Mercer, PA (August 13, 2013): It will be a battle royal in the Modifed ranks this Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park, as the BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour invades the speedway for its annual Smackdown! with the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. The 358 drivers are ready to defend their home turf against the touring Big Blocks, and several times one of the fan favorites finished in the top five against the more potent machines. But, believe it or not, not once in the history of this contest has a Mercer regular graced victory lane! Maybe this will be the year for the 358 drivers to bully the big boys around.
Frank Guidace, the current points leader in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified division, is one of those drivers who has been in the top five at the Park with his 358 Modified. Guidace has lots of experience racing against the Big Blocks with his Mercer-legal car, having competed often at Lernerville Speedway last season. But, Guidace also has a “big” Small Block car in his stable, so part of the intrigue will be seeing which car comes rolling out of his trailer Saturday evening. Will Guidace remain faithful to the cause?
Several other Mercer regulars have crossed over to race against the Big Blocks, too. Kyle Fink, Jeff Schaffer, J.R. McGinley, Jimmy Holden, Lonny Riggs, Shawn Fleeger, and Gary Smoker have all done battle with them from time to time. Indeed, Riggs and Smoker have scored Modified Tour wins in the past, but never at Mercer. Can one of them carry the colors this week?
Leading the touring Mods will be Chad Brachmann, who, ironically, is using a 358 powerplant himself. Brachmann has already won Modified Tour events at Lernerville Speedway, Eriez Speedway, and Wayne County Speedway so far this season. He’s not the only visiting driver who has a foot in both camps, as Kevin Hoffman, Joe Kubiniec, Rick Richner, and Ron Cartwright are other tour regulars using the smaller engines. Randy Chrysler, a part-time competitor with the series, has also used his small block on occasion. If one of them were to score, the Mod squad will claim the win.
Rest assured, however, there will be plenty of Big Blocks on hand. You will hear the throaty roar come from the cars of five-time Modified Tour champion Rex King, Sr., and his son, Rex King, Jr. Dave Murdick, Jeremiah Shingledecker, Brad Rapp, Mike Turner, Carl Murdick, and Jim Rasey are just a few more who will rely on their Big Blocks to power around the Mercer oval.
Because this is a special event for the Modifieds, the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifed drivers who compete will not accumulate any points toward the season championship. However, the other three track classes in action will earn points.
Michael Bauer, the current leader in the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors, saw his advantage shrink to just 23 points over C.J. Jones and 25 points over Jimmy Morris. And, defending champion Joe McEwen is now only 38 points out of first place after his win last weekend. So, you know that these four drivers will be scrapping for every position through the night of racing. Andy Feil, Mike Miller, Jacob Lagestee, Rob Felix, Chris Matthews, and Jacob Gomola will be just a few of the other drivers who will mix it up with them.
Rusty Moore and Jamey Lee lead their respective divisions by more than 200 points. Moore is gunning for his third straight title in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars, while Lee is looking for his first in the Mini Stocks, presented by Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking and Ray’s Racing Collectibles. Both drivers will face stiff competition, however.
In addition, the PA Vintage Modifeds will be on hand. There will be Coupes and Sedans; Gremlins and Pintos; and more. Many of these older cars will be on display before they take to the track, so you will be able to get a close look at these classics!
This must-see program is made possible by Schaeffers Oil Co.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. Come out early to get your favorite seats.
Special event ticket pricing will be in effect for this race. Adult general admission will be $15, seniors (60+) will come in for $13, and students (ages 9-15) for $7. The economical Family Pass will be just $32, and that will be good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will be $30.
Remember that the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions will make their second and final appearance at Mercer Raceway Park on August 24. That will be the 24th Annual Western PA Sprint Championship. Circle that date on your racing calendars!
Remember, too, 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.