Mercer, PA (August 28, 2012): Mercer Raceway Park will host its final Sprint Car special of the 2012 season this Saturday, September 1, when the Patriot Sprint Tour comes to town! The program will include the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center/Rock Concrete Modified Lites and Mini Stocks. This unique event will be presented courtesy of Bonnell’s Collision Center and Bonnell’s Auto Sales. Fans will remember that Scott Bonnell was a track regular and a proponent of 360 Sprint Car racing before suffering career-ending injuries in an accident at a New York track.
Mercer Raceway Park will be the southern-most stopping point for the Patriot Sprint Tour, which is based in the Empire State of New York. Nonetheless, plenty of travelers are expected, as the series will be making another Keystone State appearance before heading back across the border.
Bryan Howland, a four-time Patriot champion, currently leads the series standings. Behind him, there is a close battle for second involving Scott Kreutter and Tim Kelly. Tom Wickham and George Suprick round out the top five. They will all battle tooth and nail for precious points!
Dr. Steve Collins is expected to have his car repaired and ready for action after taking a spill in last week’s Western Pennsylvania Championship, which was won by Daryn Pittman. Plus, the most recent series winner, Justin Barger, should be on hand.
Mike Lutz, the popular pilot of Jim Chappell’s 410 Sprint, will bring his own 360 Sprint in an effort to defend the home turf. Everything that he earns with that machine is used to support Autism research and to bring awareness to Autism.
In addition, Adam Anderson, of Meadville, will also be racing against the touring drivers. He is also graciously making his shop available for the Patriot drivers in case they need to make repairs before their next event.
Jimmy Morris, hot off his win in the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, will be looking to narrow the gap in the championship points even further. He currently sits behind leader Joe McEwen and Rob Felix. Another top finish will set him up nicely for the double points event coming up on September 8.
Rusty Moore will look to pad his points lead in his quest for a second title in the highly competitive Stock Car class. Rob Curtis, Mark Marcucci and Steve Longwell, Jr. will also be trying to do the same in the 358 Modifieds, Modified Lites and Mini Stocks, respectively.
The Kids Bike races will take place on Spetember 1, courtesy of Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Approved Toilet Rentals. All children must have helmets to be able to compete. All children will get free milk, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess. Plus, Coca-Cola will presnt a free bicycle to a lucky child in the stands.
Were that not enough, the first 100 fans passing through the gates will all get a free mug, courtesy of Pizza Joe’s and Mercer Raceway Park!
The gates will open at 4 p.m., and racing will start at 7 p.m.
The special event ticket pricing will be in effect for this program. Adult admission will be $15, seniors $13, and students $7. Children ages 8 and under are free, as always. A family can enjoy this holiday race for $32. Their pass will be good for two adults and up to four minors. Pit passes will be $30.
If you cannot make it to the track this weekend, the Park will present Saturday Night Live! racing on September 8. There will be double points that night in all six divisions, and the track championships WILL be decided that night. You won’t want to miss the thrilling climax to regular season action. There will be plenty of other promotions as well, including American Cancer Society night, and the annual Meet Your Heroes meet and greet session! A special guest is also expected. Cowboy Brian Steinman will be back at the track for the first time since his accident at another area speedway.
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.