Jason Dolick, Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus, Rob Chaney, Brent Matus, Lee Jacobs, Jimmy Light, Brian Steinman, Adam Kekich, Craig Folmar, Nathan Skaggs, Russ Sansosti, Adam Anderson, Broc Martin. DNQ: Gale Ruth, Sr., John MCCracken, Jr., Chris Best, Andy Priest (DQ).