|
Mike Leone
MERCER, Penn. (July 29) - Mercer Raceway Park will be back in action this Saturday night, August 2 with another five-division racing card of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks with racing beginning at 7 p.m. It's Trinity Living Center of Grove City and M&M Insurance Group Corp. Night.
A huge night is in store, as the evening will open up with the July 12 Sprint Car make-up feature. Fresh off his season's first win last Friday night at Thunder Mountain Speedway, Gale Ruth, Jr. will lead the field to green. The Pleasantville, Pa. driver won his first career feature last year at Mercer on July 21 then backed that up later in the year with a win at Sportsman's Speedway.
During intermission, fans will be able to come onto the speedway to see all of the cars and drivers in this second and final "Meet Your Heroes" Autograph Night presented by Duke Whiting for PA State Representative - 17th District. New marketing partner, Trinity Living Center of Grove City, will be providing 300 autograph books for the fans.
Saturday's promotion is Free Shenango Valley Night presented by Three Rivers Aggregates, who recently provided the 600 tons of new clay. All residents of Sharon, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Sharpsville, Farrell, and Wheatland and their accompany children will be admitted free into the grandstands by showing proper ID.
"We have many loyal fans from the Shenango Valley," acknowledged 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "It's just a short 10 to 15 minute drive down Route 62. There are a lot of people in the Shenango Valley and this new promotion should attract new fans to the Park as well. We haven't had one nice night this year yet without a chance of rain, but early indications call for a beautiful weekend. With a nice forecast Saturday we should have a large turnout from the Shenango Valley."
Saturday is also the June 21 rescheduled "Racing for a Cure" - American Cancer Society Benefit Event held in conjunction with the Mercer County Relay for Life. All cancer survivors will be admitted free into the grandstands. Every competing race car has had the ability to race in memory of support of cancer victim for $50 and the ability to raise $10 sponsorships with all the monies going to the American Cancer Society.
FASTRAK Late Model drivers Brian Booher and Mike Anderson (Jr.), Modified driver Matt Howsare, and Mini Stock driver Ed Haylett have gone above and beyond the call raising over $2,500 in total. The Rhodes Family led by Famous are putting up $1,000 in various sponsorships in memory of the great Paul Rhodes and his Cloud-9 racer.
"The response has been overwhelming for this event," acknowledged 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "The Mercer County Relay for Life contacted me in the winter about donations for their Chinese Auction and a few conversations later this night was put together and announced at our banquet in January. It was a shame the night got rained out back in June, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise if we get a nice night like they are predicting and can raise additional monies. We've already raised around $7,500 for the American Cancer Society in fighting this disease that has effected so many loved ones. Even though we mentioned some names, we don't want to diminish the efforts of everyone that has helped with this event."
Any driver still wishing to sponsor their car that hasn't done so, is urged to call the office at 724-964-9300 so that their information can be prepared ahead of time for Saturday.
Current point leaders are Rod George (Kittanning, Pa.)-Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace (Mercer, Pa.)-Modifieds & FASTRAK Late Models, Todd Canter (Warren, Ohio)-Mod Lites, and Dan McEwen (Mercer, Pa.)-Mini Stocks.
Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 4:30. Warm ups begin at 6:15 and racing begins at 7. For all others, adult admission is $11, students 6-15 are $5, the Family Pass is $25, and kids five and under are free. Pit passes are $25.
Remember to circle your calendars for Friday, September 5 as last Saturday's "Open Wheel Shootout"/Bill Emig Memorial presented by FireDEX of Butler returns as a complete new program.
Mercer Raceway Park is located just minutes from both Interstates 79 & 80 just off Route 19 at 555 Fairground Road, Mercer, PA. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com or call the office at 724-964-9300. For information on race day, call the track at 724-662-1310
|
