Mercer, PA (May 14, 2013): Racing will resume this Saturday, May 18, at Mercer Raceway Park. It will be the third round in the championship fights in all divisions. And, because of last week’s inclement weather, the special presentation of a motorized all-terrain wheelchair to Cowboy Brian Steinman will take place at intermission time.
Brandon Spithaler and Danny Holtgraver copped the wins in the pair of 410 Sprint Car mains staged for Luxaire Heating & Cooling and New Wilmington Motors. However, Jack Sodeman, Jr. has the early points lead due to his consistent finishes. Scott Priester is just a single marker behind, while defending champion Eric Williams and Dan Kuriger are within striking distance of the leader. Bill Jones, Jr. holds down fifth in the standings. Others in the top ten include Adam Kekich, Chris Best, Bob McMillen, Brandon Matus and Dennis Wagner.
With one win under his belt, Lonny Riggs has a ten point margin over Andy Paden in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. J.R. McGinley, Jeff Schaffer and Frank Guidace complete the top five. Matt Reeher, Kyle Fink, Makayla Guidace, Tommy Marshall, III and Eric Beggs are just some of the other pilots who will be fighting for the win. Despite winning opening night, Gary Smoker is outside the top ten in points, as he skipped round two.
In the Bonnel’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Michael Bauer leads the way over defending champion Joe McEwen. Jason Scoville, Greg Dobrosky and Jacob Lagastee are close behind them. Top runners Jim Morris and C.J. Jones need a little good luck to climb back into contention. Tom Sanders, Andy Feil, and New Yorker Chris Graves round out the top ten. Feature wins in 2013 belong to Bauer and Scoville.
There have been three different winners in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, points leader Bob Schwartzmiller, defending champ Rusty Moore and invader Chris Schneider. Resting in third place in the standings is Andy Thompson. Leigh Wheeler and Curtis Bish are fourth and fifth.
Tyler Frankenberry and Cody Bova have captured the two victories in the Modified Lites presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete, so it is no surprise that they lead the way in that division. Shane Pfeuffer is on the hunt for his first track championship and he’s currently ranking third. Veteran Bill Stivason and Cory Webb are fourth and fifth. Darin Gallagher, a former champion, is in sixth place so far.
Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles are the proud sponsors of the Mini Stocks. Jamey Lee, with a single win, is at the head of the class. Defending champion Steve Longwell, Jr., Mike McConnell, Tyler Fulton and Dan Bish could move up in the rankings with a top finish or two. The other winner in 2013 was Jerry Batcher.
Gates will open at 4, with practice at 6:30 and racing at 7. Come out early to grab your favorite seats!
For the Saturday Night Live! racing program, adults will be admitted for $13, seniors (age 60+) for $11, and students (ages 9-18) for $5. Children (ages 8 and under) are always free. The popular Family Pass will be $28, which is good for two adults and four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $25.
Coming up over the Memorial Day weekend will be a pair of special events. The B.O.S.S. wingless Sprint Cars will take to the oval on Saturday, May 25, along with five other classes. Then, on Sunday, May 26, the pulling pit will feature the All-American Spring Nationals World Championship Pulling event. The pull will have a raindate of May 27.
Remember that alerts regarding any cancellations at Mercer Raceway Park can be sent directly to your smart phones or other electronic devices. Just go to the track’s website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, and click on the icon for RainedOut.com. In just a few simple steps, you will get the information you need to know before you go!
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.