RECENT PRESS RELEASES

“KABOOM 150” ENDURO PART OF INAUGURAL “SMALL CAR NATIONAL OPEN” JULY 4

By Mike Leone 

May 15, 2008      

Mercer, PA…After the successful “Jack Frost 150” Enduro held last January, Mercer Raceway Park decided to add a second enduro titled the “KABOOM 150,” which will be held on Friday, July 4 as part of the inaugural “Small Car National Open” presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance.  Also competing on this night will be the STAR’s Championship Mod Lite Tour, INEX Legend Car National Tour, Micro Sprints, and Mini Stocks.  Racing will begin at 6 p.m.

            The “KABOOM 150” will be 150 laps with $1,000 going to the winner and paying down five positions.  Over 40 cars have already signed up.  Those wishing to register can go to www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on rules, and then the Enduro link.  The early entry fee is $50 prior, which includes drivers’ pit pass and their scorer.  After June 23, the entry fee is $100.

            The inaugural “Jack Frost 150” drew 118 cars and was won by former Stock Car racer Leigh Wheeler.  The “Jack Frost 150” will return on Saturday, January 3, 2009. 

            “We’re always looking at trying new things,” explained Vicki Emig.  “People have always asked us to do enduros so after the successful Jack Frost one, we decided to give one a shot in the summertime.  We figured we’d actually try racing with this one.  The Micro Sprints are always wanting to race at Mercer so this is a good date that doesn’t conflict with any other tracks.  The Mod Lites always support the STAR’s shows and it’ll be the first ever appearance by the Legends Cars, which will be a national event.”

            The event will carry a rain date of Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6.  Adult admission for this event is just $7.  Students 6-15 are just $3 and the family pass only $18.  Pit passes are $30.

FREE CRAWFORD COUNTY NIGHT SATURDAY WITH ANOTHER 5-DIVISION RACING CARD FEATURING SPRINTS, MODS, & LATE MODELS

By Mike Leone

May 13, 2008   

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park will return to action this Saturday night, May 17.  The “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 will take to the track with racing at 7 p.m.  It’s AutoMart.com Corp Night.

            This week’s promotion is Free Crawford County Night presented by the Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center and Armstrong.  All residents of Crawford County will be admitted free into the grandstands for general admission by simply presenting ID showing a Crawford County address.  All children 15 and under accompanied by a Crawford County adult will also be admitted free.  The Oncology Wellness Institute is located on Route 322 between downtown Meadville and Conneaut Lake.   

            “This is our third year for Crawford County Night,” stated 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “Last year we doubled 2005’s count and have done lots more promoting and advertising to make people aware this year.  It’s a good area for us to promote to and good way for us to expose our facility to a new audience.  It’s an easy drive down Route 19 or Interstate 79.  We’re thrilled to welcome on the Oncology Wellness Institute as a new marketing partner this year.”

            Scott Bonnell became the third different Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car winner of the year last Saturday.  The Girard, Pa. driver has won three of his five career Mercer “410” wins since returning as a Mercer regular last June.   Meanwhile, Arnie Kent and Rod George are tied atop the points and both are looking for their first wins of the season.  Kent of New Castle, Pa. has still never won a title, but has finished in the top six in points each of the last 11 seasons including five runner-ups.  George is hoping for his third championship in four seasons.

            After going five years without a Modified win, Garrett Krummert of New Castle, Pa. has caught fire with two straight wins.  The defending Tire Express Champion has crept back up the point ladder to fifth after his disqualification for being light on opening night, which was won by Gary Smoker.  The Mercer driver won his first ever championship in 2005 and leads the early points over 2006 champion Frank Guidace, also of Mercer.

            The debut of the FASTRAK Late Models on weekly basis has provided some very competitive racing with their GM engines and Goodyear Tires.  Last week, a season-high 20 cars turned out and it was veteran Stock Car racer Rusty Moore winning his first ever Late Model feature in the 20-lap McElwain Motors-sponsored event to become the third different winner in as many races.  Moore is thrilled to be back racing after a three-year layoff, but trails defending three-time Stock Car Champion Brian Booher of Sandy Lake, Pa. by 19 points.

            The Mod Lites have also seen three different winners.  Last Saturday, defending champion Rod Jones returned to victory lane in the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center-sponsored feature for the first time of the season.  The West Middlesex, Pa. defending champion has now won 11 of 32 races all-time.  Warren, Ohio’s Todd Canter, who won his first career Mercer feature last season, is leading the points by 15 over 15-year-old Alan Knepper thanks to two runner ups and a fifth place finish.

            Chris Myers’ perfect run of three Mini Stock heat wins and three feature wins came to an end last Saturday when Bill Fuchs beat the 15-year-old Knox, Pa. driver in both his heat and feature.  Fuchs, of Greenville, Pa., won his fourth career race in the 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature.  Myers leads the points by 16 over Dan McEwen.

BONNELL WINS 1ST IN NON-STOP SPRINTS AT MERCER; 2-IN-A-ROW FOR KRUMMERT IN MODS; MOORE WINS 1ST EVER IN LATE MODELS; JONES WINS WILD MOD LITE FEATURE; FUCHS ENDS MYERS STREAK IN MINIS

By Mike Leone 

May 10, 2008       

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park was back in action on Saturday night with four new winners.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Scott Bonnell-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Garrett Krummert-Tire Express Modifieds, Rusty Moore-McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Rod Jones-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Bill Fuchs-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  It was free Beaver County Night presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics and $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express & Armstrong. 

Scott Bonnell put an end to his slow start in 2008 by leading wire-to-wire in the non-stop 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature for his first overall win of the season.  “It was like a Sunday drive- pretty easy,” expressed the Girard, Pa. driver in victory lane after the second consecutive non-stop Sprint Car feature.  “The guys had the thing hooked up tonight- it was real decent.  Traffic has been tough all year.  When the car has been real good it’s not so bad because you’re carrying so much speed.  Everyone pretty much stayed out of my way and I caught traffic right so it was to my benefit.” 

            Bonnell grabbed the lead from pole-sitter Brent Matus entering turn one on lap one.  Rob Eyler, Arnie Kent, and sixth starting Rod George all passed Matus racing off the top side of turn two on laps two, three, and five respectively.  Eyler closed on Bonnell on lap seven and by the halfway point the top four racers pulled away from the field. 

            Though Eyler stayed within striking distance the entire race, Bonnell was able to make the right moves in lapped traffic to hold on for his fifth career “410” win at Mercer in his Bonnell’s Collision Center/Sikkens Automotive Paint/Simpson-sponsored #3B.  It was his seventh career win overall at Mercer including two “360” wins and 18^th of his career overall.   

            Eyler, Kent, and George were a close second, third, and fourth.  Mike Lutz passed Brent Matus on lap 19 to finish fifth.  Matus dropped to sixth over newcomers Gale Ruth, Jr., Todd Bauer, Jeremy Cook, and Sheila Rankin.  Heat winners were Bonnell and George.

They always say the first one is the hardest and that’s certainly come true for defending track champion Garrett Krummert.  Last year, Krummert won his first career race in a Mod Lite and came back the following race to do again.  After being shutout of victory lane in his first five years of Modified racing, Krummert made it two in a row in the 20-lap Tire Express Modified feature. 

“I could get used to standing up here every week- this is pretty cool,” said the elated New Castle, Pa. victor.  “The last couple years I got impatient and drove over my head.  I had to do what I had to do and if we finish second we’ll have to take second, but we were a little better than that tonight.  I have to thank the guys back in the pits.  I was terrible in the heat and I was yelling and complaining.  I’m sure I’m miserable to work with, but these guys are awesome and without them I wouldn’t be here.”

            Rick Hall grabbed the early lead past pole-sitter Randy Brown, while Krummert followed in second overtaking Jimmy Holden and Brown.  Krummert wasted little time taking the top spot away from Hall on lap two following a restart.  All eyes were on 2006 champion Frank Guidace as he charged from seventh to split Hall and Holden for second on lap four. 

The field got bunched up for the final time with 11 laps completed for a caution by Jr. Baker.  Guidace tried everything over the remaining nine non-stop laps, but Krummert was too much in his McElwain Motors/Sherwin Williams/Automotive Finishes-sponsored #29 for his fourth career win overall.  Lonny Riggs was third after passing Holden on lap 12.  Holden dropped to fourth over Hall.  Sixth through 10^th were Jeff Schaffer in his brother’s #4, Gary Smoker, Brian Fink in the John Brown #67J, and newcomers Ron Eperthener, Jr. and Mike Stine.  Heat winners over the season-high 20-car field were Holden and Stine.

Rusty Moore made a name for himself in the 1990s and early 2000s as a standout Stock Car racer in the region.  After taking a few years off from racing, Moore decided to make a return to racing when the FASTRAK Late Models were added at Mercer in 2008.  It only took Moore three nights in a Late Model to return to victory lane in the 20-lap McElwain Motors FASTRAK-sanctioned event.  “It hooked up pretty good and the track is in real nice shape,” acknowledged the New Castle, Pa. driver.

Moore took charge of the event on the opening lap past pole-sitter Steve D’Apolito, but got sideways coming off turn four on lap three allowing D’Apolito to regain the lead.  D’Apolito’s lead though was short lived as Moore overtook D’Apolito on lap four following a restart.  Tom Snyder, Jr. was making his first Mercer appearance of the season and raced his way into contention.  After starting ninth, Snyder made a three-wide pass of Frank Guidace and D’Apolito to take second on lap eight before a caution slowed action. 

On the ensuing restart, Moore and Snyder made contact in turn one and the contact sent Snyder pit side.  Moore survived two more cautions before the final seven laps went green-to-checkered as he stretched his advantage to a half-straightaway at the checkered flag in his #17M over seventh starting Brian Booher.  Kevin Meadows edged D’Apolito for third.  Bobby Powell came from 13^th to finish fifth.  Completing the top 10 were Steve Hollabaugh, Dave Airgood, Jr., Mike Anderson (Jr.), J.R. Wright, and Calvin Clay.  Topping the heats over the season-high 20-car field were Snyder and Booher.

For the first nine laps it looked the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature was going to go non-stop as Levi Spinneweber appeared headed for his first career win, but five accidents including two red flags completely changed the complexion of the event.  When all was said and done defending champion Rod Jones was in victory lane for the first time in 2008.

The event’s first caution was for a spin by George Englert with nine laps completed, then three separate accidents with 10 laps completed slowed action.  The latter was when Kenny Meadows and Spinneweber made contact on a restart, which ensued a six-car melee that saw Bryan Martin get upside down and 15-year-old Bud Watson make hard contact.  Both drivers were okay.

When action resumed, point leader Todd Canter, who was running 13^th on lap 10, was handed the lead.  Canter though never led a lap as Jones shot through the pack from sixth and led lap 11.  Jones went on for his 11^th career Mod Lite win and 13^th overall at Mercer in the Dave Jones-owned, Jones Performance-sponsored #820.  Canter was second over another strong run by 15-year-old Alan Knepper, Dave Jones, and rookie Mylan Markovich in his second race.  Winning the heats over the 20-car field were Rod Jones and Canter.

Last year Bill Fuchs was a three-time winner in the Mini Stocks.  This year, it was Fuchs who ended Chris Myers’ perfect streak of three heat wins and three feature wins by claiming his first win of the season in the 12-lap M&D Paving-sponsored event.  The Greenville, Pa. driver took over from pole-sitter and rookie Tyler Powell and was never seriously challenged for his fourth career win in his #10.  Steve Mowery made the long tow from Olean, New York to finish second after passing Wally Stearns, Jr. on the final lap.  Stearns had another good run to finish third.  Dan McEwen was fourth over 14^th starter Pete Blazczak.  Heat winners were McEwen and Fuchs over the 18-car field

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. SCOTT BONNELL (3B)  2. Rob Eyler (5a)  3. Arnie Kent (18)  4. Rod George (4)  5. Mike Lutz (Chappel 8)  6. Brent Matus (33)  7. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x)  8. Todd Bauer (45)  9. Jeremy Cook (5L)  10. Sheila Rankin (6)  11. Joe Butera (Matus 3J)  12. Lindsay Enscoe (96)  13. Gary Rankin (16). 

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. GARRETT KRUMMERT  2. Frank Guidace  3. Lonny Riggs  4. Jimmy Holden  5. Rick Hall  6. Jeff Schaffer (4)  7. Gary Smoker (516)  8. Brian Fink  9. Ron Eperthener, Jr.  10. Mike Stine  11. Randy Brown  12. Dillon McElrath  13. Mark Frankhouser  14. Fred Sasse  15. Jr. Baker  16. Kevin Green  17. Eric Gabany  18. Matt Reeher  19. Jim Thompson  20. Matt Howsare-DNS.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. RUSTY MOORE  2. Brian Booher  3. Kevin Meadows  4. Steve D’Apolito  5. Bobby Powell  6. Steve Hollabaugh  7. Dave Airgood, Jr.  8. Mike Anderson (Jr.)  9. J.R. Wright  10. Calvin Clay  11. Bert Cleer  12. Frank Guidace  13. Gary Miller, Jr.  14. Scott Myers  15. Tom Snyder, Jr.  16. Ben Black  17. Justin Kann  18. Scott Jones  19. Bill Vance, Jr.  20. Paul Reiser-DNS.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. ROD JONES  2. Todd Canter  3. Alan Knepper  4. Dave Jones  5. Mylan Markovich  6. George Englert  7. Bob Latchaw  8. Kotie Kirkbride  9. Bill Stivason  10. Chad Yeager  11. Levi Spinneweber  12. Terry Young  13. Kenny Meadows  14. Bud Watson  15. Mark Marcucci  16. Mike Evans  17. Bryan Martin  18. J.J. Metheney  19. Arnie Kent  20. Lynn Knepper-DNS.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. BILL FUCHS  2. Steve Mowery  3. Wally Stearns, Jr.  4. Dan McEwen  5. Pete Blazczak  6. Chris Myers  7. Tyler Powell  8. John Shannon  9. Mike McConnell  10. Kris Anderson  11. Ed Haylett  12. Sam Kloos  13. Rudolph Troples  14. Dan Nagy  15. Curtis Brown  16. Dillon Kineston  17. Scott Gilliland  18. Mike Mathieson-DNS.

MERCER CANCELS RACING FOR SATURDAY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER; FREE BEAVER COUNTY MOVED TO MAY 10; PRACTICE NIGHT WEDNESDAY

By Mike Leone 

May 3, 2008      

(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, May 3 at Mercer Raceway Park has been cancelled for the third time this season due to rain and the 80% forecast of additional rain throughout the afternoon and evening.  The Free Beaver County Night presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics has been postponed until next Saturday, May 10 with the Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, & the M&D Paving Mini Stocks along with kids bike races and $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express & Armstrong.

            “Mother Nature hasn’t been too kind to us that far,” stated 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s been a struggle to get the shows in that we have, but this time of the year is usually 50-50.  Hopefully we’ll get some nice spring weather in the coming weeks as all of our promotions kick in.”

            Mercer Raceway Park will also host its second practice of the year this Wednesday, May 7.  Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with practice from 5 p.m. until dark.  Pit passes are $20.  The rain date is Thursday, May 8.

Lazer Chassis/Big Daddy’s Speed Center announces the Mercer Raceway Park & Tri-City Speedway Late Model Series

It will consist of FASTRAK Late Model races at Mercer and Tri-City running May through October.

Bernheisel Race Cars, Inc. in conjunction with Big Daddy’s Speed Center will be offering one free Lazer Chassis with bumpers and body brackets contingent upon the following:

• You must race the car a minimum of 10 times in 2009.

• You must purchase a steering kit, front suspension kit, brake kit, rear-end kit, and rear suspension kit at a cost of $5,995.

• You must display Lazer decals on both sides of the car

Total value of package is $12,000

2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th places will be awarded gift certificates.

All models of cars are eligible.

Call Big Daddy’s at 724-458-6465 for more details.

FELMLEE WINS NON-STOP SPRINTS FOR 1ST WIN IN 2 YEARS AT MERCER; KRUMMERT WINS 1ST EVER IN MODS; 1ST EVER LATE MODEL WIN FOR BOOHER; MOD LITES TO MEADOWS; MYERS 3-FOR-3 IN MINI STOCKS

By Mike Leone 

April 26, 2008      

Mercer, PA…Scattered thunderstorms danced around Mercer Raceway Park for much of the day Saturday, but only a few sprinkles fell then skies cleared toward evening allowing the third program of the season to be completed.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Bob Felmlee-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Garrett Krummert-Tire Express Modifieds, Brian Booher-McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Kenny Meadows-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Chris Myers-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. 

Bob Felmlee has won Sprint Car championships at Mercer in three different decades and has well over 120 career wins overall, but had been shutout of victory lane at Mercer since May 6, 2006.  Saturday night, Felmlee passed Joe Butera in turn one on the opening lap and led all 20 non-stops circuits of the Luxaire Heating & Cooling feature for his first win in nearly two seasons. 

            “This is the first night with Kawasaki at Mercer- it’s a new sponsor this week so I tried to do them proud,” acknowledged the Franklin, Pa. racer.  “I have to thank Vicki (Emig), Mike (Leone), and Frank (Benic); they do a super job here.  I like coming here.  We are going to float around and do some All Star races.  I couldn’t get away tonight and go to Eldora.  Chad (Reitz) set the car up tonight and talked me into coming tonight.”

            Scott Bonnell, who started fourth, raced around Paul Kapuchuck and Butera on the first lap for second.  Danny Holtgraver, who started sixth, also made his way around Kapuchuck and Butera for third on lap three.  Felmlee maintained a comfortable lead for the first 10 laps of the event before he encountered lapped traffic allowing Bonnell to close the deficit.  Meanwhile, all eyes were on Rob Eyler who was using the high side of the speedway to make his way from the eighth starting spot into contention to third past Holtgraver on lap 10.

            Felmlee used his experience in lapped traffic to hold on for his 23^rd career Mercer win in his World of Wheels/Kawasaki/Lutz Auto Body/Vinyl Graphics-sponsored #6 as the race went non-stop in 5:06.45.  Bonnell held off a fast-closing Eyler for second.  Holtgraver was fourth over 10^th starting Mike Lutz.  Completing the top 10 were Arnie Kent, defending two-time champion Rod George, central Pa’s Bob Howard, New York’s Chris Shuttleworth, and Jimmy Hawley.  Heat winners were Kent and Shuttleworth.

Last year was a monumental season for teenager Garrett Krummert winning his first career championship in the Modifieds and winning his first of two career features in the Mod Lites; however, Krummert still was at zero career Modified wins after five seasons of racing.  Saturday night, Krummert bounced back from last week’s second place disqualification for being light to lead all 20 laps of the Tire Express-sponsored feature.

            “I figured we’d have a caution with one lap to go and Frankie (Guidace) or (Gary) Smoker would be alongside and they’d get me, but we were lucky tonight,” joked the New Castle, Pa. driver.  “First of all I have to thank my mom and dad- without them none of this is possible.  They give me every opportunity in the world.  I got the best guys back in the pits with Kyle Ripper, Ryan Haney, and his girlfriend Amy; without them none of this is possible.  They are in there six days a week working on the car so we can race Saturday.”

            Krummert took the lead from the pole with Matt Reeher, Rick Hall, and Lonny Riggs in tow.  Reeher brought out the first caution with three laps completed.  When racing resumed, ninth starting Eric Gabany and Riggs overtook Hall for second and third.  Riggs and Gabany battled hard between laps four through seven racing side-by-side swapping second place back and forth until Riggs slowed and brought out the event’s second caution with eight laps completed. 

            Separate cautions for last week’s Late Model winner Frank Guidace and Reeher with 15 laps completed was all that slowed Krummert to his first career Modified win in his McElwain Motors/Sherwin Williams/Automotive Finishes-sponsored #29.  Gabany edged Jeff Schaffer, who was debuting John Brown’s #67J, and Gary Smoker in a battle for positions two through four.  Hall dropped to fifth.  Sixth through tenth were Dillon McElrath, Matt Howsare, Jr. Baker, Reeher, and Randy Brown.  Topping the heat races were Krummert and Reeher.

It didn’t take the track’s all-time Stock Car winner, Brian Booher, long to figure out a Late Model and get into victory lane.  The three-time Stock Car champion improved on last week’s runner-up finish to score an impressive win in Saturday’s 20-lap FASTRAK-sanctioned, McElwain Motors-sponsored feature to take the early point lead.

            “I have to thank my crew and all the guys working on the car, all the guys that come out at support the double O race team, and all those red shirts,” expressed the Sandy Lake, Pa. winner.  “I also have to thank every one of our sponsors.  This car is a big jump for us and I’m sure glad to be in victory lane.”

            Rusty Moore took the early advantage past pole-sitter Scott Jones with Steve D’Apolito third and seventh starting Booher up to fourth on the opening lap.  D’Apolito passed Jones for second on lap two, but one lap later Jones and Booher slipped back under D’Apolito for second and third.  Booher continued his progression to the front grabbing second from Jones on lap five. 

            Following the restart for Bobby Powell with nine laps completed, Booher used the outside to power by Moore for the lead, while Steve Hollabaugh took third from Jones.  Moore closed right on Booher on lap 12 before a caution for Mike Anderson’s second spin.  The caution was a bad one for Moore as when racing resumed, Hollabaugh slipped under him for second. 

            With two laps to go, the veteran Hollabaugh closed on Booher running the bottom, while Booher stayed on the top.  Hollabaugh got a great run off turn four coming down to the checkered flag, but Booher had just enough momentum off the top to win by just over a car-length in the Terry Hoover-owned, Ed & Jerry’s NAPA/Harry & Tim Roofing/Caldwell Heating & Cooling/McEwen Garage Doors-sponsored #00H.  Moore was third over Powell, who rebounded from his early spin to place fourth.  D’Apolito fell to fifth.  Rounding out the top 10 were Frank Guidace, Kevin Meadows, Bob Vogt, Jr., newcomer Bert Cleer, and Jones.  Heat victors were Guidace and Powell.

Kenny Meadows rebounded from motor woes last week that saw him watch the feature from the stands to win the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature.  Meadows of Warren, Ohio survived a caution-plagued event that had seven stoppages and numerous challenges by two 15-year-olds in Alan Knepper and Bud Watson. 

Knepper started sixth and inherited second on lap four when Levi Spinneweber brought out the caution.  Knepper actually led lap four with a great surge off the outside of turn four, but a caution slowed action.  On the restart, Meadows regained his advantage and barely held off Knepper and eighth starting Watson for his second career win in the Ollie Teague-owned, Job Rite Pools & Spas/Wedge Motorsports-sponsored #10T.  Following his Modified win, Krummert came from 12^th to finish fourth in his season debut in the Mod Lites.  Meadows’ teammate Todd Canter was fifth after starting 10^th.  Scoring heat race wins over the 21-car field were J.J. Metheney and Canadian Shawn Sliter.    

It looked like Chris Myers’ perfect streak was coming to an end in the Mini Stocks as Tim Bish was headed to victory, but went up in smoke on the backstretch on the final lap of the 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature handing the lead and third straight win to the 15-year-old Knox, Pa. driver. 

            Mike Mathieson led the first two laps before Myers, who started 10^th, made the pass for the lead on lap three.  Bish, who started 11^th, made a three-wide pass of Bill Fuchs and Mathieson for second on lap five.  Bish and Myers ran side-by-side for the lead on laps seven and eight with Bish getting under and past the leader off turn four on lap eight.  Bish appeared headed for his third career win until his misfortune one-half lap from victory put the #C1 in victory lane once again.  Myers’ teammate Curtis Brown was second after starting 13^th.  Ed Haylett was a career best third.  Mike McConnell and John Shannon were fourth and fifth.  A regular season record 20 cars were on hand with Dillon Kineston and Myers winning the heats.
 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. BOB FELMLEE (6)  2. Scott Bonnell (3B)  3. Rob Eyler (5a)  4. Danny Holtgraver (D4)  5. Mike Lutz (Chappel 8)  6. Arnie Kent (18)  7. Rod George (4)  8. Bob Howard (49)  9. Chris Shuttleworth (11)  10. Jimmy Hawley (Rudzik 49)  11. Joe Butera (Matus 3J)  12. Paul Kapuchuck  13. Brent Matus (33)  14. Lindsay Enscoe (96)

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1.GARRETT KRUMMERT  2. Eric Gabany  3. Jeff Schaffer  4. Gary Smoker  5. Rick Hall  6. Dillon McElrath  7. Matt Howsare  8. Jr. Baker  9. Matt Reeher  10. Randy Brown  11. Fred Sasse  12. Frank Guidace  13. Rick Kress  14. Lonny Riggs  15. Kevin Green-DNS.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. BRIAN BOOHER  2. Steve Hollabaugh  3. Rusty Moore  4. Bobby Powell  5. Steve D’Apolito  6. Frank Guidace  7. Kevin Meadows  8. Bob Vogt, Jr.  9. Bert Cleer  10. Scott Jones  11. Mike Anderson (Jr.)  12. Dave Airgood, Jr.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. KENNY MEADOWS  2. Alan Knepper  3. Bud Watson  4. Garrett Krummert  5. Todd Canter  6. Shawn Sliter  7. Dave Jones  8. George Englert  9. Jamie Gilbert  10. J.J. Metheney  11. Bryan Martin  12. Josh Sliter  13. Bob Latchaw  14. John Smith  15. Chad Yeager  16. Mark Marcucci  17. Bill Stivason  18. Kotie Kirkbride  19. Levi Spinneweber  20. Terry Young  21. Lynn Knepper.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. CHRIS MYERS  2. Curtis Brown  3. Ed Haylett  4. Mike McConnell  5. John Shannon  6. Wally Stearns, Jr.  7. Dan McEwen  8. Pete Blazczak  9. Justin Reinard  10. Sam Kloos  11. Scott Gilliland  12. Kyle Crawford  13. Rudolph Troples  14. Tim Bish  15. Dan Nagy  16. Mike Mathieson  17. Tyler Powell  18. Bill Fuchs  19. Dillon Kineston  20. Steve Laslo-DNS.

ELLENBERGER STEALS WIN FROM GEORGE IN TURN 4 ON LAST LAP IN SPRINTS; GUIDACE IS 1ST TO WIN IN 5 DIVISIONS; SMOKER TAKES MODS; 1ST EVER FOR HAY IN MOD LITES; MYERS 2-FOR-2 IN MINI STOCKS

By Mike Leone 

April 19, 2008     

Mercer, PA…After two cancellations in the first three weeks, Mercer Raceway Park returned to action on Saturday night and was able to complete the first weekly five-division “Saturday Night Live” program despite showers scattered throughout the area and some light rain during the last three features.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Brian Ellenberger-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace-FASTRAK Late Models, Gary Smoker-Tire Express Modifieds, Mikey Hall-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Chris Myers-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  It was the first of five $10 Family Nights presented by new marketing partner Auto Service Express along with promotional partner Armstrong.  

            Usually it’s Rod George making late race passes for victory, but on Saturday night Brian Ellenberger turned the tables making a thrilling last lap, turn four pass of George in lapped traffic to come out on top in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling lid-lifter. 

“The door was open,” exclaimed the jubilant Butler, Pa. winner.  “I got underneath him the lap before and if it was still open I knew I’d have a shot and it worked out.  I found a nice line down there in (turns) three and four and it started working.  It just seemed like took forever for my tires to come to life, but they finally took off those last five laps.  I love this place- Frank Benic is my buddy and he preps the best race track in the country.”

The race got off to a rough start when Sprint rookie Chad Wilds hit the wall on the start and came back across the track and collected teammate Walt Tutak, Jr. as well as Brent Matus with Wilds getting upside down.  All three drivers were okay, but done for the night Defending two-time champion, Rod George, fresh off his career best 21 win season in 2007, jumped out to the early race lead taking the advantage over Ellenberger.  Arnie Kent moved up a position to third past Chris Shuttleworth. 

Shuttleworth lost fourth on lap three to Mike Lutz, who was behind the wheel of Jim Chappel’s #8, in between two stoppages, one for a spin by Scott Bonnell and the second for a red for Jack Helget, who got upside down with six laps completed. 

The last 14 laps went non-stop.  Kent challenged Ellenberger early on trying to get under the All Star Circuit of Champion regular, but was unable to get by.  Ellenberger distanced himself from Kent just past the halfway point and began to pressure the leader.  George though was able to make the right moves in lapped traffic to maintain the lead.  Ellenberger was right on George with two to go and with the white flag waving everyone sensed a possible last lap pass.

Traffic was ahead as George and Ellenberger entered turn three.  George drove through the middle of turns three and four with Scott Bonnell on the bottom.  Ellenberger went low and his mount stuck like it did the last few laps as he was able to squeak past George coming out of turn four to take the win in his Open Joist/Car*Mate Trailers/Hoosier Tire/K&N Filters-sponsored #20E.  The victory was Ellenberger’s fifth of his career at Mercer and 11^th overall. 

George’s momentum carried him into the turn four wall breaking his rear end, but was able to limp across the line in second edging Kent.  Lutz was fourth over Shuttleworth’s 360-powered engine.  Completing the top 10 were Danny Holtgraver, Rob Eyler, Jimmy Hawley, central Pa. invader Bob Howard, and Bonnell.  Hawley of West Middlesex, Pa. made his return to racing after a near five-year absence and dominated his heat by a straightaway over Lutz.  George won the other heat over the 20-car field.

In his FASTRAK Late Model debut, Modified racer Frank Guidace made history by becoming the first driver in the 57-year history of Mercer to win in five different classes of cars with his victory in the 20-lap McElwain Motors-sponsored feature.  Guidace also has victories in the big-block, six-cylinder, sportsman, and 358 modified divisions and broke the tie with Yip Robinson, Alan Dellinger, and Lonny Riggs, who were also victorious in four different classes of cars.

“That’s an honor because I love this place and I’ve come here since I was kid,” stated the Mercer, Pa. driver after being told of his accomplishment.  “I will tell you what this Lazer Chassis was on a rail up there.  These cars are really a lot of fun.  They are a world of a difference (from the Modifieds) as the brakes are different and they roll over different.  I didn’t think I could hold these guys off.  I didn’t know where everyone was at as I’m not used to the car numbers.  I knew who the double zero was so I was watching Brian (Booher) and knew he was coming up there.”

Guidace took the lead at the start from Stock Car standout Steve D’Apolito.  Kevin Meadows started fourth and took second on lap three when D’Apolito slipped off the backstretch.  Meadows ran down Guidace and was all over the leader on lap six as he ran low and Guidace high, while defending three-time Stock Car champion Brian Booher started 12^th and passed D’Apolito for third.  At the halfway point, Guidace began to pull away, while Booher challenged Meadows for second.  Booher ran low, while Meadows chose the highline.  The duo battled hard for second in traffic allowing Ben Blake to close and make it a three-car race for second, but up front Guidace went on for victory in his #1G. 

Meadows edged Booher and Black for second, but was disqualified in post-race tech for a carburetor spacer infraction.  Booher was credited for second over an impressive run by Mod Lite graduate Ben Black.  Scott Myers was fourth with Bob Kish fifth.  Sixth through tenth were Steve Hollabaugh, 2007 Mini Stock Champion Mike Anderson (Jr.), Bobby Powell, Bob Vogt, Jr., and Chad Myers.  Heat winners were Scott Myers and Powell.   

After tying Jeff Schaffer with the most wins in the Modified division in 2007, Gary Smoker started 2008 off with a bang winning the 20-lap Tire Express Modified feature for the 14^th time of his career- tops in the short history of the division.

The Mercer, Pa. driver drew the pole position and took off with the lead with Lonny Riggs passing Matt Howsare for second.  Smoker’s greatest challenge came on lap three when Riggs tried to go on the outside of him for the lead in turn four, but jumped his wheel sending Riggs sliding off the track.

When racing resumed, Smoker controlled the race while defending champion Garrett Krummert made his way to third on lap five passing Kevin Green after starting 10^th.  Eric Gabany had a strong run going in second, but slipped high off the backstretch on lap 11 allowing Krummert and Frank Guidace by for second and third. 

Krummert and Guidace remained in striking distance, but Smoker was too much in the MBMR, Inc./Bells Portable Restrooms-sponsored, D&D Racing-owned #516.  Krummert edged Guidace for second, but was light at the scales moving Guidace to second with Gabany, Riggs, and Brad Rapp completing the top five.  Rounding out the top 10 were Dillon McElrath, Randy Brown, Jr. Baker, Fred Sasse, and Matt Howsare.  Krummert and Gabany won the heats over the 16-car field.

Mikey Hay won his first ever at Mercer in the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature, which was run in light rain and even had a brief rain delay.  The Somerset, Pa. driver now joins his brother Matt and father Eric as winners in the division. 

Hay started the race in seventh and moved to second past Todd Canter on lap three before a caution, which turned into a brief rain delay.  Once the rain subsided, Hay passed Mark Marcucci on the restart and was never challenged the rest of the way in his #22.  Hay became the division’s 14^th different winner in just 30 races.  Canter held of for second.  Dave Jones edged his son Rod for his best finish in third since he returned to race last season.  Fifteen-year-old Bud Watson came from 18^th to finish fifth.  Heat victors over the 21-car field were Levi Spinneweber and Hay.

Fifteen-year-old Chris Myers made it back-to-back victories in the Mini Stocks with his victory in the 12-lap M&D Paving-sponsored feature with light rain falling throughout the event.  The Knox, Pa. driver started fifth and had the lead on the opening lap.  Myers’ teammate Curtis Brown came from 11^th to second, but broke on the final lap as did the third place car of Dan Nagy.  Mike McConnell, who started eighth, crossed the line in second for a career best finish.  Scott Gilliland and Dan McEwen finished a career best third and fourth ahead of Wally Stearns, Jr.  2007 ended with a record 27 cars on hand and Saturday night’s 19-car field was a record for a regular event since the class started with one car last season.  Heat winners were John Shannon and Myers.              

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. BRIAN ELLENBERGER (20E)  2. Rod George (4)  3. Arnie Kent (18)  4. Mike Lutz (8-Chappel)  5. Chris Shuttleworth (11)  6. Danny Holtgraver (D4)  7. Rob Eyler (5a)  8. Jimmy Hawley (49-Rudzik)  9. Bob Howard (49)  10. Scott Bonnell (3B)  11. Jeff Taylor (17T)  12. Paul Kapuchuck (10)  13. Brian Steinman (24s)  14. Joe Butera (3J-Matus)  15. Bob Felmlee (6)  16. Jack Helget (71c-Taylor)  17. Russ Sansosti (23-Scott)  18. Chad Wilds (41)  19. Brent Matus (33)  20. Walt Tutak, Jr. (141). 

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. GARY SMOKER  2. Frank Guidace  3. Eric Gabany  4. Lonny Riggs  5. Brad Rapp  6. Dillon McElrath  7. Randy Brown  8. Jr. Baker  9. Fred Sasse  10. Matt Howsare  11. Kevin Green  12. Skinny Hall  13. Matt Reeher  14. Garrett Krummert-DSQ (light)  15. Mark Frankhouser-DSQ (light)  16. Jimmy Holden-DNS.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE  2. Brian Booher  3. Ben Black  4. Scott Myers  5. Bob Kish  6. Steve Hollabaugh  7. Mike Anderson (Jr.)  8. Bobby Powell  9. Bob Vogt, Jr.  10. Chad Myers  11. Dave Airgood, Jr.  12. Calvin Clay  13. Steve D’Apolito  14. Rusty Moore  15. Scott Jones  16. Kevin Meadows-DSQ.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. MIKEY HAY  2. Todd Canter  3. Dave Jones  4. Rod Jones  5. Bud Watson  6. George Englert  7. Kotie Kirkbride  8. Lynn Knepper  9. Bryan Martin  10. Alan Knepper  11. Mike Evans  12. Mylan Markovich  13. Bill Stivason  14. Bob Latchaw  15. Chad Yeager  16. Jim Golden  17. Mark Marcucci  18. Levi Spinneweber  19. Terry Young  20. J.J. Metheney  21. Kenny Meadows-DNS.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. CHRIS MYERS  2. Mike McConnell  3. Scott Gilliland  4. Dan McEwen  5. Wally Stearns, Jr.  6. Dillon Kineston  7. Stephen Laslo  8. Justin Reinard  9. Curtis Brown  10. Dan Nagy  11. Pete Blazczak  12. Tyler Powell  13. Bill Fuchs  14. Ed Haylett  15. John Shannon  16. Sam Kloos  17. Kyle Crawford  18. Mike Mathieson  19. Rudolph Troples.

MERCER CANCELS RACING FOR SATURDAY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

By Mike Leone 

April 12, 2008   

(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, April 12 at Mercer Raceway Park has been cancelled due the approaching cold, wet weather for later today.  The five-division “Saturday Night Live” opener will now take place on Saturday, April 19 with the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, & the M&D Paving Mini Stocks.

            “This was one of the toughest cancellations we’ve had to make in a long time,” acknowledged 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s not easy to cancel with the sun out, but the forecast for later today is not good with showers and falling temperatures.  We tried waiting as long as possible watching the weather, but it’s just too questionable especially with the cold temperatures.  We were getting calls from central and western Ohio, central Pa, New Jersey, and Canada from racers wanting to come.  With fuel costs at record highs everyone is a little hesitant.  Hopefully next Saturday’s weather is better.”

JIMMY HAWLEY TO RETURN TO SPRINT CAR RANKS AFTER 5-YEAR ABSENCE; DEBUT SET FOR SATURDAY AT MERCER IN THE RUDZIK #49

By Mike Leone 

April 10, 2008      

(West Middlesex, PA)…One of western Pennsylvania’s all-time Sprint Car greats is set to make his return to racing this Saturday night, April 12 at Mercer Raceway Park.  Jimmy Hawley, 42, of West Middlesex, Pa. has accepted the ride in the Jeff & Bonnie Rudzik-owned, Rudzik Excavating #49 Sprint Car.

            “This is one of the biggest announcements in recent years for local Sprint Car racing,” stated Mike Leone.  “Jimmy Hawley has always been a fan favorite and is a class act on and off the speedway.  Every year rumors circulate about his return and to see him in this quality ride will be a boost for racing.  Fans will get a real treat seeing him resume his battles with the likes of Bob Felmlee, Ed Lynch, Jr., Rod George, Mike Lutz, Arnie Kent, Brian Ellenberger, Rob Eyler, Scott Bonnell, and others.”

            Hawley actually got his first taste of racing since June 21, 2003 on Wednesday night at Mercer Raceway Park during the track’s first practice session.  “I didn’t know what to expect,” Hawley acknowledged.  “I was nervous when I walked in right up until we pushed off.  With every successive lap, I got more and more confident.  What’s going to be different is actually passing cars and the biggest adjustment is racing with a lot of people I’m not accustomed to, but it’s good to back.”

            The 2008 season will see Hawley run primarily at Mercer with various appearances at Lernerville Speedway and regional specials.  There will be no chasing point championships for Hawley, who expects to miss shows here and there especially with his kids’ involvement in sports.  Hawley’s two goals are to have fun and be competitive. 

            “I’m not going to sacrifice my family or business,” stated Hawley.  “That’s why I quit in the first place.  When it becomes a job and not fun anymore, I will quit and the Rudziks agreed.  First and foremost I have to thank my wife and kids for letting me do this.  They are so supportive and the kids are all excited.  They were watching my old racing tapes and that got me fired up again.”

            Hawley has won over 100 Sprint Car features alone in his career with an unofficial total of 106 from OpenWheelTimes.com.  His career best season was 1999 when he won 20 races including three track championships at Lernerville, Mercer, and Tri-City Speedways.  He owns one career All Star win on June 16, 1994 at Hickory Speedway in New Castle, Pa.; won an IRA-sanctioned event at Attica Raceway Park in Ohio on April 7, 2001; and won the $5,000 Chuck Marsh Memorial on September 15, 2001 at Mercer.  Hawley has 34 career wins at Mercer of which 30 have come since the track reopened in 1994, which is still the top mark despite not competing for the past five seasons.  He’s drove for numerous car owners such as Butch Osman, Dick Schuller, Amy Shoup, P.J. Kerr, John Toth, Junior Holbrook, Dr. John Crawford III, Billy Shearer, Eric Smith, and Pete Grove.          

            “It’s going to be a challenge, but I want to still see if I can do it,” expressed Hawley.  “I’ve run into racing people over the years, which has made me itchy to come back.  I’ve been blown away the last couple days from the response to me coming back.  It’s been overwhelming and I’m honored because I don’t feel I’m any different than anyone else.”

            One of the biggest changes Hawley feels since he’s been out of action is getting adjusted to the right rear Hoosier Tire.  Last year, Sprint Car tracks and sanctioning bodies agreed to run a national Hoosier spec tire and that program will continue in 2008.

            “The spec tire is different,” revealed Hawley.  “I’m going to have to learn more about it and how it reacts to changes we make.  We made some adjustments on Wednesday that didn’t have the effect they would have had in the past.”

            Gary Edwards, who drove for the Rudziks and won features at Mercer in both 2004 and 2006, will be an important part of the team.  “I’ve known Gary for a long time and I’m thrilled to have him help setup the car,” stated Hawley.  “He can visually watch and give great input from a driver’s perspective as to what’s going on with the car.  He’s going to be a big help, especially the first part of the year.”

            Hawley will utilize Maxim Chassis.  Much of Hawley’s success came in J&J cars, but his last ride in 2003 was in Maxim for Pete Grove.

            All Star Sprint Car standout and former World of Outlaw racer, Dale Blaney, who owns 93 career wins, will run the team’s second car, the #94, in selected events when he’s not running his primary ride, the George Fisher #2.  Blaney was also at Mercer on Wednesday practicing and was set to drive the car last Friday night at Lernerville Speedway before the rain out.    

            Jeff Rudzik got his start as a car owner at the end of the 2003 season when he purchased P.J. Kerr’s equipment.  He has had Gary McCollum, Gary Edwards, Jack Sodeman, Jr., Lee Jacobs, Jody Keegan, and Tom Quarterson in his 360 and 410 cubic inch engine #49 and #94 Sprints.  His cars have gone to victory lane seven times led by Sodeman with three wins, Edwards with two, and his most recent victory on September 15 of last season at Sharon with Quarterson.

            Jeff and Bonnie Rudzik reside in Struthers, Ohio and operate Rudzik Excavating.  They can be reached at 330-755-1540 or at rudzikexcavating@yahoo.com.

            Mike Leone is the public relations director at Mercer Raceway Park, a Co-Director of the FASTRAK Northeast Racing Series, and is a columnist for the Allied News.  He can be reached at 724-964-9300 or mikeleone@zoominternet.net.

LUNGER’S FASTRAK GM 604 TOPS STEEL-BLOCKS FOR $2,000 SEASON OPENING “CHILLER THRILLER” LATE MODEL WIN AT MERCER; HALL WINS INAUGURAL UEMS EVENT; $1,000 PAYDAY FOR WHEELER IN STOCKS; MYERS WINS MINI STOCK DEBUT

By Mike Leone 

April 5, 2008    

Mercer, PA…After a one week delay, the 2008 season kicked off Saturday night at Mercer Raceway Park with the rescheduled “Chiller Thriller”.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane with wins were Dennis Lunger-Steel-Block Late Models, Rusty Wheeler-Stock Cars, Randy Hall-United E-Mod Series, and Chris Myers-Mini Stocks as three states- Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York made up the four winners.  A great crowd turned out with 91 cars and the track crew did an excellent job getting the track in super conditions following the snowiest winter ever and rain for most of Friday that left the grounds saturated.  

            Dennis Lunger made a statement showing just how fast and competitive FASTRAK GM 604 crate engines are as he came out victorious in the open competition Steel-Block Late Model 30-lap feature after starting in the ninth position.  Lunger’s efforts were worth $2,000 in his first ever Late Model start at Mercer.

            “I was really shocked,” acknowledged the Corry, Pa. racer.  “This crate engine really took off for us.  We made some changes and freed the car up.  We were a little tight in the heat.  The guys worked really hard and gave me an awesome car.  This thing was really good tonight.  We really like it down here (Mercer).  Every time we run here we do well.”

            Brent Johnson took the early lead from the pole position with 2006 Modified Champion Frank Guidace and three-time Stock Car Champion Brian Booher in pursuit.  Booher passed Guidace for second on lap two and set his sights on Johnson.  Booher was all over Johnson for the next five laps, but pushed high in turn four on lap eight allowing sixth starting Jim Rozum III to take second with Lunger and Guidace also getting by. 

            Lunger and 12^th starting Dave Tackett made their way past Rozum for third on lap 11.  Lunger would make his winning move on lap 13 when he drove to the inside of Johnson in turn four and came out with the lead at the start-finish line.  Lunger survived four cautions over the final 17 laps as he was never seriously challenged in the Rueben Schwartz-owned #17L.  Johnson held on to second ahead of Tackett.  Modified standout Jeremiah Shingledecker made his Late Model debut and finished a respectable fourth after starting 17^th.  Guidace dropped to fifth in his first ever Late Model start.  Completing the top 10 were Rozum, Denny Fenton, Ed Connor, Greg Johnson, and Charles Supplee.  Heat winners over the 19-car field were Brian Smith and Tackett.

            Rusty Wheeler added another big payday to his resume at Mercer winning the 25-lap $1,000 Stock Car feature by passing on four cars with a daring winning move.  Two of his three other prior victories were $2,000 Little Guy National wins.

            “I was having a heck of a time on those restarts,” revealed the Dorset, Ohio driver.  “I just couldn’t get going so I seen Buckley laying back just a little and figured I’d try it too.  The track was narrow tonight so I figured I would try a bonsai move in turn one; it stuck and here we are!  I like running this track- it’s small and challenging.  It puts the racing into the driver’s hands.”

            Rob Bates led the event’s first two laps before slipping high in turn four on lap three allowing Shaun Hooks to take the lead.  Wheeler, who started sixth, was in fourth when the caution was displayed for Chad O’Brien with 17 laps completed.  On the ensuring restart, Wheeler got a great start driving by Andy Buckley, Bates, and Hooks for the lead going into turn one.  Once in front, the only thing to slow Wheeler’s run to his fourth career win in the Rich Howell-owned #44 were four cautions.  Hooks and Rusty Martz were running second and third, but Martz made contact with Hooks on a lap 21 restart taking both cars out of contention. 

            Bates, who was the $300 Stock Car B Consolation winner and finished second in the Northeast Stock Car Championship all at last year’s season ending Little Guy Nationals, returned to finish a career best second and earned $500.  Lester Shoff was driving Gary Fisher’s #99F and finished a career best third over Russ Byler and Tony Bruno.  Mark Sanders, Buckley, Hooks, Martz, and Tim Burns were sixth through tenth.  Heat winners over the 31-car field were Martz, Dan Lewis, and Tim Bush.  Dave McLaughlin won the B main.

            The United E-Mod Series held their inaugural event at Mercer Saturday and though Randy Hall is no stranger to victory lane as he was the 2007 E-Mod Cavalcade of Champions, his 25-lap $750 to-win was his first career feature win at Mercer.

            “We were real good off turn four and I saw the leader (Jack Young) had a push coming off the turn so I knew if I got passed Russ (Dunn) I knew we’d have a good shot,” explained the Olean, New York standout.  “The track was real smooth tonight.  I was surprised for the first night out; they (track crew) did a good job.  We had a good car tonight.  I have to thank everyone that helps us out.”

Jack Young, a one-time E-Mod winner at Mercer, looked strong from the pole position as he led the first 10 laps.  Hall, who started sixth, moved into second on lap 10 after racing side-by-side for two laps with two-time Mercer E-Mod winner Russ Dunn.  Hall began to pressure Young on lap 11, but coming off turn four, Young pushed and got sideways losing the handle and spinning into the front-stretch wall; thankfully, the entire field was able to avoid his helpless mount. 

Hall then went on to lead the final 15 laps with only one caution to slow his efforts in his Follman Rentals-sponsored #10 to become the 13^th different E-Mod winner at Mercer in the 23 races run.  Dunn edged 11^th and 12^th starting Shawn Shingledecker and Dave Hess, Jr. for third.  Sixth through tenth were Butch Lambert, John Woodward, Jr., Al Brewer, Justin Carlson, and Bruce Powell.  Topping the heat races over the 28-car field were Alan Dellinger, Hall, and Richard Michael, Jr. 

Making his first ever Mercer start, 15-year-old Chris Myers came out on top of the 15-lap Mini Stock feature.  The Knox, Pa. former go-karter earned $150 for his efforts.  Myers started in third and had the lead on the opening lap passing rookie Tyler Powell and last year’s three time winner Bill Fuchs.  Only one caution slowed Myers’ efforts in the Eric’s Auto Service-sponsored #C1.  Fuchs was second ahead of Modified racer Eric Gabany.  John Shannon was a career best fourth with Dan Nagy completing the top five.  Myers and Shannon won the heats over the 13-car field.

Steel-Block Late Models (30 laps): 1. DENNIS LUNGER ($2,000)  2. Brent Johnson  3. Dave Tackett  4. Jeremiah Shingledecker  5. Frank Guidace  6. Jim Rozum III 7. Denny Fenton  8. Ed Connor  9. Greg Johnson  10. Charles Supplee  11. Bob Vogt, Jr.  12. Ben Porter  13. Brian Smith  14. Jesse Smith  15. Brian Booher  16. Burton Fingado  17. Bob McMillen  18. Calvin Clay-DNS  19. Cory Wilson-DNS.

Stock Cars (25 laps): 1. RUSTY WHEELER ($1,000)  2. Rob Bates  3. Lester Shoff  4. Russ Byler  5. Tony Bruno  6. Mark Sanders  7. Andy Buckley  8. Shaun Hooks  9. Rusty Martz  10. Tim Burns  11. Josh Seippel  12. Chad O’Brien  13. Dave McLaughlin  14. Tommy Dembowski  15. Chris Haines  16. Rod Laskey  17. Scott Jones  18. John Swabik  19. Terry Wheeler  20. Tim Bish  21. Dan Lewis  22. Jamie Barber  23. Larry Root  24. Russ Coyne  DNQ: Jamie Brown, Jake Huppenthal, Tim Deutsch, Eric Baun, Matt Wagner, Dan Smeal, Neil Wilson, Jr.

United E-Mod Series (25 laps): 1. RANDY HALL ($750)  2. Russ Dunn  3. Shawn Shingledecker  4. Dave Hess, Jr.  5. George Catanzano  6. Butch Lambert  7. John Woodward, Jr.  8. Al Brewer  9. Justin Carlson  10. Bruce Powell  11. Vic Vena  12. Steve Dixon  13. Gary Eicher  14. Troy Carr  15. Justin Tatlow  16. Joe Weber  17. Kyle Bedell  18. Gary Sullivan  19. Jack Young  20. Alan Dellinger  21. Richard Michael, Jr.  22. Nathan Hill  23. Jim Dellinger  24. Craig Bedell-DNS  25. Joel Watson-DNS  26. T.J.