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Mike Leone
MERCER, Penn. (April 16) - After the second cancellation in three weeks, Mercer Raceway Park is set to kickoff the "Saturday Night Live" five-division opener of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and M&D Paving Mini Stocks this Saturday night, April 19 with racing at 7 p.m. It's the first of five $10 Family Nights presented by new marketing partner Auto Service Express and promotional partner Armstrong.
"We're hoping for a break for Mother Nature so we can get our weekly program underway," stated 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "This is our first promotion of the year and what a way to bring your entire family out to see the debut of the FASTRAK Late Models, the return of Jimmy Hawley in the Sprint Cars, plus our Modifieds, Mod Lites, and our growing Mini Stocks. Our $10 Family Nights have been great for us as we attract so many new people and those that otherwise may have not been able to attend. Every year our numbers grow so we're again doing these once per month beginning Saturday."
Luxaire Heating & Cooling returns for the seventh time in the past eight seasons to headline the Sprint Car division. A strong field of Sprint Cars is expected headed by 2005 & 2007 champion Rod George, who will embark on his hunt for his third track championship. Fresh off a sixth place run at Attica Raceway Park, 2006 champion Bob Felmlee is expected in competition along with Brian Ellenberger, who set fast time with the All Stars at Attica on April 5 and is currently sixth in points. Last week the announcement was made that Jimmy Hawley will make his return to racing after a five-year absence to drive the Jeff and Bonnie Rudzik #49. Other top runners like Arnie Kent, Rob Eyler, Scott Bonnell, Mike Lutz, and Danny Holtgraver are expected to challenge for the win.
The long-awaited debut of the FASTRAK Late Models will finally happen on Saturday. Fans got a taste of the division last year on July 4 when Dick Barton won the $5,000 Touring special. This year, for the first time since 1974, Late Models will be a weekly attraction at Mercer. The class, which utilizes affordable GM 604 or 602 engines and long-lasting Goodyear Tires, will be sponsored by McElwain Motors and will be featured in heat races and a 20-lap feature. Saturday's event is expected to draw a strong field of cars for the first race in the region in 2008.
Tire Express moves their sponsorship dollars to the Modified division in 2008. This season will mark year number four for the 358 small-block division, which always boasts competitive, wheel-to-wheel racing. Garrett Krummert of New Castle, Pa. is the defending track champion, but is still in search of his first career Modified win. Frank Guidace will be doing double duty this year as the 2006 champion will also be competing in FASTRAK Late Model racing for the first time ever.
The Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites will begin their second year of weekly competition. Rod Jones of West Middlesex, Pa. left little doubt that he's the man to beat after coming off his championship season, which included 10 wins at Mercer alone. Even though Jones won the majority of the races, there were eight other feature winners and all of the class' top competitors are expected back. The Mod Lites averaged nearly 23 cars per night.
The M&D Paving Mini Stocks will return with many new racers expected. Last year, the Mini Stocks were a weekly attraction for the first time sine 1982. Last year's opening night saw just one car in competition, but the season ended with 27 cars at the Little Guy Nationals. The Mini Stocks got an early start last Saturday as Chris Myers, a 15-year-old racer from Knox, Pa., won the non-point event. Defending champion, Mike Anderson, has made the jump up to the FASTRAK Late Models so there will be a new champion in 2008.
Adult admission is still just $11 and the Family Pass, which included mom, dad, and up and as many kids 15 and under is $10 this week. Students 6-15 are $5 and children five and under are free. Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the grandstands at 4:30. Hot laps will take to the track at 6:15 with heat races beginning at 7 p.m.
Mercer Raceway Park is 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 late March through September. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.
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