Mercer, PA (April 23, 2013): Saturday Night Live! racing action will start on April 27. Gates will open at 4 p.m., with racing to start at 7 p.m. Competitors and fans alike cannot wait for the points chase to begin, as weeks of bad weather kept everybody on hold.
Brandon Spithaler will be gunning for his third straight opening night victory in the 410 Sprint Car class, which is now sponsored by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors. Eric Williams, the defending Sprint Car champion, will try to break that streak. Plenty of other top drivers are expected!
Can Frankie Guidace get back on track in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds? He would just as soon forget about the 2012 season, as a series of mechanical problems kept him and his daughter, Makayla, out of action for most of the year. Frankie’s arch rival, Jimmy Holden, will also be ready to stake his claim for another point championship.
The weather delays had to please Joe McEwen, defending champion in the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Smokin’ Joe wrecked his car competing at another area speedway recently and the extra time off no doubt helped him to regroup. Jimmy Morris, C.J. Jones, and others will be ready to challenge the veteran for top honors.
Rusty Moore already has one race under his belt at the Park, but he’s hoping to improve upon his disappointing sixth place run at the Chiller Thriller. Moore was dominant until a gremlin sent him to the pits for repairs. Joe Kelley has made several starts, including one at Mercer, but he has yet to go to victory lane. Could this be the week he does? The rest of the Precise Racing Products Stock Car will try to keep them both in check.
Mark Marcucci hopes to pick right up where he left off in the Modified Lites, presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Cenetr and Rock Concrete. Marcucci had his run of things with 2011 champion Darrin Gallagher recouperating from a shoulde injury for most of last season.
The Mini Stocks will carry the colors for Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and ray’s racing Collectibles in 2013. Steve Longwell, Jr. will try again for family bragging rights, as his father, Steve Sr., and brother-on-law, Joel Wisser, will challenge him.
General admission for the exciting six division program will be just $13 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+) and $5 for students (ages 9+). Children 8 and under will be free, as usual. The economical Family Pass will be $28 and that will be good for up to two adults and four minors. Pit passes will be $25.
For the May 4 program, the Mini Stocks have been added. The 602 Crate Modified class will compete separately if there are enough cars for this start-up effort. If registrations are low, those cars will be allowed to race against the 358 Modifieds.
Remember that alerts regarding any cancellation of the racing activity can be sent to your smart phone or other electronic devices. Just go to the track website and click on the icon for RainedOut.com and follow the easy steps to sign up.
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.