Mercer, PA (July 31, 2013): With just a handful of point-paying events left on the docket, competitors at Mercer Raceway Park will be fighting for every position possible. And, in the track’s top two classes, it will be even tougher to score valuable points, as special events on August 17 and 24 will elminate those programs from the calculations. But, this Saturday, each of the six exiting divisions will lay it all on the line! Plus, there will be bike races for the children, courtesy of Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Approved Toilet Rentals.
Eric Williams, of Greenville, is looking for his second title in the 410 Sprints. If he can maintain his advantage, his crown will be supplied by Luxaire Heating & Cooling, New Wilmington Motors, and Ralph Butch, Inc. Jack Sodeman, Jr. is just 13 points behind, but he will miss several races due to injuries sustained last weekend at another area speedway. Because points are awarded to the car owner, a substitute driver could try to keep Sodeman in the hunt. Otherwise, it will be up to Scott Priester to knock Williams off his throne.
While the top three drivers have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, other spots in the top ten are still hotly contested. For example, Dan Kuriger leads Adam Kekich by just seven markers in the battle for fourth. The next five spots could also switch hands if anyone gets hot, or encounters some misfortune. Chris Best currently ranks sixth, with Bob McMillin, Rod George, Gale Ruth, Jr., and John McCracken all within range.
Mercer’s Frankie Guidace is back on top of the standings in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, and he wants to stay there for the rest of the season. He has 95 points over Kyle Fink, but the younger pilot has a two recent wins, so maybe he can reel in the former champion. Jeff Schaffer, J.R. McGinley, Jimmy Holden, and Lonny Riggs are next in line Max Smoker and Makayla Guidace are separated by only four points in their contest for sixth, and Matt Reeher and Shawn Fleeger are close behind them!
Michael Bauer, the favorite son of Clarion, is searching for his first championship in the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, presented by Bonnell’s Collision Center. C.J. Jones, Joe McEwen. and Jimmy Morris could still play a role in the final weeks of the point season. Andy Feil sits in fifth.
New Castle’s Rusty Moore has a commanding lead in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, but Andy Thompson and Curtis Bish are wrestling for second honors. Further back, Garrett Calvert and Leigh Wheeler are having a tussle for fourth.
Shane Pfeuffer is another driver who has a substantial lead. The Rochester pilot leads the Modified Lite division. The Bova brothers, Cody and Jacob, rank ahead of Bill Stivason. Cory Webb and Josh Deems are tied for fifth. This class is ponsored by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete.
Like Moore in the Stocks, Jamey Lee appears to have a lock on the Mini Stocks. Running second to the Fairmont City driver is Tyler Fulton, with Steve Longwell, Sr., Rudy Troples, and Pete Blazak rounding out the top five. Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles are the benefactors for the Minis.
The gates will open at 4 p.m. this Saturday, with practice starting at 6:30, and racing at 7.
Regular event ticket pricing will apply. So, adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (ages 9-15) for $7. Children (ages 8 and under) will be free. Family Passes are $28, and they are good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $25.
On August 10, the FASTRAK Pro Late Models have been added to the card. They will be in action along with all of the other regular classes. Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC will be presenting sponsor for that night.
The following week, Schaeffer’s Oil Company will offer the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour. Then, on August 24, the UNOH All Stars will return for the 24th Annual Western PA Sprint Car Championship!
Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track’s website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the 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.