Mercer, PA: Saturday’s UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car race at Mercer Raceway Park will be like a homecoming. The series, founded in Western Pennsylvania by area businessman Bud Miller, and others, has long roots in the region. Back in the day, the series consisted of mid-week hundred lap races for Sprint Cars, and Mercer was one of the tour stops from the very beginning. The first UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions Champion was hometown favorite, Ralph Quarterson, one of the greatest ever to slide behind the wheel of a Sprinter. Times have changed, and now a UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions feature goes for thirty breath-taking laps!
But there is one constant. Successive generations of UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions heroes hailed from Western PA, including Hall of Fame driver Brad Doty and current NASCAR star Dave Blaney. Among the contemporary UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions are current champion, Tim Shaffer, of Aliquippa, and former champion, Dale Blaney, of Fowler, OH. And, the younger set is well represented by Danny Holtgraver, of Pittsburgh, and Pete Miller, III, of Port Vue.
The home team, the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, will be led by former UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions travelers Rod George, who won last week’s feature, and Bob Felmlee, the defending track champion.
Also expected to compete are Ed Lynch, Jr. and Brian Ellenberger, both of whom have won on the road with the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions, and in their own back yards, here at the Park.
All of the other Mercer talents will be on hand, such as Brent and Brandon Matus, Brandon Spithaler, Eric Williams, and many more. Other visitors expected include Lee Jacobs and Rob Chaney, both of whom were testing the waters last weekend, and Cap Henry, who was victorious last season at the Park.
Saturday’s race will be the first of two visits for the UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions, who swept both programs last season. Can the home team even up the score? You won’t want to miss this rematch.
Joining the powerful 410 Sprints will be their cousins, the TI22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors. The Precise Racing Products Stock Cars and the Mini Stocks will complete the racing card.
Racing starts at 7 p.m., and front gates will open at 4. The weather forecast calls for warm and sunny conditions, so come out early to get your favorite seats.
Special event ticket prices will be in effect. Adults will be admitted for $23, seniors for $21, and students for just $9. Children 8 and under are always admitted free. The Family Pass will cost $48, and that will be good for two adults and up to four children of any age. Pit passes will be just $35.
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 outwww.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, orwww.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.