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Mike Leone
MERCER, Penn. (April 24) - After finally getting the first weekly five-division program in the books last Saturday, albeit not without Mother Nature trying to dampen the spirits with some light showers during the final three features, Mercer Raceway Park will try to complete another "Saturday Night Live" five-division program 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 26 with racing at 7 p.m.
"It's been a struggle with Mother Nature thus far," acknowledged 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "It's taken everything in our power to get two of the first four shows in along with our postponed practice night. What we have gotten in has been successful. It was good to finally get in our first regular show last Saturday night and see all of the families turn out in support of our first of five $10 Family Nights. Frank Benic and his staff did a great job giving the racers an excellent track to race on, which turned out to showcase some intense racing and close finishes. The showers are supposed to wrap up around noon on Saturday with clearing in the afternoon."
It sure hasn't taken Frank Guidace to get used to his new Late Model venture. The Mercer, Pa. driver went out on the April 5 opener and shook down his FASTRAK-legal car with a fifth place finish. Then last Saturday went on to win the first ever FASTRAK weekly-sanctioned event at Mercer leading all 20 laps of the feature. More importantly, Guidace made history becoming the first driver in the 57-year history of the speedway to win in five different divisions. Guidace now not only leads the Mercer points, but also is tied atop the $10,000 to-win National Weekly Point Championship.
Last Saturday's last lap in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars kept fans in suspense and Brian Ellenberger certainly didn't let them down with a thrilling finish when he snatched victory from 21-time 2007 winner Rod George in the final turn to win his fifth career Mercer feature. Though George slammed the wall breaking his rear end, the night wasn't a total loss as he was able to limp across the line in second and combined with his heat race finish puts the Kittanning, Pa. driver atop the standings in search of his third track championship.
One driver that is excited to hit the track Saturday night is Gale Ruth, Jr., who was out of town on work last week. The Pleasantville, Pa. Sprint Car racer really got hot last year winning his first career feature on July 28 before winning two more features at Sportsman's Speedway and has new equipment to start the season.
Gary Smoker took advantage of his pole position random draw starting spot and went on to win for the 42nd time of his career at Mercer in last Saturday's 20-lap Tire Express Modified feature. The hometown driver won his first championship in 2005 and is off to a great start with his 14th career win in the division, which is tops all-time.
Last year, Matt Hay and Eric Hay were Mod Lite winners. Last Saturday night, Mikey Hay of Somerset, Pa. added his name to the win list. Mikey is the brother of Matt and father of Eric. A solid field of 21 cars turned out for the opener despite the threatening weather and in race that was run in light showers that was even delayed shortly. The Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites will be back in action again Saturday night featured in a 15-lap feature.
After a 25-year absence, the Mini Stock division was revived last year as an affordable way to race and the chance for young racers to get started racing. The class has done just that. After starting with one car last year and ending with 27 at the Little Guy Nationals, a great field of 19 cars were on hand last Saturday, which was a regular event record. Chris Myers, 15, of Knox, Pa. has been victorious in both events this season and will look to make it three-in-a-row in Saturday's 12-lap M&D Paving-sponsored feature.
Adult admission is still just $11 and the Family Pass, which included mom, dad, and up to four kids 15 and under still remains at $25. Students 6-15 are $5 and children five and under are free. Pit passes are $25. 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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