Mercer, PA (May 28, 2013): Mercer Raceway Park will present a tripleheader of Sprint Car racing to kick off the month of June. For the first time in the illustrious history of the speedway, three different classes of Sprint Cars will be in action on the same night! June 1 will be the only time that fans can see them all.
To the casual observer, the three types of Sprints may all look the same, but the principal difference comes in the size of the engines powering them. The track’s two regular classes of Sprints fall into the 410 and 305 cubic inch displacements. The cars of the traveling series have 360 cubic inch engines. But, regardless of the size of the engines, all three classes produce plenty of excitement on the track.
“We really have to thank Scott Bonnell because, without him, this unique program would not have been possible for the fans to enjoy,” said track manager Frank Benic. In additiion to being the title sponsor for the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Bonnel’s auto repair business is paying the way for the New York based 360 Sprint tour to visit the tricky third mile.
Scott Priester and Eric Williams will be among the talented drivers campaigning their 410 Sprints under the twin banners of Luxaire Heating & Cooling and new Wilmington Motors. Priester took advantage of WIlliams’ misfortune when the class last appeared at the Park. Williams had control of the race until a shunt with a lapped car knocked his nose wing askew. Priester was able to pass Williams in turns one and two when the race restarted with just one lap to go. Jack Sodeman, Jr., Dan Kuriger, Chris Best, Adam Kekich, Rod George, and Brent and Brandon Matus are just a few of the others who will challenge for the win.
Brandon Spithaler, who just claimed his second win of the season (one with and one without the wings), is also expected. Because his Tom Burkey owned traditional sprinter had a 360 powerplant under the hood, it is possible that he may do double duty by adding wings to that car. Another driver who could take to the track in two classes may be Mike Miller, who has 410 and 305 Sprints at his disposal. Likewise, Skip Daugherty could bring two cars to the track. Daugherty has been an infrequent competitor at the track in 410 and 305 competition. But, will any racer dare to take on all three divisions?
Several different drivers have gone to victory lane in the Bonnell’s Collision Center Outlaw Sprint Warriors in 2013. Defending track champion Joe McEwen, rookie of the year C.J. Jones, Cavalcade champion Jimmy Morris, and the college boy Michael Bauer, have already garnered the checkers. In fact, Morris was the most recent visitor to victory lane. But Jacob Lagestee and Andy Feil are two others who have shown promise in recent outings, so they could claim a win anytime soon.
The Patriot Sprint Tour will bring a full contingent of winged 360 Sprints to the Park, as the event is the second leg of a Western Weekend. Points leader Bryan Howland has one series win to his credit, but the most recent victories went to Jared Zimbardi and Scott Kreutter. Justin Barger and Steven Poirier have the other Patriot wins in 2013. Others expected to enter the event are George Suprick, a former Patriots champion, Tommy Wickham, Geoff Quackenbush,Clint Ide, Brad Knab and Derek Jonathan.
Mercer’s favorite son, Mike Lutz, scored a win against the Patriots back in 2003, and he does have a 360 powerplant in his own Sprinter. Will he be ready to defend the home again? Other Mercer Raceway Park wins with the series belong to Dave Ely, in 2004, and Jamie Martin, in 2005.
In addition to all of these Sprints, three of Mercer Raceway Park’s weekly divisions will be in action. J.R. McGinley will be looking to score again in the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Cody Bova will try to make it three in a row in the Modified Lites offered by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete. Wally Stearns will also try to give his favorite passenger, Spongebob, another ride to victory lane in the Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking/Ray’s Racing Collectibles Mini Stocks.
Gates will open at 4, with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7. Come out early to get your favorite seats.
All of this winged Sprint Car action, and more, will be yours for the low, low price of $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $7 for students. The Family Pass will be $32 and the Pit Passes will be $30. Please remember that this promotion was made possible by Bonnell’s Collision Center.
If you cannot make it to Mercer Raceway Park on June 1 for this one-of-a-kind event, the speedway will host an exciting six-division Saturday Night Live! racing program the following week.
Alerts regarding any cancellation of racing at the Park can be sent directly to your smart phones or other electronic devices. Just go to the track’s website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the simple steps to register.
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.