Mercer, PA (June 24, 2014): The Mid-Season Championships at Mercer Raceway Park were filled with thrills and spills as racers fought hard for every position on the speedway. In three of the track’s six classes, outstanding performances put new drivers at the top of the point standings, while, in the other three divisions, the leaders stretched their advantages. The competitors will square off again on June 28 for another round of Saturday Night Live! racing action. There will be an added attraction, though, as the Vintage Modified racers will also be on hand. Gates will open at 4 p.m., and the fun will start at 7 p.m.
Jack Sodeman, Jr., from North Jackson, OH, drove to victory in the 410 Sprint Cars, presented by Luxaire Heating & Cooling and McCrudden’s Heating & Supply. This achievement moved him ahead of Brandon Matus in the rankings. Eric Williams remains third, and he was one of the drivers who excited the crowd last weekend. While challenging Sodeman for command in the feature, Williams went over the wheel of a slower car and got airborne. Surprisingly, Williams maintained control of his car when it landed, and he continued on for a top five finish. Rod George was back in competition after crashing hard two weeks ago, and he currently sits fourth in the standings. Adam Kekich, a recent winner, rounds out the top five. Scott Priester, Brent Matus, Dan Kuriger, and John McCracken, Jr. come next. And, divisional rookie A.J. Flick just cracked the top ten.
There is a new name atop the list of drivers in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, too. Jimmy Holden, of Tiona, finished third last time out, but that was good enough to push him above Kyle Fink, wh led from the start of the season. Fink had a difficult outing, as he was in an unfamiliar car. His machine was wrecked during the Auto Racers for Kids charity program. Interestingly, the car that he drove was supplied by Holden, in a fine gesture of good sportsmanship. He took it to victory at another area speedway on Sunday, so maybe Fink can regain the top spot soon. Eric Gabany, J.R. McGinley, and Frankie Guidace also rank in the first five. Lonny Riggs, Shawn Fleeger, Makayla Guidace, Rich Whitney, and Shayne Izzo complete the top ten.
In the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors, winner Jimmy Morris, of Fowler, OH, surpassed Andy Feil in the championship contest. Feil fell back into a tie with divisional rookie George Hobaugh, Jr., who is a threat every time he goes to the post. C.J. Jones, a protege of Jack Sodeman, rides in fourth, with Cody Bova in fifth. Mike Marano, II, Evan Kornbau, Eric L. Williams, and Devin Litwiler are in positions six through nine. Michael Bauer remains in the top ten despite missing several weeks of action.
New Castle’s Trusty Rusty Moore now leads Pat Fielding by more than a hundred points. Moore snagged his fourth Mid-Season Championship in a row, and he is gunning for his fourth points championship as well. Leigh Wheeler, Curtis J. Bish, and William Hurrelbrink occupy spots in the top five. Bob Schwartzmiller closed within five markers of Hurrelbrink. Ryan Moyer, Curtis L. Bish, Gary Miller, Jr., and Josh Eakman make up the remainder of the top ten.
Big George Englert took command of the Rock Concrete Modified Lites with his Mid-Season victory. He entered the event tied with defending champ Shane Pfeuffer, who had a bone-jarring crash in his heat race. Pfeuffer put the car together again and got a top ten to stay in second. Jacob Bova now leads Mark Marcucci by five counters. Mike Flockerzi is fifth.
Mike McConnell used his win to solidify his status as the kingpin in the Mini Stock division. He’s going for his first crown that will be presented by Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. He barely edged out Tyler Fulton in the Mid-Season tilt. Caleb Hickok, Todd Gabriel, and Steve Longwell, Jr. ran in the top five last week, and you can expect them to be near the front every time out. Stop down to the pits and check out the cool new T shirts for Trooper Tim Callahan.
Fans longing for a glimpse of racing during the “good old days” will have their wishes fulfilled on Saturday evening when the Vintage Modifieds take to the track. Several of these cars have pre-war coupe or sedan body styles, while others have cut down Pinto, Gremlin or Vega skins. Make no mistake, though, this is not just an exhibition. The racers will give it their all to get the the checkers first.
Regular event ticket pricing will apply. The adult admission price is just $13, while seniors (60+) will gain entry for $11 and students (9-15) for $5. Children (8 and under) are free. Two adults and up to four minors of any age can use the economical Family Pass. Pit Passes will be $25.
Parking is free and the speedway offers a variety of food and drinks in its concession stands.
Coming up on July 5 will be Patriot Night with Fireworks presented by Pizza Joe’s. The racing will be another exciting Saturday Night Live! program. Then, on July 12 and 13, the Park will host the BRP Modified Tour for two complete rounds of Modified action. Can the Mercer 358 Modifieds hold their own against the ground pounding Big Blocks? Who will deliver the Smackdown?
You can keep informed of all the racing action going on at the Park with your favorite social media.
Remember that you can get alerts regarding any postponement of racing action at Mercer Raceway Park through Rainedout.com. You can sign up for this free service by clicking on the icon at the track’s website and following the simple 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.