UPCOMING EVENTS

NEWS FLASH!!!

•  Spend the 4th of July at Mercer Raceway Park.  Full night of racing plus the "KABOOM 100" Enduro!  See the story below.

• Open Stock Cars added to Saturday for $400 to-win, $50 to-start!

• There is still time to enter for the "KABOOM 100".  Click here for rules & entry form.

• Congrats to Andy McKisson-Sprints, Eric Gabany-Modifieds, Steve D'Apolito-602 Stocks, Mark Marcucci-Mod Lites, & Tim Callahan-Mini Stocks.  4 of the 5 features went non-stop!  Press release & results are posted below.

• A press release on the upcoming "Racing for a Cure" American Cancer Society Benefit Night on August 1 has been posted below.

TEXT-ALERT!!!

Introducing the region's most innovative race fan interactive messaging system! 

Click on Text-Alert info box below for details to sign-up.

RECENT PRESS RELEASES

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE SATURDAY AT MERCER WITH FULL NIGHT OF RACING & “KABOOM 100” ENDURO
By Mike Leone

June 30, 2009             

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park will celebrate the 4^th of July this Saturday night with a huge night of racing!  It’s two events for the price of one with regular admission prices in effect for a full program of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Open Stock Cars, Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks on the racing card at 7 p.m. followed by the “KABOOM 100” Enduro!

“We’re really looking forward to Saturday night,” stated 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “Last year we tried an Enduro with some racing and it went over well.  This year we were unable to bring that exact racing event back so we just decided with it being a holiday we’d run our full program and add the Enduro at the end!  All this for just $11 for adults and $25 for families!”

Mercer Raceway Park is the only Saturday night track running Sprints, Modifieds, and Late Models, and a strong field is expected with some of the area tracks not in competition or not running some of their divisions.  Also announced last week was the addition of the Stock Cars under the “Little Guy Nationals” “open” rules with $400 going to the winner and $50 to-start.  A $200 bonus will be up for grabs if any GM 602 can win the event!

The Enduro will pay the top five finishers with a big $1,000 going to the winner!  Entries are still being accepted at our office or on July 4 on a first-come, first-served basis.  For rules and entry form, check out the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com and click on rules and Enduro. 

Tim Gillette is the defending “KABOOM” winner and will be looking to make it three in a row in Enduro competition as he was also the winner on the January 3 “Jack Frost 150”.  Some of the former and current racers that have already sent their entries in Sprint Car drivers Russ Sansosti and Andy Paden, Modified racer Ryan Hall, FASTRAK Late Model driver Rusty Cade, Stock Car driver Stacy Neubecker, former USAC Silver Crown and Midget driver Robin Bank, former Modified drivers Troy Schaffer, George Davis, and John Larkin, and Mini Stock drivers Dillon Barr and Michael Scharba.

Racing stars Chris Shuttleworth (Sprints), Lonny Riggs (Modifieds), Andy Buckley (Stocks), and Rudy Troples (Mini Stocks) will have their cars in the midway area to sign autographs from 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Fans will want to be sure to pick up a free color collectible autograph card featuring these drivers as the “In the Spotlight” program is presented by The Mahoning Valley Scrappers. 

Current point leaders are Rod George (Kittanning, Pa.)-Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace (Mercer, Pa.)-Modifieds, Max Blair (Centerville, Pa.)-FASTRAK Late Models, Andy Buckley (Stoneboro, Pa.)-602 Stock Cars, Mark Marcucci (West Middlesex, Pa.)-Mod Lites, and Jamey Lee (Fairmount City, Pa.)-Mini Stocks.

“We had some tremendous racing last Saturday,” explained Emig.  “Four of the five features went non-stop and there were only two cautions in the other.  The track was in excellent shape and we have to thank the fans for turning out for one of our biggest crowds in some time.  The competition has been excellent as we’ve had five different Sprint Car winners in the last five weeks!  We’ve only had two Modified drivers able to repeat all season long.  The Mod Lite count matched a season high on Saturday and it was great to see Tim Callahan win his career first in the Mini Stocks!”

Pits open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstand at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.  Warm-ups begin at 6:15 and the first green flag at 7.  Adult admission is $11.  The family pass for mom, dad, and up to four kids 6-15 is $25.  Students 6-15 are $5.  Children five and under and parking are free!  Pit passes are $25.  

Fans will want to take advantage of the SPEEDPASS, which will allow fans to upgrade their general admission tickets for pit passes for just $5 or $10 for the entire family around intermission time.  Also as a reminder, children are permitted in the pits this year, but must be signed in and supervised by their parent or legal guardian.

The season’s fourth open practice will be held next Wednesday, July 8.  Pits open at 4 p.m. with practice 5 until dark.  The rain date is Thursday.  There will be no racing on Saturday, July 11.

MCKISSON DOMINATES SPRINTS FOR 1^ST WIN OF 2009; GABANY BECOMES TOP MOD WINNER AT MERCER; D’APOLITO WINS 2^nd IN STOCKS; #4 FOR MARCUCCI IN MOD LITES; CAREER 1^ST FOR CALLAHAN IN MINI STOCKS

By Mike Leone 

June 27, 2009    

Mercer, PA…A picture perfect night greeted competitors and a huge crowd for “American Patriot Night” Saturday night at Mercer Raceway Park.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic victory lane were Andy McKisson-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Eric Gabany-Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, Steve D’Apolito-GM 602 Stock Cars, Mark Marcucci-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Tim Callahan-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  An amazing four of the five features went non-stop on the fast, tacky, and dust-free surface!

Cartwright Fireworks put on their first ever show at The Park and received rave reviews with a wide array of displays.  It was Free Butler County Night presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong.  All veterans and scouts were admitted free and were recognized. 

In just his second Mercer start of the year and only sixth race overall of 2009, Andy McKisson put on a dominating performance taking the checkered flag first by over one-half lap ahead of Arnie Kent in the non-stop 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature. 

“This is the same motor from last year,” explained the Strattanville, Pa. driver, who won his first career Mercer feature last August 9 in just his third Mercer start of 2008.  “We didn’t do anything to it other than winterize it and parked it in the corner.  This is the 20^th race on it.  We are under financed this year and doing it out of our own pocket that’s why we’re late coming out this year.  We pour concrete for a living and the weather wasn’t good for that this year.”

Rookie Sprint Car driver Chris Best blasted into the lead at the start with pole-sitter Charlie Holben trailing and fourth starting McKisson to third after one lap.  McKisson hounded Holben for three laps before driving under and past him in turn one on lap four.  Best, who was coming off a career best third on Friday night at Thunder Mountain Speedway, looked strong as he had a half-straightaway lead on lap five.  McKisson though began to reel in Best on lap seven and got alongside the leader on lap eight before making the winning move in turns three and four with an inside pass.

Eighth starting Kent was having one of his best runs of the year as he made a great move diving under Nate Stein for fourth on lap seven and Holben for third on lap 10.  Kent then took runner-up from Best on lap 12.  Meanwhile, all eyes were on point leader and four-time winner Rod George, who started 16^th after problems in hot laps.  George was flying on the outside running above the cushion up on the fence in turns one and two as he made his way forward.  He cracked the top five on lap 11, moved to fourth on lap 14 driving by Holben, then charged under Best for third on lap 15. 

Back up front, McKisson was in a league of his own as the big yellow smiley on his car was as big as the smile on his face when he exited his McKisson & Son Construction/B&W Smith Excavating-sponsored #0 after the non-stop effort timed in 5:02.64.  “Craig Rankin was my mentor and would have been proud tonight,” expressed McKisson after his ninth career win overall.  “When I was growing up, he was someone I knew personally and taught me a lot.  All you kids here tonight need to keep in mind if this is something you want to do, keep your mind to it, and you can make it happen.”

Kent held off George for his second runner-up in the past four races.  Holben matched his best finish of the season on the circuit in fourth after getting by Best on lap 18.  Best dropped to fifth, but it was a great two nights with two top 5s in just his eighth and ninth races of his “410” career.  Completing the top 10 were Gale Ruth, Jr., Stein, Carl Bowser, Eric Williams who won his first career “410” race Friday night at Thunder Mountain, and Dan Kuriger.  Heat winners were Kuriger and Ruth.

Eric Gabany’s career year just keeps getting better as he nailed down his third win of 2009 more than doubling his two career wins prior to the season.  Gabany held off hard-charging Jimmy Holden to win the non-stop 20-lap Approved Toilet Rentals Modified feature timed in 5:53.44 to become the division’s top winner of the season.

“That was a great run,” said the happy Mercer, Pa. driver.  “I’m a little warm!  Oh man I thought Jr. Baker was going to get me.  He got a little sideways and I just had enough time to get away.  I knew he (Holden) was going to be there from the beginning.  I had to stay on the bottom because I knew he likes it down there.”

Gabany drew the pole position, but Holden wasn’t far behind as he lined up third and overtook Eric Martin for second on the first lap.  Ninth starting Frank Guidace quickly moved forward as he was up to fourth after the opening lap and took third from Rodney Beltz on lap three.  Guidace caught Holden on lap eight.  Traffic came into play on laps 10 and 11 as it became a three-car race for the lead.

Gabany cleared traffic and opened up some ground before Holden caught back up on lap 13.  Gabany again got away until Jr. Baker got sideways coming off turn two on lap 16.  Gabany had to get off the gas and take evasive action going around Baker.  Holden tried to seize the moment, but Gabany moved up just in time to protect the lead.  On lap 17, Holden drove hard to the inside of Gabany in turns one and two getting alongside the leader.  Gabany though maintained the lead by running Holden’s preferred line. 

That was as close as Holden would get as Gabany held on for his fifth career win in his Atlantic Timberframes/Shaver’s Barber Shop/Gabany Automotive-sponsored #3E.  Ironically two of Gabany’s three wins this year have been in non-stop races as his April 18 win was just a tick over one second slower than Saturday night’s run to the checkered.  Holden was second for the third time this season.  Guidace was third as he continued the point lead still in search of his first win of 2009.  Garrett Krummert was fourth over a season-best effort by John Buchanan.  Completing the top 10 were Rick Hall, Matt Reeher, Dave Cogswell, Beltz, and Baker.  Holden and Gabany won the heats.

Steve D’Apolito won his second of the season leading all 12 laps of the non-stop GM 602 Stock Car feature timed in 3:58.40.  “I have to thank my dad, brother, and cousin,” stated the Boardman, Ohio Stock Car standout.  “They’ve been changing tires and doing all kinds of stuff today.”

D’Apolito started second and drove around Russ Coyne on the start.  D’Apolito checked out, while the battle was on for second.  Five-time winner and point leader Andy Buckley slipped high on lap seven trying to pass Coyne and lost third to Shaun Hooks.  D’Apolito would take the checkered by a one-half lap margin of victory in the Buzz Utsinger-owned, Utsinger’s Towing/Race 1-sponsored #84.  Coyne edged Hooks and Buckley for second for his second runner-up of the season.  Coyne also won his second straight heat race. 

Like Gabany, Mark Marcucci is also having a career best season.  He like Gabany entered 2009 with two prior wins, but on Saturday night won his division-leading fourth of the year after his victory in the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center feature.  “I liked the track- it was awesome tonight,” said the West Middlesex, Pa. racer.  “We got the car setup darn near perfect…fireworks, a win- you can’t beat it!” 

Starting 11^th, Marcucci darted through the pack and was all the way up third after one lap as he trailed leader Mylan Markovich, Jr. and Kotie Kirkbride.  Marcucci and Rick Ament passed Kirkbride for second and third respectively on lap two before Terry Young spun to bring out the night’s first caution in the last race of the evening. 

When racing resumed, Marcucci and Ament overtook Markovich for the top two spots.  Shane Pfeuffer worked his way from his 10^th starting up to third on lap five when he disposed of Markovich.  Lynn Knepper, who was subbing for his son Alan, started ninth and joined the battle when he grabbed third from Pfeuffer on lap nine following the event’s second restart.

The last seven laps went green-to-checkered as Marcucci extended his point lead with his second straight win and sixth of his career in his father’s D&M Excavating & Construction/Harper & Houston Masonry/Broadway Ernie’s Transmission-sponsored #8M.  Ament was second as he’s now finished in the top two in three of his four appearances this year.  Knepper edged Pfeuffer for third.  Kirkbride was fifth for the fifth time in her six starts this season.  Heat wins went to Marcucci and Knepper.

Car 54 where are you!?  In victory lane at Mercer Raceway Park for the first time as Pennsylvania State Trooper Tim Callahan captured his career first victory in the non-stop 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature timed in 5:39.46!  “It’s been a long time coming,” said the happy Grove City, Pa. driver.

Dave Heberling led lap one, while Callahan, who started sixth, made it halfway to the front.  On lap two, John Shannon and Callahan both passed Heberling for first and second respectively.  Callahan got alongside Shannon on lap four and the two raced side-by-side with Callahan nosing ahead to lead the lap.  Callahan would lead the rest of the way driving a great race through lapped traffic for the popular win in his Pizza Joe’s/Ithen Printing/Essroc/Turner Insurance/Custom Lawn Care-sponsored #54 Honda Prelude.

Rookie Lee Lehnerd continued his strong season to stay in the championship hunt with his fourth runner-up of the season.  Lehnerd started from the seventh hole and passed Shannon on the final lap to take the second position.  After a terrible start to the season with only a ninth to show in the first six races, Shannon recorded his third straight top five effort and best of the season in third.  Dan McEwen was fourth over point leader Jamey Lee.  Heat winners were Lee and Mike McConnell.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. ANDY MCKISSON (0)  2. Arnie Kent (18)  3. Rod George (4)  4. Charlie Holben (42G)  5. Chris Best (66)  6. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x)  7. Nate Stein (93)  8. Carl Bowser (10)  9. Eric Williams (7)  10. Dan Kuriger (08)  11. Tony Beaber (3T)  12. Bob Howard (49)  13. Jeff Taylor (17T)  14. Jack Helget (Taylor 71c)  15. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R)  16. Johnny Beaber (Taylor 7B)  17. John McCracken, Jr. (79)-DNS.

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. ERIC GABANY (3E)  2. Jimmy Holden (28H)  3. Frank Guidace (1G)  4. John Buchanan (93)  5. Garrett Krummert (29)  6. Rick Hall (B2)  7. Matt Reeher (711)  8. Dave Cogswell (8)  9. Rodney Beltz (Emig 1)  10. Jr. Baker (359)  11. Dustin Martin (29D)  12. Rick Kress (222).

GM 602 Crate Stock Cars (12 laps): 1. STEVE D’POLITO (84)  2. Russ Coyne (8c)  3. Shaun Hooks (Janovick 65)  4. Andy Buckley (965).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. MARK MARCUCCI (8M)  2. Rick Ament (27)  3. Lynn Knepper (10)  4. Shane Pfeuffer (Lawson 40L)  5. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  6. Kevin Spencer (3K)  7. David Innes (18)  8. Kenny Hall (19)  9. Andy Feil (08)  10. Mylan Markovich, Jr. (2M)  11. Chad Yeager (7)  12. Richard Lawson (70x7)  13. Terry Young (98)  14. Kevin Savacko (76).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. TIM CALLAHAN (54)  2. Lee Lehnerd (71)  3. John Shannon (14)  4. Dan McEwen (44)  5. Jamey Lee (44J)  6. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)  7. Mike McConnell (31)  8. Steve Walker (McEwen 4M)  9. E.J. Rarer (3J)  10. Josh Verrill (13)  11. Bill Fuchs (10)  12. Rudolph Troples III (28)  13. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  14. Matt Cwynar (21JR)  15. Michael Thompson (82T)  16. Travis Walsh (1w)  17. Byron Kress (62)  18. Jerry Batcher (Blazczak 7)  19. Dave Heberling (1H)  20. Pete Blazczak (77)-DNS  21. Jordan Preston (1P)-DNS. 

OPEN STOCK CARS ADDED TO JULY 4 RACING PROGRAM AT MERCER
 

By Mike Leone

June 25, 2009            

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has announced that the “open” Stock Cars will join the racing card on Saturday, July 4 at Mercer Raceway Park.  Also competing on this night will be the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, M&D Paving Mini Stocks, and the “KABOOM 100” Enduro.  Racing begins at 7 p.m. 

The “open” Stock Cars will run under the “Little Guy Nationals” rules that are used for all open events during the 2009 season.  The 20-lap feature will pay $400 to-win, $50 to-start.  There will be no entry or registration fees, only a $25 pit pass.

“We are constantly being asked from racers to have open Stock Car events,” explained 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “We try to work them in as much as possible on our schedule as they have five events this year that pay $1,000 to-win or more.  With a couple area tracks not running them this night and being a holiday weekend, we decided to add them in lieu of our GM 602 Stocks, which will still be able to compete with the open division.  Know that however, we are 100% behind the 602’s and look forward to their growth in the future.”

Stay tuned for an exciting format change coming to the “Little Guy Nationals” on September 25 and 26 that will be announced some time in August. 

Any questions, please call our office at 724-964-9300.  Tech questions can be directed to Brad Hibbard at 330-540-7223.

“KABOOM 100” DRAWING NEAR ON JULY 4; FULL NIGHT OF RACING TO PRECEDE ENDURO

By Mike Leone

June 22, 2009             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…With summer officially here and the Independence Day holiday drawing near, Mercer Raceway Park is prepping for the second annual “KABOOM 100” Enduro to be held on Saturday, July 4.  This year’s event will be held following a complete night of “Saturday Night Live” racing!  The rain date is Saturday, August 15.

The Enduro will pay the top five finishers with a big $1,000 going to the winner!  Entries are still being accepted at our office or on July 4 on a first-come, first-served basis.  For rules and entry form, check out the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com and click on rules and enduro. 

Tim Gillette is the defending race winner and will be looking to make it three in a row in Enduro competition as he was also the winner on the January 3 “Jack Frost 150”.  Some of the former and current racers that have already sent their entries in Sprint Car driver Russ Sansosti, Modified racer Ryan Hall, FASTRAK Late Model driver Rusty Cade, Stock Car driver Stacy Neubecker, and former Modified drivers Troy Schaffer and John Larkin.

A full “Saturday Night Live” program will be included featuring the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rental Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, GM 602 Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks.

Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. with grandstands at 4:30.  Hot laps begin at 6:15 with racing at 7 and the Enduro to follow.  Adult admission is just $11.  Students 6-15 are $5.  The Family Pass, which includes mom, dad, and up to four kids 6-15 is $25.  Kids five and under are free. 

RAIN WINS FOR 3^RD TIME SATURDAY AT MERCER AFTER HEATS WERE UNDERWAY

By Mike Leone

June 20, 2009      

Mercer, PA…After six straight completed events to start off the 2009 season, Mercer Raceway Park suffered two straight rain outs on May 9 and 16 before completing another five straight events before rain washed out action on Saturday night, June 20.  What started out as a rainy morning turned to clearing afternoon skies, a clear radar, and a conducive forecast; however, a strong cell formed off Lake Erie and took a direct hit on Mercer County washing out action for the third time this season.

Before the rains came, Steve D’Apolito won the GM 602 Stock Car heat and Carl Bowser captured the first of three scheduled Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car heats on a beautiful, fast tacky track.  A strong field of 23 Sprint Cars gathered.  All drivers signed in to competition will receive 10 show-up points.   Paid rain checks will be good for the next two events.  Stay tuned if the Free New Castle Night presented by Froggy 95 will be rescheduled.

The Living Treasures Animal Park exotic animal display was a hit with the fans as a large audience was present throughout the night.  Matt Spatz from 93.3 “The Wolf” kept everyone hopping in the midway and kids enjoyed the hula hoop contest plus Brent Matus, Mike Pegher, Jr., and Pete Blazczak were on hand to sign on autographs for the “In the Spotlight” autograph program presented by The Mahoning Valley Scrappers. 

Coming up this Saturday night, June 27 will be “American Patriot Night” presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza with a new and unique fireworks spectacular.  All Butler County residents will be admitted free presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong plus it’s free admission for veterans with ID and scouts in uniform.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT NIGHT RETURNING AUGUST 1; CANCER SURVIVORS ADMITTED FREE

By Mike Leone 

June 15, 2009      

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has once again joined with the Mercer County Relay for Life to host the second annual “Racing for a Cure” – An American Cancer Society Benefit Event, which will be held on Saturday, August 1 at Mercer Raceway Park in conjunction with a full night of auto racing.

On this night all cancer survivors will be admitted free and those participants of the Mercer County Relay for Life will receive discounted admissions with a portion of those proceeds as well as half of the night’s benefit raffle going to the American Cancer Society.

The drivers in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, GM 602 Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks will have the opportunity to “Race for a Cure”. 

Each race car will carry a $50 sponsorship for someone to purchase an “In Memory of” or “Support of” someone who has been touched by cancer.  Ten-dollar associate sponsorships will fall under the main sponsorship for anyone who may also want to be associated with the car or may have known or knows the person you are racing for. 

The race events will also carry sponsorships; each division will have a minimum of two heat races and one feature event available; heats for $50 and the features for $100.  Individual car sponsorships will be available to each respective driver and eventually offered to the general public in hopes that the majority of the cars can be sponsored.

Once car sponsorships are reserved, drivers can begin selling the $10 sponsorships.  Fans can purchase a $10 sponsorship in conjunction with a car they would like to be affiliated with.  The sale of these sponsorships will be promoted beginning immediately and continue up to the August 1 event. 

“I am so proud to be able to host this event at Mercer Raceway Park,” stated 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “Last year we raised over $8,000 for the American Cancer Society on this night.  Along with the above fundraising efforts, we were able to have the flags, scoreboard, and victory lane all sponsored as well.  The way people pulled together for this great benefit was simply amazing and inspiring to everyone.  So many people have been affected by cancer.  I lost my own father to cancer and his legacy is part of the spirit of Mercer Raceway Park today.”

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, sponsoring a car, or anything else related to this event, please call our office at 724-964-9300.

KURIGER SCORES UPSET CAREER 1^st SPRINT WIN; SMOKER REPEATS IN MODS; #4 FOR BLAIR IN FASTRAK; BUCKLEY & LEE CAPTURE 5^TH WINS IN STOCKS & MINIS; MARCUCCI NABS 3^rd IN MOD LITES

By Mike Leone 

June 13, 2009      

Mercer, PA…While heavy rain was only about a mile south of track, only a couple brief showers and sprinkles fell with two huge rainbows to the east as Mercer Raceway Park completed racing on Saturday night.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic victory lane were Dan Kuriger-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Gary Smoker-Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, Max Blair-4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Andy Buckley-GM 602 Stock Cars, Mark Marcucci-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Jamey Lee-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  A big crowd turned out for $10 Family Night presented by Door World of Hadley and Armstrong.

Dan Kuriger scored an upset career first win for the little guys Saturday night in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature.  In his sixth year of Sprint Car racing, Kuriger entered the night with just five career top fives circuit wide, but has shown flashes of brilliance the past couple seasons.  On a fast, heavy track, Kuriger thrilled the crowd with a breathtaking performance flying around the fence above the cushion in turns one and two and around the cushion in turns three and four.

“I’m tired,” expressed the cool and calm Freedom, Pa. pilot, who was a former go-kart standout.  “I was trying to go above the ruts and keep the wing speed up through the corners and it worked out for me.  I was glad to see that caution because I was stuck in traffic for three or four laps so it helped me out.  I owe everything to my dad.  He works on it in the garage all winter and summer long.  He builds the motors and does everything.”

Nate Stein took off in the early lead using the outside around Kuriger, while Arnie Kent passed Eric Williams for third on the opening lap.  Gale Ruth, Jr’s season debut in his own #5x didn’t go well as he jumped the wheel of Carl Bowser sending him flipping in turns three and four, but he was okay.

On lap four, Kuriger drove high in turn one and got a great shot of momentum off the outside of turn two to blast by Stein down the backstretch for the lead.  Kuriger quickly pulled away from the field on lap five.  Point leader, Rod George, who started 12^th, worked his way into the top five on lap 11 taking the spot away from Jeff Taylor.

Kuriger was flying as he opened up a big lead, but that lead was shrinking in a hurry as he was jammed up in heavy lapped traffic on laps 13 and 14.  George meanwhile continued to pick off cars as he took fourth from Williams on lap 14 just before a caution for Sprint Car rookie Chris Best, which was just what Kuriger needed as it gave him a clear track on the restart. 

When racing resumed, George advanced to third when he drove around Kent off the outside of turn two.  George quickly ran down Stein for second, while Kuriger maintained his advantage.  It took until turn four on the final lap before George snuck under Stein for second, but up front Kuriger crossed under the checkered flag first for a popular win in the Don Kuriger-owned, Rock Concrete/J.B. Concrete Products/T.E.L. Private Investigating #08.

Stein easily turned in his best career “410” effort in third as he had just two career top 10s and a best finish of eighth (June 14, 2008 at Mercer) prior to Saturday night.  Kent was fourth over a hard charging 10^th starting Andy McKisson in his season debut at Mercer and just third start overall of 2009.  Completing the top 10 were Williams, New York’s Chris Shuttleworth, Carl Bowser, central Pa. racer Bob Howard in his first Mercer start of 2009, and New Jersey’s Jeff Taylor.  Ruth and George won the heat races.

After destroying his car at Tri-City Speedway on May 24, it didn’t take long for Gary Smoker to put his new car in victory lane.  Smoker captured the 20-lap Approved Toilet Rentals Modified feature in a former Pete Bicknell car for his second win of the season.

“We totaled the car out a couple weeks ago,” explained the Mercer, Pa. driver.  “My brother and his partner Dave Jenkins decided we needed to update so here we are.  It runs good.  I have to thank the good Lord for blessing me with a good race and giving me the win so I owe it to him.”

Eric Gabany raced out to the early lead in search of his third win of the season, while Smoker, Frank Guidace, and Garrett Krummert passed Rick Hall for second through fourth respectively.  Smoker and Guidace chased Gabany as the laps ticked off caution free.  On lap nine, Gabany got snuck behind the lapped car of Wayne Bice coming off turn two and down the backstretch, which allowed Smoker to fly by on the outside for the lead. 

Guidace got past Gabany for second while making contact in traffic on lap 12.  Guidace was trying to run down Smoker, but a flat tire cost him his shot at his first win of the season.  Smoker wasn’t challenged the rest of the way in the MBMR, Inc./Bells Portable Restrooms-sponsored, D&D Racing-owned #516 for his 16^th of his career in the division and 44^th overall at the track.  Smoker and Gabany are now the division’s only two-time winners of the season. 

Jimmy Holden, who started seventh, was able to finish second after getting under Gabany in turn four on the final lap.  The two made contact with Gabany unable to finish the race.  Krummert was credited with third.  Guidace came back to finish fourth with Hall dropping to fifth.  Sixth through 10^th were Rodney Beltz, Gabany, Matt Reeher, Jr. Baker, and Bice.  Heat wins went to Guidace and Holden.

Defending FASTRAK Late Model National Weekly Series Champion, Max Blair, captured his fourth Mercer win of the season in the 20-lap 4 Your Car Connection-sponsored feature and unofficially took over the 2009 national lead from Mike Pegher, Jr. 

“The track was a little choppy,” described the Centerville, Pa. point leader.  “If you could get rid of the ruts that was a beautiful surface.  You could really race on it and pass.  The place was unreal tonight- fast and racey.  When you can have fast and racey together, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Mike Anderson, Jr. took off in the lead from the pole position with Butch Lambert and Brian Booher getting by Steve Hollabaugh for second and third.  Blair, who started fourth, moved up to third on lap four when he went under Hollabaugh in turn one and then made the identical move on Booher two laps later for third.  On lap eight, Blair dove under Lambert in turn four to grab second.  The contact allowed Booher to also get by in third. 

Blair ran down Anderson and by the halfway point he was right on the leader.  Blair would make his winning move on lap 11 when he drove to the inside of Anderson in turn four and made the pass stick.  The event’s only caution was displayed for Ben Black and Chris Force with 13 laps completed.  When racing resumed, Blair pulled away, while everyone turned their attention to 11^th starting Pegher, who grabbed fourth from Lambert and then third from Booher on lap 16.  Up front, Blair was too much as he nailed down his fourth win of the season and all-time division-leading seventh of his career at Mercer by a margin of 4.44 seconds in his Eagle Hoist & Winch/Specialty Products/Loney Timber/Moody Welding-sponsored #111.

For the second straight race, Anderson was able to hold off Pegher for second.  Booher was fourth over a strong run by Gary Miller, Jr., who started 15^th.  Lambert and Hollabaugh dropped to sixth and seventh respectively as Bill Thomas, Bud Watson, and Bryan Force completed the top 10.  Heat victors were Lambert and rookie Michael Mitchell.

Andy Buckley made it five out of six in the GM 602 Stock Cars winning the non-stop 12-lap feature for his milestone 30^th career Mercer win after a bonsai opening lap pass going from fourth to the lead.  “I sat there in the lineup and thought about,” revealed the Stoneboro, Pa. driver when asked about his winning move.  “Steve (D’Apolito) has been really fast.  I thought, ‘I’m going to go for it on the top and try it’.  I watched all those races and didn’t see anyone do it.  These tires are like stones so I didn’t have anything to lose.  You put 12 cars on the track that are even and it will be a heck of a race.”

D’Apolito passed Russ Coyne for third on lap two then got under Hooks in turn two to take second on lap seven.  D’Apolito ran down Buckley and for the second straight week was all over him trying every possible way around, but Buckley had just enough to hold on for the victory in his McClung Auto Body/World of Wheels-sponsored #965.  Hooks was third over Coyne, who won the heat race.

Mark Marcucci entered the 2009 season with just two career wins after being shutout of victory lane in 2008.  This year has been a different story as a brand new car has propelled to him to more than doubling his career win total after his third win of the season in the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite main Saturday night.  “The car was a bit loose, but I was able to manage,” explained the West Middlesex, Pa. racer, who also took over the point lead.  “A couple times I thought I was going to lose it, but it worked out.”

Marcucci started third and grabbed second from Garrett Krummert on the opening lap.  Marcucci made the winning pass on lap two driving under Shane Pfeuffer.  Marcucci quickly pulled away and when the checkered flag fell in the non-stop event his margin of victory was 10.45 seconds in the D&M Excavating & Construction/Harper & Houston Masonry/Broadway Ernie’s Transmission-sponsored #8M.      

Krummert, who was subbing for Levi Spinneweber, edged Pfeuffer for second after making the pass in lapped traffic on lap 12.  Terry Young and niece Kotie Kirkbride finished fourth and fifth respectively.  Alan Knepper and Pfeuffer won the heats. 

Point leader Jamey Lee made it two in a row and his division leading fifth of the season by earning the 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature win.  “Everyone is running real good now and it’s making for good racing,” stated the Fairmount City, Pa. driver.

Mike McConnell passed Ed Haylett, Bill Fuchs, and John Shannon all on the initial lap to take the early lead.  Seventh starting Dan McEwen and 12^th starting Lee passed Shannon for second and third on laps two and three respectively.  Lee moved to second on lap four when he around McEwen.  Lee raced side-by-side with McConnell for the lead on lap six before going to the inside of the leader in turn one on lap seven to make the pass stick. 

McConnell stayed right with Lee hoping he would make a mistake, but Lee kept a smooth line to hold on by just one car-length in his Thomas Elliot Insurance-sponsored #44J.   McConnell just missed a career first win, but settled for a career best second over McEwen, Lee Lehnerd, and Shannon.  Heat winners were Lehnerd and Lee. 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. DAN KURIGER (08)  2. Rod George (4)  3. Nate Stein (93)  4. Arnie Kent (18)  5. Andy McKisson (0)  6. Eric Williams (7)  7. Chris Shuttleworth (11)  8. Carl Bowser (10)  9. Bob Howard (49)  10. Jeff Taylor (17T)  11. Gale Ruth (1R)  12. Chris Best (66)  13. Jack Helget (Taylor 71c)  14. Johnny Beaber (Taylor 7B)  15. Tony Beaber (3T)  16. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x)  17. Terry Young (VanTassel 69x).

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. GARY SMOKER (516)  2. Jimmy Holden (28H)  3. Garrett Krummert (29)  4. Frank Guidace (1G)  5. Rick Hall (B2)  6. Rodney Beltz (Emig 1)  7. Eric Gabany (3E)  8. Matt Reeher (711)  9. Jr. Baker (359)  10. Wayne Bice (66)  11. Rick Kress (222).

4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. MAX BLAIR (111)  2. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72)  3. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1C)  4. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  5. Gary Miller, Jr. (1M)  6. Butch Lambert (27)  7. Steve Hollabaugh (3H)  8. Bill Thomas (22)  9. Bud Watson (2)  10. Bryan Force (69)  11. Chris Haines (35H)  12. Chris Force (68)  13. Jamie Brown (135)  14. Ben Black (27B)  15. Michael Mitchell (19)  16. Bobby Powell (Bidwell B1D)-DNS.

GM 602 Crate Stock Cars (12 laps): 1. ANDY BUCKLEY (965)  2. Steve D’Apolito (Utsinger 84)  3. Shaun Hooks (Janovick 65)  4. Russ Coyne (8c).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. MARK MARCUCCI (8M)  2. Garrett Krummert (Spinneweber 10s)  3. Shane Pfeuffer (Lawson 40L)  4. Terry Young (98)  5. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  6. Bill Stivason (116)  7. Chad Yeager (7)  8. Andy Feil (08)  9. Richard Lawson (70x7)  10. Alan Knepper (10)-DNS.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. JAMEY LEE (44J)  2. Mike McConnell (31)  3. Dan McEwen (44)  4. Lee Lehnerd (71)  5. John Shannon (14)  6. Max Smoker (409)  7. Bill Fuchs (10)  8. Dillon Barr (15)  9. Jerry Batcher (Blazczak 7)  10. Rudolph Troples III (28)  11. Brad Shaffer (17)  12. Michael Thompson (82T)  13. Dan Koebler (62)  14. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  15. Tim Callahan (54)  16. Pete Blazczak (77)  17. Shannon Heberling (1H)  18. Matt Cwynar (21JR)  19. Steve Walker (McEwen 4M)  20. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)-DNS.

WHITT WINS $5,000 IN INAUGURAL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT SERIES APPEARANCE AT MERCER; BELTZ IS 6^TH DIFFERENT MODIFIED WINNER IN 7 RACES; BUCKLEY MAKES IT 4 OF 5 IN STOCKS; LEE WINS 4^TH IN MINIS

By Mike Leone 

June 6, 2009         

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park held the inaugural invasion by the USAC National Sprint Car Series on Saturday night as part of the Eastern Tour/Pennsylvania Swing finale.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic victory lane were Cole Whitt-USAC Sprint Cars, Rodney Beltz-Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, Andy Buckley-GM 602 Stock Cars, and Jamey Lee-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  A large crowd turned out for “The Wheelman” presented by Rotondo Weirich.

Fresh off his win Thursday night at Big Diamond Raceway, teenager Cole Whitt made it two in a row capturing the 30-lap USAC National Sprint Car feature worth $5,000.  “I just rolled around out there before the race started and I kind of felt it,” described the Alpine, California racer when asked about his outside winning move on Jesse Hockett in his first ever Mercer start.  “We had the first start called back and I noticed I gained some ground so I thought ‘alright hopefully no one saw that’.  I had to get up there quick, make it happen, get out front, and hold off Levi (Jones) because I knew he was fast.”

Grandview Speedway winner, Jesse Hockett, raced to the early lead with Darren Hagen, Jones, and Whitt in pursuit.  Whitt moved to third on lap two past Jones.  One lap three he drove around his teammate Hagen off the outside of turn four and one lap used the same move to get around Hockett to lead lap four.  Hockett would lose two more spots on lap five when Hagen and Jones went by. 

It was a three-car race for the lead as lapped traffic became a factor on laps 12 and 13.  Jones used the lapped car of Scott Priester to get by Hagen for second on lap 16.  Jones was all over Whitt as the two ran side-by-side for the lead on lap 18, but a caution by Priester ended the battle.  Jones appeared to have the faster car and searching for a way around, but the event’s final caution for a spin by Andrew Korte with 26 laps completed pretty much sealed the deal for Whitt.

When racing resumed, Whitt got a great restart and though Jones hounded the leader over the final four circuits, Whitt had the preferred line and crossed the finish line first in the Keith Kunz-owned, Red Bull-sponsored, Bullet Chassis, Brannan Engine/Chevrolet-powered #67.  The victory was the third of the season and fifth of Whitt’s career in USAC Sprint Car competition as the young racer won’t even turn 18 for another two weeks.

Jones brought Tony Stewart’s #20 home in second over Whitt’s California teammate Hagen.  Hockett dropped to fourth ahead of Dave Darland.  Completing the top 10 were Damion Gardner, Tracy Hines in Tony Stewart’s second entry, Jerry Coons, Jr., Scotty Weir, and Chris Windom.  Andy Priest of New Castle, Pa. was the top finishing local in 13^th as he made his first Sprint Car start in two and half years.  Gardner set fast establishling a new non-wing track record with a lap of 16.598.  Heat winners were Coons, Henry Clarke, and Brad Sweet, who drives Kasey Kahne’s #9.  Gardner won the Semi. 

After a season of struggles, Rodney Beltz took advantage of his pole position and led all the way holding off a valiant effort by Frank Guidace for his first win of the season in the non-stop 20-lap, $800 to-win Approved Toilet Rental Modified feature.  “It’s been awhile,” stated the Ellwood City, Pa. driver, who became the sixth different winner in seven races this season.  “It’s been a rough road for this car this year.  It’s running better, but still has a little bit more left.  I knew he (Guidace) was back there and figured it would be a good race.  I figured if I stayed in that lane I would be ok.”

Beltz took off in the lead, while third starting Guidace got under John Buchanan for second on the opening lap.  Buchanan slipped high on the backstretch on lap one allowing fifth and sixth starting Eric Gabany and Gary Smoker to drive by.  The laps ticked off as Guidace began to close on Beltz at the halfway point.   Three laps later Guidace and was right on the leader as the two raced side-by-side.  Beltz continued to hold on as Guidace tried every line and lane on the 3/8-mile track. 

On the final lap, Guidace drove in hard on the bottom of turns one and two getting under Beltz.  Guidace made slight contact with Beltz as Beltz had enough momentum to maintain the lead off turn two and down the backstretch.  Guidace tried one last ditch effort driving hard to the inside of Beltz through turns three and four.  It was a drag race down the frontstretch, but Beltz with the preferred line had a little more momentum as his margin of victory was less than one-half car-length.    

Beltz’s fourth career “358” win came in the Emig Racing #1 and was his milestone 20^th of his career overall at Mercer, but first since July 28, 2007.  Point leader and defending champion Guidace settled for his third straight runner-up finish and fourth of the season as he remains winless in the ’09 campaign.  Smoker passed Gabany on lap 17 to finish third.  Gabany dropped to fourth over last week’s winner Jimmy Holden.  Sixth through tenth were Buchanan, Mark Frankhouser, Matt Reeher, Jr. Baker, and Mark Bailey.  Beltz and Gabany won the heat races.

After being defeated for the first time one week ago by Steve D’Apolito, Andy Buckley turned the tables holding off D’Apolito for his fourth win in five races in the non-stop 12-lap, $400 to-win GM 602 Stock Car feature.  “I could hear him,” acknowledged the Stoneboro, Pa. winner.  “I knew if I slid up off the bottom, I didn’t think he would get me.  Steve’s good, he’s going to win some races.”

D’Apolito started fourth and passed both Shaun Hooks and Russ Coyne on the opening lap for second.  In almost a repeat of the non-stop Modified feature that saw Guidace hound Buckley, D’Apolito was all over Buckley the last eight laps trying every line and move imaginable, but Buckley had the preferred line as he won his 29^th of his career in his McClung Auto Body/World of Wheels-sponsored #965.  D’Apolito was a very close second.  Coyne passed Hooks on lap 10 to finish third dropping Hooks to fourth at the finish.  Buckley won the heat race.

Jamey Lee of Fairmount City, Pa. extended his point lead over last week’s winner Lee Lehnerd by holding off the 18-year-old rookie to win the 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature for his division-leading fourth of the season.   

Lee started the event in eighth, but was up to fourth after the first lap.  Lee passed Ed Haylett on lap two for third and inherited second when leader Mike McConnell pitted with a flat tire.  Though Pete Blazczak was handed the lead, he would never lead a lap as Lee took over on the restart. 

Lehnerd, who started 11^th, worked his way through the field and passed Blazczak for second on lap eight right before the event’s final caution.  Lehnerd ran an extreme high line right along the wall chasing Lee over the final four laps, but Lee had just enough to win by two car lengths in his Thomas Elliot Insurance-sponsored #44J.

USAC National Sprint Car Series (30 laps, $5,000): 1. COLE WHITT (Kunz 67)  2. Levi Jones (Stewart 20)  3. Darren Hagen (Kunz 67)  4. Jesse Hockett (Buch 13)  5. Dave Darland (Rotondo/Weirich 2B)  6. Damion Gardner (71)  7. Tracy Hines (Stewart 21)  8. Jerry Coons, Jr. (Hoffman 69)  9. Scott Weir (Baldwin 5)  10. Chris Windom (17)  11. Bud Kaeding (29)  12. Henry Clarke (Kunz 67)  13. Andy Priest (21N)  14. Arnie Kent (18)  15. Charlie Holben (42G)  16. Brad Sweet (Kahne 9)  17. Andrew Korte (Yeley 1)  18. Scott Bonnell (3B)  19. Mike Miller (Burkey 57)  20. Scott Priester (11).

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds (20 laps, $800): 1. RODNEY BELTZ (Emig 1)  2. Frank Guidace (1G)  3. Gary Smoker (516)  4. Eric Gabany (3E)  5. Jimmy Holden (28H)  6. John Buchanan (93)  7. Mark Frankhouser (03)  8. Matt Reeher (711)  9. Jr. Baker (359)  10. Mark Bailey (14B)  11. Lonny Riggs (Black 58).

GM 602 Crate Stock Cars (12 laps, $400): 1. ANDY BUCKLEY (965)  2. Steve D’Apolito (Utsinger 84)  3. Russ Coyne (8c)  4. Shaun Hooks (Janovick 65).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps, $75): 1. JAMEY LEE (44J)  2. Lee Lehnerd (71)  3. Pete Blazczak (77)  4. John Shannon (14)  5. Dan McEwen (44)  6. Mike McConnell (31)  7. Max Smoker (409)  8. Troy Lehnortt (46)  9. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  10. Bill Fuchs (10)  11. Dillon Barr (15)  12. Rudolph Troples III (28)  13. Michael Thompson (82T)  14. E.J. Rarer (3J)  15. Dave Heberling (1H)  16. Ricky Mellinger (Nagy 71B)  17. Jerry Batcher (Blazczak 7)  18. Matt Cwynar (21JR)  19. Steve Walker (McEwen 4M)  20. Josh Verrill (13)  21. Brad Shaffer (17)  22. Dan Nagy (17B).

FOLMAR NAILS DOWN 2^ND MERCER SPRINT WIN; HOLDEN WINS 1^ST IN MODS; SCOTT BEATS YOUNG GUNS FOR 1^ST FASTRAK WIN; D’APOLITO ENDS BUCKLEY’S REIGN IN STOCKS; CAREER 1^ST FOR LEHNERD IN MINIS; #2 FOR KNEPPER IN MOD LITES

By Mike Leone 

May 30, 2009      

Mercer, PA…It was a short week after the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” on Monday as Mercer Raceway Park was in action on a sunny Saturday evening that brought out a huge crowd on the 10^th event of the season.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic victory lane were Craig Folmar-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Jimmy Holden-Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, David Scott-4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Steve D’Apolito-GM 602 Stock Cars, Alan Knepper-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Lee Lehnerd-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  It was Free Venango County Night presented by Jolley Industrial Supply and Small Planet Comics & More passed out 500 comics books to the kids.

Craig Folmar was a relative unknown to many in western Pennsylvania prior to the 2009 season.  He did have success early on his career in Micro Sprints and scored 13 career 305 Sprint wins with 12 of them coming at Virginia Motor Speedway.  Folmar turned some heads in his first ever appearance to Lernerville Speedway on opening night this year with a fourth then a runner-up effort in Mercer’s opener.  On April 25, Folmar scored his first career “410” win at Mercer and five weeks later picked up #2 in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature Saturday night. 

“This is a great place,” acknowledged the Philipsburg, Pa. racer.  “It’s a pleasure coming out here and running for all these fans.  It’s not too far, two and half hours.  This is a new team that we put together in the middle of last year.  We struggled a bit, but I have the best crew I’ve ever had and winning it is for them.  My job is easy when they set a car up like that.  I have to thank Glenn Ray for G&R Excavating and Demolition.  If it weren’t for him, we’d be parked.”

Folmar passed Arnie Kent and Chris Best on the opening lap for second as he followed Eric Williams around in the opening laps.  Williams, who has suffered a couple heartbreakers already this season while running up front, was looking to redeem himself as he looked strong.  Monday’s winner Rod George was making his way from his 11^th starting spot and cracked the top five at the conclusion of lap four as he was looking to make it three-in-a-row. 

By lap five it was a six-car race for the lead with Williams holding off Folmar, Kent, Rob Eyler, Best, George, and Carl Bowser.  On lap six, Williams was entering turn three when he lost a wheel, but did a good job to save it and keep the car from getting upside down.  When racing resumed, Folmar took off with Kent, Eyler, and George chasing.  The four were battling for the lead as Kent was right on Folmar and just about to enter lapped traffic when Jack Helget spun and Gale Ruth, Sr. slowed with 12 laps completed.

When green replaced yellow for the final time, Folmar was pretty much unchallenged over the last eight laps.  His only scare came on the final lap when newcomer Eli Deshaies of Rhode Island got sideways in turns three and four ahead of him.  Folmar went on to take the checkered flag first in his G&R Excavating & Demolition/Summit Recycling, Kriner-powered #81. 

Kent was second for his best finish since a win on August 2 of last season.  After racing side-by-side on laps 15, 16, and 17, point leader George was finally able to slip under Eyler with a turn two move on the inside to finish third.  Bowser was fifth.  New Jersey’s Jeff Taylor beat teammate Johnny Beaber across the line to finish sixth for his season’s best effort.  Best, a rookie in the Sprints, dropped back to eighth, but good enough for his top finish of the year.  Nate Stein came from 16^th to place ninth over Jack Helget.  Heat winners were George and Tony Beaber.

After two runner-ups and a lot of engine woes this season, Jimmy Holden wasn’t about to let this one slip by as he captured his season’s first win in the 20-lap Approved Toilet Rentals Modified feature holding off the challenges of defending champion Frank Guidace.  Holden became the fifth different winner in six races and celebrated by climbing the catch fence.

“I’m ready for a rest now,” stated the Tiona, Pa. driver.  “That was amazing!  I thought he (Guidace) had me when he got underneath me.  I gave him room for awhile.  I pulled him maybe a foot in each turn after that and finally I thought maybe I could sneak it to the bottom and he wouldn’t run into me!  This car has been fast all year if we could have just kept it together.  This is our back-up, back-up, back-up motor with spare parts.”

Rodney Beltz took off from the pole position, while Holden and Guidace passed Rick Hall for second and third respectively on the opening lap.  By lap thee it was a three-car race up front and in turn four Holden was able to slip under Beltz for what would be the winning move.  One lap later in turn three, Guidace was able to get by Beltz for second. 

Holden and Guidace pulled away from the field on lap seven.  Garrett Krummert was on the move from his eighth starting spot cracking the top five on lap 11 then driving by Hall for fourth on lap 13.  The event’s only caution was for a spin by Dustin Martin with 16 laps completed.  On the restart, Krummert got around Beltz for third. 

Up front, Guidace was pressuring Holden as he got alongside the youngster on laps 16, 17, and 18, but Holden remained steadfast using both the high and low lines and not allowing Guidace to get by.  Holden held on for his third career win in the Dean Holden-owned, Holden Precision Machine/Holden Oil & Gas/Jet Water Hauling/DAH Oil-sponsored #28H. 

Guidace was second for the third time in the last four races as the two-time champion is still in search of his season’s first win.  2007 champion, Garrett Krummert, was third over Beltz and Lonny Riggs.  Rounding out the top 10 were Eric Gabany, John Buchanan in his season debut, Matt Reeher, Mike Stine in his season debut, and Hall.  Winning the heats were Krummert and Guidace.

David Scott has found a new home this year.  The former Super Late Model and Sprint Car standout racer picked up the ride in the John and Janet Powell Bullitt Chassis house car competing in the FASTRAK Late Models.  Already with two wins under his belt at two different tracks, Scott added a third Saturday night winning the 20-lap 4 Your Car Connection feature event.

“I’ve had fun every time I have driven this thing,” acknowledged the Garland, Pa. racer.  “That (Mike) Pegher kid is so fast, I didn’t figure if we started on the pole and he started last we could beat him.  Max (Blair) and Pegher do a real good job in this class.  It’s hard to beat them sometimes, but old means experience.  We were just here testing tonight because we weren’t that good on Monday.  I told John and Janet we got to pick it up if we’re going to compete with those two.  I’m surprised we’re here in victory lane.”

Ben Black took charge of the event from the pole position, while Scott powered by Joe Martin and Mike Anderson, Jr. for second on the opening lap.  Black and Scott raced side-by-side on laps three and four, but Black was able to hold on, while fifth starting Pegher took third from Anderson before the event’s first caution. 

On the ensuing restart, Scott powered around Black on the outside to lead lap five, while one lap later Pegher took over second with an inside move in turn four.  Pegher caught Scott and the two raced side-by-side on laps seven and eight with Scott on the outside and Pegher on the inside.  Just when it looked like Pegher was going to make the pass stick, he got sideways in turn four allowing Scott to get away.  Pegher closed back in on lap 10 and was all over the leader.  The duo ran side-by-side on laps 13 and 14, but on the 14^th lap Pegher pushed hard in turn four allowing Scott to drive away and Anderson to retake second.

Scott now wouldn’t be denied as he collected his fourth career Mercer win in just his eighth ever start at The Park, which have come over the course of the past eight seasons!  After recording a career best Late Model finish of third on May 2, Anderson bettered that by one with a great runner-up holding off Pegher.  Black turned in a fine performance in fourth for his best finish of the season.  Last year’s Mod Lite champion, Bud Watson, came from 17^th to finish fifth for his career best Late Model finish.  Rookie Joe Martin matched his opening night finish of sixth as Blair, Steve Hollabaugh, Brian Booher, and Bill Thomas completed the top 10.  Heat winners were Scott and Pegher.

Steve D’Apolito led all 12 laps of the GM 602 Stock Car feature for his first career Mercer win.  The multi-time Sharon Speedway champion and Tri-City Speedway Applefest 100 winner dominated the event ending Andy Buckley’s perfect three-for-three streak.  Car owner Buzzy Utsinger gave all of his winnings to track manager Frank Benic.  “He deserves it,” said the Boardman, Ohio winner.  “We’ve had two years of tuning on it, working on it, and making it better- that makes it an advantage.”

D’Apolito’s victory came in the Utsinger’s Towing/Race 1-sponsored #84.  Fourth starting Buckley and Shaun Hooks battled for second with Buckley getting the spot.  Russ Coyne was fourth.  D’Apolito also won the heat race.

Sixteen-year-old Alan Knepper led all 15 laps of the Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature for his second triumph of the season.  “We tightened it up a little bit and that helped out,” explained the Somerset, Pa. driver who took over sole possession of the point lead.  “The track was great tonight!”

Eighth starting Rod Jones and seventh starting Mark Marcucci passed Levi Spinneweber for second and third on laps six and seven respectively, but were no match for Knepper in the Lynn Knepper-owned, Knepper ATV/Bill’s Auto-sponsored #10.  Jones edged Marcucci for second with Spinneweber and newcomer John Gerula, Jr. completing the top five.  Marcucci won the heat race.

Rookie Lee Lehnerd has been fast all season.  Saturday night it paid off as the youngster led from green-to-checkered in the non-stop 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature.  “I just saw wide open track and I punched it,” described the Cabot, Pa. driver, who competed in this year’s “Jack Frost 150” Enduro.  “I got in a zone and hit my marks.  My heart was pounding!”

Lehnerd started fourth, but had the lead from John Shannon on lap two.  Pete Blazczak and Jamey Lee were able to pass Shannon for second and third on laps five and six respectively, but weren’t able to mount a challenge on the #71 of Lehnerd.  Blazczak edged 12^th starting and point leader Lee, who was looking to make it three in a row.  Dan McEwen was fourth over Tim Callahan in just his second start of the season.  Lee and Blazczak won the heat races. 
 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. CRAIG FOLMAR (81)  2. Arnie Kent (18)  3. Rod George (4)  4. Rob Eyler (5a)  5. Carl Bowser (10)  6. Jeff Taylor (17T)  7. Johnny Beaber (Taylor 7B)  8. Chris Best (66)  9. Nate Stein (93)  10. Jack Helget (Taylor 71c)  11. Eli Deshaies (91)  12. Tony Beaber (3T)  13. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R)  14. John McCracken, Jr. (79)  15. Eric Williams (7)  16. Jeremy Cook (5L).

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. JIMMY HOLDEN (28H)  2. Frank Guidace (1G)  3. Garrett Krummert (29)  4. Rodney Beltz (Emig 1)  5. Lonny Riggs (Black 58)  6. Eric Gabany (3E)  7. John Buchanan (93)  8. Matt Reeher (711)  9. Mike Stine (7s)  10. Rick Hall (B2)  11. Jr. Baker (359)  12. Dustin Martin (29D)  13. Mark Bailey (14B).

4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. DAVID SCOTT (Powell 100)  2. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72)  3. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1c)  4. Ben Black (27B)  5. Bud Watson (2)  6. Joe Martin (55)  7. Max Blair (111)  8. Steve Hollabaugh (3H)  9. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  10. Bill Thomas (22)  11. Chris Force (68)  12. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42JR)  13. Tyler Barris (32B)  14. Bryan Force (69)  15. Chris Haines (35H)  16. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s)  17. Roger French (-1).

GM 602 Crate Stock Cars (12 laps): 1. STEVE D’APOLITO (Utsinger 84)  2. Andy Buckley (965)  3. Shaun Hooks (65)  4. Russ Coyne (8c).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. ALAN KNEPPER (10)  2. Rod Jones (820)  3. Mark Marcucci (8M)  4. Levi Spinneweber (10s)  5. John Gerula, Jr. (54)  6. Terry Young (98)  7. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  8. Bill Stivason (116)  9. Dustin Salvino (31).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. LEE LEHNERD (71)  2. Pete Blazczak (77)  3. Jamey Lee (44J)  4. Dan McEwen (44)  5. Tim Callahan (54)  6. Dillon Barr (15)  7. Bill Fuchs (10)  8. Steve Walker (McEwen 4M)  9. Adam Bulfone (19JR)  10. E.J. Rarer (3J)  11. Rudolph Troples III (28)  12. John Shannon (14)  13. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  14. Ricky Mellinger (Nagy 71B)  15. Dan Nagy (17B).

GEORGE WINS 4^th SPRINT FEATURE IN 6 TRIES AT MERCER ON MONDAY; #3 FOR BLAIR IN FASTRAK NE LM SERIES; DELLINGER CLAIMS STOCKS; LEE BAGS #3 IN MINIS

By Mike Leone

May 25, 2009      

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park rounded out American Thunder Weekend on Monday with the running of the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic”.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic victory lane were Max Blair-FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series, Rod George-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Alan Dellinger-Stock Cars, and Jamey Lee-M&D Paving Mini Stocks.

Max Blair survived some close calls, scrapes, and near misses to win his first FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series event and third Mercer win of the season in the 25-lap, $1,200 to-win 4 Your Car Connection feature.  “I will take responsibility for that deal on the next to last restart,” admitted the 19-year-old Centerville, Pa. driver.  “I came up the race track and didn’t mean it.  I thought I had him cleared and I didn’t do that intentionally.  The track really came around after the first few laps.  It was a really nice track that you could race all over it.”

Making his first ever Northeast Touring Series start, Jason Rider used the outside to race into the lead at the start of the feature with Bill Thomas and Gary Knollinger in tow.  Knollinger, Tom Snyder, Jr., and Bud Watson passed Thomas for second through fourth respectively on lap two.  David Scott, who started 10^th, quickly made his way into contention taking fourth from Watson on lap three.

Snyder used the inside to pass Knollinger for second on lap four then ran down Rider by lap nine.  The leaders were entering lapped traffic on lap 12 before the caution was displayed for Shawn Jett.  On the ensuing restart, Knollinger and seventh starting Blair were able to get past Snyder for second.  After a caution with 12 laps completed, Blair would make the winning move getting by Rider and bringing Knollinger and Snyder with him.

Snyder moved back to second on lap 14 past Knollinger.  Mike Pegher, Jr., who was looking to make it three-for-three in Touring Series competition in 2009, started all the way back in 22^nd, cracked the top five on lap 16 getting by Dan Angelicchio and then moved to fourth on lap 18 dropping Scott back to fifth. 

Following a restart with 19 laps completed, Blair made contact with Snyder and ensued a five car accident.  The accident moved Pegher to third and on the restart grabbed second from Knollinger.  Pegher was all over Blair looking for a way around.  Pegher dove low on the final lap in turn four trying to get under Pegher, but looped his mount doing a 360.

Blair’s victory was the sixth of his career at Mercer in his Eagle Hoist & Winch/Specialty Products/Loney Timber/Moody Welding-sponsored #111.  Knollinger, who finished second to Blair on April 11 at Mercer, came across the finish in second and was followed by Scott, 12^th starting Dan Angelicchio, and 16^th starting Bobby Powell.  Completing the top 10 were Mike Anderson, Jr., Thomas, Carl McKinney, Pegher, and Shane Bambarger in his first ever Mercer start.  Heat winners over the season high 33-car field were Knollinger, Watson, Blair, and Angelicchio.  Jay Watson and Pegher won the B mains.

Rod George took advantage of a front row starting spot and made a nice move to steal the victory away from Rob Eyler in lapped traffic to score his fourth Sprint Car win in six tries this season.  The $1,500 win came in the 25-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling feature. 

“First off I have to thank the fans for hanging around on a week night,” said the Kittanning, Pa. veteran.  “The track was a little slick at first, but the track crew did a great job.  It was one lane in the heats, but you could run three and four-wide in the feature.  I just hit the right spot at the right time to get by Rob.  The other racers did a good job.  It was great racing and a real clean race.”

Eyler raced out to the lead with George, Arnie Kent, and Jack Sodeman, Jr. in pursuit.  George was all over Eyler in the early laps as the two ran side-by-side on laps six and seven.  Lapped traffic was about to come into play on lap nine when a four car incident occurred involving newcomer Josh Davis, who got on his side, along with Jeremy Cook, Eric Williams, and Lindsay Enscoe. 

The man on the move was Gary Kriess, Jr.  Kriess started back in 19^th and on lap 10 followed Cole Duncan past Carl Bowser as the two took over fifth and sixth respectively.  A caution for Dan Kuriger’s spin was the final caution of the event with 11 laps completed. 

George was hounding Eyler and was all over the leader on lap 15.  George would make his winning move on lap 17 driving under Eyler in turn four and making the pass stick.  George was in heavy lapped traffic on lap 18, but made the right moves to distance himself.  George went on for his second straight win and 22^nd of his career at Mercer in the Dr. John Crawford III/Pro Shot Directional Boring/Suzanne Stivason/Max Weiss-sponsored #4. 

Eyler was a solid second.  Sodeman drove by Kent on the backstretch on lap 21 to finish third and was closing on Eyler and George.  Kent held off Duncan, who made his first start of the season.  Sixth through 10^th were Kriess, Bowser, Charlie Holben, Scott Bonnell, and Jason Dolick.  Another great field of 28 cars turned out with Kent, Jeff Taylor, and Sodeman winning the heats.  Kriess won the B main.

After a dominating performance Sunday night at Central PA Speedway, Alan Dellinger made it two in a row winning the 25-lap $1,000 to-win open Stock Car feature to break a tie with Brian Booher to become the division’s all-time winner with 33 wins.  “For early in the summer, the tracks are all nice and slippery and smooth,” described the Hermitage, Pa. winner.  “Man I just love that kind of stuff.  We work real hard to make the car go on a slick track.  We just have a little motor in this and I love it when it works out for the best.”

Dan Lewis took the early lead from the pole position.  Dellinger, who started seventh, quickly made his way to the front moving to second by the completion of lap three getting by Tim Deutsch and Tim Burns.  Dellinger closed on Lewis on lap five.  The two ran side-by-side on laps five, six, and seven with Lewis high and Dellinger low.  Dellinger finally was able to clear Lewis in turn two on lap seven. 

Dellinger survived three restarts and was never challenged the rest of the way to win his 41^st of his career at Mercer in the Steve Burns, Sr.-owned #19B.  Lewis was second.  Young Tim Bish passed Deutsch on lap eight to finish third.  Rusty Martz came from 11^th to place fourth over Deutsch.  Heat winners over the 18-car field were Dellinger and Lewis.

Point leader Jamey Lee made it two-in-a-row and three on the season in the Mini Stocks.  The victory came in the 12-lap M&D Paving feature and was worth $75.  “It was a good race,” said the Fairmount City, Pa. driver.  “There were a few wild moments where I thought they were going to spin me out.”

Tim Callahan led the first two laps before Josh Verrill and Lee took over the top two spots on lap three.  Lee made the winning move one lap later from Verrill and survived four cautions in the Thomas Elliot Insurance-sponsored #44J.  Dillon Kineston came from 11^th to place second.  Verrill dropped to third, but good enough for a career best third.  Dan McEwen was fourth after starting 17^th and Callahan completed the top five.  Heat winners were Lee and Lehnerd over the 22-car field. 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (25 laps, $1,500 to-win): 1. ROD GEORGE (4)  2. Rob Eyler (5a)  3. Jack Sodeman, Jr. (23Jr)  4. Arnie Kent (18)  5. Cole Duncan (22)  6. Gary Kriess, Jr. (55)  7. Carl Bowser (10)  8. Charlie Holben (42G)  9. Scott Bonnell (3B)  10. Jason Dolick (D12)  11. Jeff Taylor (17T)  12. Johnny Beaber (Taylor 7B)  13. Tony Beaber (3T)  14. Nate Stein (93)  15. Eric Williams (7)  16. Jeremy Cook (5L)  17. Chris Best (66)  18. Pete Miller III (3)  19. Joe Butera (Matus 3J)  20. Brent Matus (33)  21. Dan Kuriger (08)  22. Danny Holtgraver (D4)  23. Josh Davis (22D)  24. Lindsay Enscoe (96)  DNQ: Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R), John McCracken, Jr. (79), Jack Helget (Taylor 71c), Russ Sansosti (23s).

4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models (25 laps, $1,200 to-win): 1. MAX BLAIR (111)  2. Gary Knollinger (38K)  3. David Scott (Powell 100)  4. Dan Angelicchio (14)  5. Bobby Powell (Powell B1D)  6. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72)  7. Bill Thomas (McDaniel 22)  8. Carl McKinney (6M)  9. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1C)  10. Shane Bambarger (68B)  11. Ben Black (27B)  12. Bud Watson (2)  13. Garrett Mott (43X)  14. Bryan Force (69)  15. Tom Snyder, Jr. (1F)  16. Jay Watson (7x)  17. John Watson (Horton 48)  18. Jason Rider (Johnson 76)  19. Joel Prosser (77)  20. Butch Lambert (27)  21. Joe Martin (55)  22. Dennis Lunger, Jr. (Schwartz 17L)  23. Shawn Jett (1J)  24. Steve Hollabaugh (3H)  DNQ: Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s), Jamie Brown (135), Chris Haines (35H), Kyle Layton (99*), Mike Laughard (38L), Sean Puz (66), Tom Copeland (98), Jon Law (14), Bob Kish (5).

Stock Cars (25 laps, $1,000 to-win): 1. ALAN DELLINGER (Burns 19B)  2. Dan Lewis (64)  3. Tim Bish (1B)  4. Rusty Martz (16M)  5. Tim Deutsch (11D)  6. Andy Buckley (965)  7. Chris Haines (35H)  8. Dave Ferringer (02)  9. Josh Seippel (84)  10. Jim Brunson (1-17)  11. Russ Byler (06R)  12. Rod Laskey (1R)  13. Tim Burns (66)  14. Shaun Hooks (Janovick 65)  15. Mike Duritsky (90)  16. Terry Wheeler (2W)  17. Matt Wagner (12)  18. Rob Bates (99B)-DSQ.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps, $75 to-win): 1. JAMEY LEE (44J)  2. Dillon Kineston (19)  3. Josh Verrill (13)  4. Dan McEwen (44)  5. Tim Callahan (54)  6. Pete Blazczak (77)  7. Lee Lehnerd (71)  8. Bill Fuchs (10)  9. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  10. Rudolph Troples III (28)  11. Dan Nagy (17B)  12. Adam Bulfone (19JR)  13. E.J. Rarer (3J)  14. Shannon Heberling (1H)  15. John Shannon (14)  16. Mike McConnell (31)  17. Jim Edison (48E)  18. Marty Warren, Jr. (05)  19. Jerry Batcher (Blazczak 7)-DNS  20. Steve Walker (McEwen 4M)-DNS  21. Eric Gabany (3)-DNS  22. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)-DNS.

HUGE CROWD GREETS USA-EAST OPENER AT MERCER

By Rick Feicht

A super crowd and a beautiful evening for pulling were all part of another great opening event for the USA-EAST Pulling Series at Vicki Emig’s Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday, May 23^rd.  With temperatures hovering in the high 70s and abundant sunshine the grandstands were nearly full in anticipate of another awesome display of power from four championship pulling divisions.   A special guest appearence by 2008 NTPA National Champion Ken Veney from Wadsworth, Ohio and his Unlimited Modified tractor had the fans on the feet just before intermission.  The all-new four-engine “Funny Farmall” Mod was certainly in mid-season form as it blasted down the raceway clay to the delight of the spectators.  Veney will lead a complete class of the unlimited modified tractors into the Canfield Fair over Labor Day week-end this year – the first time that this group of tractors has appeared in the western Pennsylvania or eastern Ohio area for many years.

PRO STOCK DIESEL 4x4

Twenty-Nine of the ultra-powerful diesel pick-ups opened the show at Mercer.  Rules of USA-EAST permit street licensed trucks to ‘bump up’ to the Pro Stock division on two occassions in 2009 and many of the street trucks availed themselves of that opportunity swelling the field to 29.  After the first round a total of twelve had made the pull-off.  This class has improved drastically in the past year and was very impressive in the first hook of 2009.  Justin Wilins who had captured the former Pro Street crown in both ’06 and ’07 has made great strides with his Dodge named “Bad Reputation” from Fresno, Ohio.  Wilkins pushed the green Mopar/Cummins machine to the victory in the pull-off.  The reigning champion from last year, John Lorenz from Dover, Ohio took second with the freshly painted “Grey Wolf”.

Perhaps the most impressive diesel truck of the night was the vastly improved “The Real Deal” owned and driven by Bill DeBenedictus from Mentor, Ohio.  This Dodge had been running in the middle of the pack in past years but showed superior performance to grab third at Mercer.  Joe Gambino from Springville, New York was third with his Brother’s Diesel prepared Dodge.  Gambino was forced to compete in the RWYB class in past years, but the rule changes have opened the door for that machine to run with the Pro Stockers.  And Vince Aftuck from Scio, New York grabbed fifth with his old and steady lime green Dodge.  That truck from the Enterprise Engines Team at Thornville, Ohio is the ‘old’ truck from the Aftuck stable.  Vince is expecting delivery of his newer and more powerful red Dodge in time for the New York opener next week.

John Jordan’s “The Big Stick” Duramax was the top GM finisher at Mercer Raceway.  Jordan from Saegertown, Pennsylvania has moved steadily up through the ranks in diesel truck pulling and is now poised to lay claim to the title of ‘top GM’ in the Pro Stock division.  Misfortune struck two top contenders at Mercer.  The Calvin Miller owned and Sean Hodges driven “On Borrowed Time” Dodge from Guys Mills and Washington, Pennsylvania experienced engine problems after qualifying for the pull-off while former Mercer Raceway champion Matt Cooper from nearby Portersville, Pennsylvania did a hop scotch move at the 100’ mark with “Goin’ The Distance’ and caused the weight rack on the front of the Chevy to dislodge leading to a disqualification.  The other truck with some type of engine problem was the pull-off qualified “Holstein Express” with Matt Springer on the controls from Jefferson, Ohio.

The top street licensed truck in the fray was Salem, Ohio’s Dale Bennett with a GM Duramax entry that is called “Social Security”.  The class at Mercer Raceway was sponsored by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.

SMOKER SERIES

Ray Link from Patton, Pennsylvania is always tough at Mercer Raceway and once again he proved that point by pushing “Gone Mokin” into the winner’s circle with the only full pull of the class.  Link’s John Deere 4530 Pro Stocker was the runner-up to the championship a year ago after taking the crown in 2007.  The very powerful Everman Pulling Team from Dansville, New York took the next two spots.  David Everman driving the “Lightning” International just eeked out 2^nd place over his father Henry Everman and the Empire State Champion Super Stocker named “Final Decision”.   Russ Hildenbrand got fourth with his “JD Express” from Ruffsdale, Pennsylvania and fifth went to the new “Nut Case” and Kris Hoyt from Shikshinny, Pennsylvania.  The sponsor at Mercer Raceway for the “Smoker Series” was Watson’s Massey-Ferguson Tractor of Hermitage, Pennsylvania

STREET LICENSED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (ON GAS)

The final class of the evening was a shoot-out for nineteen of the top 4x4s still licensed for the highway and running on pump gasoline.  This is always a fun class and draws a number of local area contestants.  Despite the length of the pull due to the huge numbers in the previous classes a large segment of the spectators remained for the class.  When Titusville’s Craig Bell, the 2008 champion only managed a mark of 281.1 early in the class with his 460 Ford, it was evident that the class would be wide open on this night.  Bell eventually settled for 5^th place.  The winner with the only full pull of the class was last year’s USA-EAST runner-up Mike Barr, from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania with a 454 cubic inch Chevrolet.  The all-new Ford of Pulaski’s Pat Wilson impressed most of the fans in the stands as well as the group settled around the finish line in the infield.  Wilson has been working on this 1979 Ford for the past five years always claiming to be ‘just about ready’.  At Mercer Wilson finished 2^nd with a mark of 296.54 to end the speculation.  Third went to Chris Mooney from Cranesville, Pennsylvania with another big block Chevrolet while Matt Moser from Marwood, Pennsylvania ended fourth with his “Marwood Express” Ford.  Hovis Auto & Truck Supply was the sponsor of this class at Mercer Raceway Park.

BIG RIGS PULLING SERIES

Last season’s Big Rigs champion, Richard Scott’s “Silver Bullet I” powered by a V-8 Mack took the Big Rigs class with a pull-off victory against the former champion Dick Bonner and “Killer” from Mantua, Ohio.  Scott hails from Diamond, Ohio and is the crew chief for the Fred Sanders’ Pulling Team of Ravenna, Ohio.  Complete event results  and a wrap up story of the Big Rigs class is found on our sister site at www.bigrigspulling.com.  This class was sponsored locally at Mercer by Jones Performance and their Truk Rodz line of aftermarket over-the-road truck equipment from West Middlesex, Pennsylvania.

“Often Imitated, Never Duplicated” Mercer Raceway Park Kicks off Season Long SLATE of Quality EVENTS & Family Promotions

By Mike Leone 

May 4, 2009       

(Mercer, PA)…With spring gaining momentum throughout the tri-state area, Mercer Raceway Park is set to kickoff a jam-packed 2009 schedule of innovative, creative, and industry-leading promotions geared towards attracting casual fans and their families this Saturday night, May 9.  

Although the racy 3/8-mile bullring has already logged six exciting race events to start off the 58^th anniversary season, it has always been the tradition of 11^th year owner Vicki Emig to begin The Park’s fantastic entertainment savings events near mid-May. 

“Mercer Raceway Park always has and always will provide its fans with tremendous wheel-to-wheel grassroots racing,” stated Vicki Emig.  “It has been my goal from the beginning to not only satisfy the hardcore race fans appetite but to also make The Park a unique and exciting option for family entertainment.  Throughout the years I know many of my ideas were scoffed upon as not being the norm, but after years of massaging and tweaking these concepts they have become an important and traditional part of my facility.  It is nice to see so many others incorporating them into their programs for their fans to enjoy also.”      

This Saturday night “Hey Neighbor C’mon Over” presented by Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service and Froggy 95 will offer Shenango Valley residents (Sharon, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Sharpsville, Farrell, and Wheatland) FREE admission and the opportunity to experience The Park’s “Saturday Night Live” format of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, GM 602 Stock Cars, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks.

Mahoning Valley Scrapper representatives along with their famous Mascot “Scrappy” will be on hand Saturday night to kickoff the “In the Spotlight” collectible hero autograph card program, of which they are the presenting sponsor of, and promote their own upcoming “Shenango Valley Night”.  This will be the first piece in a season long cross-promotional marketing effort between the region’s two leading sports venues.

The pre-race midway will begin to take on a new look and atmosphere as the first of 15 groups of four drivers will be present between 5:30-6:30 p.m. to meet and greet the fans and autograph the beautiful full color “In the Spotlight” hero cards that will feature their cars.  Featured drivers on the first card will be Sprint Car driver Gary Kriess, Jr., FASTRAK Late Model racer Butch Lambert, Modified driver Jr. Baker, and Mod Lite pilot Levi Spinneweber.  Fans can look forward to collecting the entire series each and every week through September 12.

Barbeque aromas will drift throughout the area as “The Grub Pub” debuts with its mouthwatering, charbroiled offerings, which will feature quarter-pound hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and homemade smoked kielbasa sandwiches on a weekly basis   Barbequed pulled pork and beef briskets sandwiches, along with chicken will be featured in weeks to come.

Additional new items will also soon debut in the regular concession areas such as iced caramel and vanilla cappuccino, “Slider” kids meals, regular and spicy chicken nuggets, deep fried onion-flavored green beans and ranch dressing, just to name a few.

“Big Daddy” himself, Ray Baselj, has promised to have the new Mercer Raceway Park apparel ready for purchase and on display Saturday night.  Sure to be a favorite will be the new Mercer Raceway Park University design, something totally different and a guaranteed race wear trendsetter.    

In just a few weeks, 93.3 “The Wolf” will join the midway activities prerace for 10 “Wolf Nights Out”.  Fast Freddie, Viking Jim, Spatz, and Lisa Neeld are sure to add their own brand of flavor and spice to The Park with their on the edge antics.

The “SPEEDPASS,” which allows general admission ticket holders to upgrade their tickets for a pit pass for just $5 for adults and $10 for a family just before intermission and experience the “inter-sanctum” of the pit area has already been a huge success.  Fans have expressed their appreciation for this new concept, and already many have taken advantage of this innovative concept.

May not only begins our season long schedule of cost-saving fan appreciation promotions, but of course initiates a strong group of special race events beginning with the annual American Thunder Weekend over Memorial Day Weekend.  Saturday the 23^rd will be the All-American “Spring Nationals” World Championship Truck and Tractor Pulling Event followed by the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” race event on Monday the 25^th featuring the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series, Big-Block Modifieds, open Stock Cars, and Mini Stocks.

Now only a month away, the region’s most anticipated Sprint Car event, “The Wheelman,” is set to make history as on Saturday, June 6 as the USAC National Sprint Car Series makes their first ever visit to The Park in the conclusion of the Pennsylvania Swing with $5,000 on the line for the traditional open wheel non-winged cars.

“I never stop thinking of ways to make The Park more enjoyable for all types of fans,” stated Emig.  “Our regular “Saturday Night Live” events featuring Sprints, Modifieds, FASTRAK Late Models, along with our other three divisions is a perfect example of what Saturday night auto racing was meant to be.  Add in a strong group of value-packed family entertainment promotions and I think we have a perfect mix to attract both traditional race fans and the general public; with that in mind however, I never assume anything and I’ll keep on thinking and trying to be creative.”

Gentleman Start Your Engines; Batter-up; Mercer Raceway Park and The Mahoning Valley Scrappers team-up in 2009

By Mike Leone

April 20, 2009      

Mercer, PA… Baseball and auto racing are as American as apple pie.  In 2009 these two great pastimes will come together as Mercer Raceway Park and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are proud to announce a major marketing partnership. 

Located in the heart of Trumbull County near the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio, The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are a Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and play their home games at the beautiful Eastwood Field.    

“I was thrilled when The Mahoning Valley Scrappers contacted me about joining together to cross-promote our facilities,” explained 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s a  honor to know that one of the tri-states premier minor league baseball franchises has chosen Mercer Raceway Park as a new and exciting venue from which to reach new fans.  I immediately agreed that this could be a relationship that could be beneficial to both of our concerns and we having been working diligently together ever since on this concept.”

“We are looking forward to our new partnership with Mercer Raceway Park,” expressed Jordan Taylor, Assistant General Manager of The Mahoning Valley Scrappers.  “It is a new and exciting way for us to expose our exciting entertainment value to the fans of Mercer County and the surrounding area.”

The Scrappers will be the presenting sponsor of the new brilliantly-colored “In the Spotlight” driver hero cards that will be given away to the fans for 15 consecutive weeks beginning May 2.

The uniqueness of this card is that it not only will feature four different drivers per week, but it also includes a detachable coupon portion that will feature The Mahoning Valley Scrappers 2009 schedule along with a $3 off offer for a weekend home game. 

“Scrappy,” along with other Scrapper representatives, will join race fans on Saturday May 9 on The Park’s “Hey Neighbor” Free Shenango Valley Night to actually promote their Shenango Valley Night to be held at Eastwood Field on June 20. 

In turn, Mercer Raceway Park will be the presenting sponsor of “A Salute to Racing Night” at Eastwood Field on Tuesday, July 7 when the Scrappers take on the Auburn Doubledays (Toronto Blue Jays affiliate). 

As part of the “Salute to Racing Night”, Mercer Raceway Park will be set up and highly visible in the concourse area throughout the evening.   Prior to the game, Mercer pr personnel will meet and greet Scrapper fans and distribute several thousand event schedules along with “Welcome Ohio Night” flyers, and numerous promotional tickets.

“We will be distributing 100 game day tickets to our fans and drivers during the weeks leading up to our event at the ballpark through creative giveaway programs,” said Emig.  “We want this to be a fun and relaxing night out with our family, friends, fans and drivers.  Additional discounted tickets will also be available through the speedway office to allow all those who want to attend an affordable option.” 

The fun begins as Mercer Raceway Park receives pre-game recognition, which will include an Eastwood Field infield pre-game race car appearance, ceremonial first pitch, game-long promotional announcements, and the logo placed on the stadium video board.

The Park will also receive a multitude of media coverage for its sponsorship of “A Salute to Racing Night” including radio, television, and newspaper leading up to the game via Clear Channel Radio, The Tribune Chronicle, and The Vindicator newspapers.

Mercer Raceway Park will also have two Caddy Cup Nights at Eastwood Field, be featured on 1,000 game day rosters along with their name on tens of thousands of 2009 Scrappers pocket schedules, and inclusion on the Scrappers website at www.mvscrappers.com.

There is no doubt that this cross-promotional effort is going to be a home run for both Mercer Raceway Park and The Mahoning Valley Scrappers!

SPRINT CAR GREAT JOHNNY BEABER, SON TONY, ALONG WITH NEW JERSEY’S JEFF TAYLOR & JACK HELGET TO CALL MERCER HOME IN 2009

By Mike Leone 

April 8, 2009        

Mercer, PA…When Mercer Raceway Park opened its 2009 Sprint Car campaign last Saturday night, April 4, there was a familiar name in the lineup; that none other than Johnny Beaber.  The name alone conjures up many memories for Pennsylvania and Ohio Sprint Car fans. 

The Gibsonburg, Ohio native has over 200 career Sprint Car wins all over the Midwest and Northeast.  He’s a 26-time Mercer winner including the only World of Outlaw race run at Mercer on June 14, 1978 and was a winner against the All Stars on June 23, 1982.  His last win at Mercer came on May 6, 1995.

In 2009, Beaber will be a Mercer regular for the first time since 1994 when Mercer reopened.  Beaber will be driving for New Jersey’s Jeff Taylor, who will also compete weekly (#17T) along with his second driver, Jack Helget (#71c).  The three-car team will carry sponsorship from C&B Mushrooms, Buckeye Steering and Art’s Radiator.  Their Beaberbuilt cars will be powered by Jereco Engines.  Joining the trio Saturday will be Johnny’s son Tony in his own car.   Tony owns three career non-wing wins at the Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana and was the track champion in 2006 driving for Alan Toth.     

“It’s truly something special to have Johnny Beaber back at Mercer weekly,” expressed 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.   “He had a long and rich history at Mercer.  Growing up I remember watching him race as I’m sure many other longtime fans do.  It’s going to be exciting to see him get re-acclimated behind the wheel.  I know he has the talent and desire to rise to the top again.  I’ve always been thankful for Jeff Taylor’s support over the years and am thrilled him and his team have decided to call Mercer home in 2009 when there are a lot of other Saturday night venues out there.” 

The elder Beaber suffered magneto problems in his debut Saturday night and was credited with 15^th.  “It was pretty cool to be back out there,” described the driver of the #7B from his Beaberbuilt business Wednesday night.  “It was disappointing to have the motor problems all night, but the mag is being checked out now.  I just ran a couple laps and pulled it in the feature.  We should have it handled for this Saturday night.”

Beaber’s last stint behind the wheel was a short one in 2002 as he drove his son’s car and “Soup” Sabo’s #8s in a handful of races.  “Everything is so much faster and a lot tougher today,” described Beaber.  “There have always been the good guys, but years ago only so many had good chassis, motors, and tires.  It’s different today; everyone has good stuff so the driver can make a difference.  There has got to be away to outguess the other drivers.  It will be interesting to see how much it has changed as the weeks go on.”

“I’ve never been one to set goals,” revealed Beaber.  “If I did, I’d set them low so I could achieve them.  I just want to do Jeff (Taylor) right and not let him and my family down.  I’ve had a ball over the years and a lot of success at Mercer.  The track has been around forever.  I can honestly say I do not have a bad memory there.” 

While Johnny Beaber is known far and wide around racing circles, his car owner Jeff Taylor is more well-known for his professional football days.  The former Chicago, Illinois resident went to the University of Missouri and spent time in the World Football League in 1973 before being drafted by the Washington Redskins.  He spent three seasons in DC and also spent some time with the Houston Oilers.  Taylor also played in the United States Football League (USFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).  Taylor’s success came at the tight end position, but also played defensive line and weak side linebacker. 

After football, Taylor played in a professional softball league for the Chicago Fire.  While traveling the country, his friend convinced him to go to a season ending Sprint Car race in Wisconsin.  Taylor was hooked immediately.  So much in fact he went to the pits and bought the first car he saw for sale. 

Now you’re probably wondering how Taylor and Beaber hooked up.  “About six or seven years ago I was in Indiana and saw a Beaberbuilt Silver Crown that was driven by Jack Hewitt,” explained Taylor, who now calls Cherry Hill, New Jersey home.  “I ended up acquiring it by trading it for a Sprint Car.  The relationship between Johnny and I turned into a business one as I became the Beaberbuilt dealer in New Jersey.  Over the winter, I kept messing with him telling him I wanted him to drive one of my cars.  He didn’t think I was serious, until one day I showed up with a brand new car, motor, and trailer!”

“Before this transpired, I became really good friend with Jeff and Jack,” said Beaber.  “They’re such nice people, so good, and so diplomatic.  Jeff has always wanted to this and it’s put a bounce in my step.  As you get older, things change, but this has made things really nice.  It’s given me ambition and has really motivated me!”

“Racing is a business, but we’re just older guys having fun,” quipped Taylor!  “It’s a family deal for them and there’s no pressure on Johnny…it’s not like he’s doing this for a living.  In the past I never had the money to do it right, but now I can and it’s the end of all ends.  I enjoy it so much, it’s such a blast and I’m having so much fun.”

JOHNNY BEABER

JEFF TAYLOR

JACK HELGET

The Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars will join the Approved Toilet Rental Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks again this Saturday night, April 11.  Race time is 7 p.m.

MERCER DEBUTS “TEXT-ALERT” – AN INNOVATIVE FAN INTERACTIVE TEXT MESSAGING PROGRAM; SUBSCRIBE NOW!

By Mike Leone

March 11, 2009      

Mercer, PA…In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing, technology-driven world, text messaging has become just about second nature to everyone with cell phones.  Mercer Raceway Park, a leader in the industry for its promotions and marketing concepts, is launching their new state-of-the-art “Text-Alert” text messaging system as a fun way to interact with The Park’s fans.  The Mobile Store, a T-Mobile authorized dealer located in both Hermitage, Pa. and Hubbard, Ohio, will present this program.

“Text-Alert” will send random updates to subscribers of this service on race events, family events, teen mania, discounts and promotional offers, and radio promos to listeners of 93.3 “The Wolf” and “Froggy” 95.1. 

By simply texting the word “MERCER” to 29222 fans will be instantly subscribed to this program and will allow the user which subgroup he or she wishes to be part of.  Fans can also subscribe by logging on to the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com and going to the “Text-Alert” area and selecting which group he or she wishes to subscribe to.  This is not to be confused with other speedways’ race status text messaging.

“We continually try to be fan-friendly and strive to keep our great fans abreast of the latest happenings at The Park,” explained 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “When we learned of this program, we felt it could really be useful at Mercer Raceway Park and falls in line with our promotional efforts.  Really the sky is the limit as to the usefulness of this program, and by forwarding these messages to friends and family the number of those being able to benefit from this innovative informational system multiplies by the thousands.”

Race Events: Subscribers may be reminded to purchase their advance tickets for the June 6 USAC National Sprint Car event for just $18 to receive preferred seating and pre-race pit access.

Family Event: Subscribers could receive a text prior to our super-saving $10 Family Nights, an upcoming “Kidzilla” event, or our new family promotion “Rebate Your Kid Night”. 

Teen Mania: Throughout the years Mercer Raceway Park has been a great place for teenagers to meet up with friends on Saturday nights.  Texting has become a language unto itself to teens and the new “Text-Alert” will be a great way to allow them to stay in touch with the upcoming happenings at The Park.

Discounts & Promotional Offers: Buy one adult admission and receive $5 off a second adult admission; receive half off one of our scrumptious barbeque brisket sandwiches at the new “Grub Pub”; a free “SPEEDPASS” pit admission with the purchase of a general admission ticket could all be possible attractive offers subscribers could receive.

Radio Promos: Fans of 93.3 “The Wolf” and “Froggy” 95.1, Mercer Raceway Park’s flagship stations, may want to subscribe to this category as they could also receive fun promos.

“It is important to always try to move forward and be open-minded to new ideas especially in today’s market,” said Emig.  “Text-Alert is a wonderful example of the tools we now have to stay in touch with our fans.  I hope they enjoy utilizing this program as much as we did developing it to fit the needs of Mercer Raceway Park.”

The Mobile Store, a T-Mobile authorized dealer, is located at 1964 E. State Street in Hermitage, Pa. (724-347-2323) and 340 N. Main Street in Hubbard, Ohio (330-534-3400).  Contact Jason Rakoci and Sam Camouse, Jr.

MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IN 2009 AT MERCER RACEWAY PARK; INDUSTRY-LEADING PROMOTIONS CONTINUE

By Mike Leone

March 5, 2009         

Mercer, PA…With the start of the 2009 Mercer Raceway Park racing season just around the corner on March 28, fans will be pleased to see that The Park has been busy creating many exciting new concepts that will add to their already great “Where Saturday Comes Alive” experience.  

These programs coupled with The Park’s cutting-edge marketing concepts and traditional promotional events will continue to propel The Park as the region’s #1 choice for family entertainment. 

“SPEEDPASS”, “In the Spotlight”, “Wolf Nights Out”, “Kidzilla”, the “Grub Pub” and “Text-Alert”, “Mystery Cities”, and more are all innovative programs that will be unique to Mercer Raceway Park and offer the fans the opportunity to enjoy an even greater night of affordable family entertainment.  

“Disney World has “FASTPASS” and now The Park has “SPEEDPASS”, stated 11-year owner Vicki Emig.  “Years ago when tracks featured only two divisions of racing, we were able to flood into the pit area after the races to interact with our heroes; today that experience is gone as by the time the races are over the majority of the racers have went home.”

“SPEEDPASS” will provide fans an affordable option to access the pits just before the evenings feature events.  A half hour prior to the first feature, the “SPEEDPASS” window will allow fans to update their general admission ticket for just $5, families with children 14 and older for $10, a $9 savings per person if they had opted for a pit pass that night.  Seeing the drivers and crews prepare for their main events, watching them crawl out of their race cars after 20 hard fought laps of racing action, and talking to them when the their adrenalin is still flowing at the end of the race is sure to give race fans a piece of their own “reality” racing!

“In the Spotlight” will debut on May 2 and continue for 15 straight nights through September 12.  On these nights the first 300 fans will receive a collectible hero autograph card that will feature four different drivers.  These drivers and their cars will be in the midway between 5:30 and 6:30 PM for up close and personal interaction and photo and autograph opportunities.  Fans, especially the kids, can collect the entire set of cards and later can remember when they had their special moment with their favorite driver.         

“Kidzilla” Monstrous Kid A-Trax will present a mega schedule of events geared towards entertaining The Park’s littlest fans.  “Walk on the Wild Side” Animal Exhibit, “Penny Candy Night”, The “Donkey 500”, Super Hero Comic Book Night, fireworks, bike races, “Meet Your Heroes”,  and the “KABOOM 100” Enduro are sure to peak the kids’ interest and begin to mold them into future race fans.      

The “Grub Pub” an outdoor barbeque area will take area race track concessions to the next level.  Specialty items available to the fans on a weekly basis at this new food area will feature charbroiled hamburgers, quarter-pound hot dogs, and kielbasa sandwiches.  Barbeque beef brisket, pulled pork, foot-long hot dogs, and chicken fry’s will spice up the menu periodically.  By grabbing some hand-cut French fries, a side of smoked baked beans or potato salad, and a cold drink, fans will be able to settle down to an action-packed night of racing with a full belly.       

93.3 “The Wolf” has partnered up with The Park and will be on hand for 10 “Wolf Nights Out” beginning Memorial Day May 25th and continuing throughout the summer.  The 10-pack of “Wolf Night Out” experiences will include special appearances with some of their on-the-edge disc jockeys such as Fast Freddie, Viking Jim, Spatz, and the famous Lisa Neeld as they are sure to spice up pre-race activities in the midway areas. 

The state-of-the-art “Text-Alert” text messaging system will be a fun way to market and interact with The Park’s fans.  This program will be presented by The Mobile Store – A T-Mobile authorized dealer and will be introduced very soon.  A select group of fans will periodically receive race event, family event, and special discount and promotion offers via text messaging.  By forwarding these messages to friends and family the number of those being able to benefit from this innovative informational system multiplies by the thousands.  This is unlike other tracks’ race event status updates.     

As darkness falls a black speedway pace trucks rolls into an unsuspecting “Mystery City”; the door opens and a cloaked figure emerges.  Apprehensively citizens accept the visitor’s offering of free general admission tickets to Mercer Raceway Park for an upcoming “Saturday Night Comes Alive” experience.  The new “Mystery City” promotion will allow residents of eight mystery cities to have a close encounter of the most exciting-kind when they attend The Park…will they be sighted in your city!?   

The new “Trackside” informational handout will begin weekly in May providing fans free updates on points and coming events as well as offering a very affordable way for businesses to get their names out to the fans on a weekly basis.

Fans will also want to check out the new apparel for Mercer Raceway Park, which will be vended by Ray’s Racing Collectibles.  Also, fans will notice a new innovative general admission ticket presented by Grandstand makers of the “In the Spotlight” hero cards. 

“We’re very excited to release this group of new fan-friendly promotions and programs.” said Emig.  “My goal over the past 10 years has been to make Mercer Raceway Park the region’s #1 choice for family entertainment.  By coupling these ideas with great racing and our already very successful $10 Family Nights, Free County Nights, and other innovative concepts, I believe we can continue to build upon this goal.  I look forward to the return of our great Mercer Raceway Park fans and will continue to be creative and work hard to introduce new fans to the sport we all love!”

MERCER READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2009 SEASON; JAMMED-PACKED SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH OPENING NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 28

By Mike Leone 

March 4, 2009          

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has released the 2009 schedule of event as Saturday, March 28 has been set as the 58th anniversary season opener with the BRP Modified Tour, United E-Mod Series, open Stock Cars, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks making up the “Chiller Thriller” at 7 p.m.  Another season of heart-pounding racing excitement and quality family events make up the 2009 slate.   

“As always we’ve really focused on our special race events and specific family promotions this year,” explained 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “Every season poses a unique challenge and this year is no different with the current state of the economy.  All winter we’ve been working on ideas to make The Park even more fan-friendly.  We’ll be announcing these new and exciting programs in the near future.”    

Luxaire Heating & Cooling returns for the eighth time in the past nine seasons to headline the Sprint Cars.  Approved Toilet Rentals with longtime Mercer supporter Jerry Schaffer has signed on for the new divisional sponsor of the Modifieds.  4 Your Car Connection in Cranberry, Pa. will be a new marketing partner for the upcoming season as the presenter of the FASTRAK Late Models.  Big Daddy’s Speed Center and M&D Paving are back for the third straight year as the presenters of the Mod Lites and Mini Stocks respectively. 

The five-division weekly program will take to the track one week later on Saturday, April 4 with points starting providing the opener is completed.  New this year will be the GM 602 Crate Stock Cars, which will make their debut on Saturday, April 18 headlined by multi-track champions Andy Buckley, Shaun Hooks, and Steve D’Apolito.

“Our car counts were up last year despite rain in the forecast for 20 of our 26 events and record-high gas prices,” stated Emig.  “The Sprints always put on a great show on our bullring and with some of the adjustments made last season, their car counts increased.  The Modifieds are just so competitive week-in and week-out.  We really look for the growth to continue in the FASTRAK Late Models and Mini Stocks, which along with the Mod Lites have really given young racers and outlet to compete on the big stage, while gaining valuable racing experience.  We don’t expect miracles from the new GM 602 Stock Car division out of the box, but do expect it to grow in the future.”

For the ninth straight year, Mercer Raceway Park will be the site of a world championship pulling event on Saturday, May 23.  The All-American “Spring Nationals” will kickoff the regional pulling season and is considered to be one of the area’s most prestigious events.  Included are the Big Rig Semis presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance, Smoker Tractors presented by Watson’s Inc, and Hot Diesel 4x4 and Street Gas 4x4 Trucks presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.  Rain date is Sunday.

Then on Monday the 25th, the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” will see the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series make their first of two stops on the season.  The Big-Block Modifieds will battle the Small-Block Modifieds in their second of three challenge events.  The open Stock Cars will be back for another $1,000 to-win event.

One of the most anticipated events on the schedule in 2009 will occur on Saturday, June 6 when the USAC National Sprint Car Series makes their inaugural appearance in one of the richest Sprint Car events ever held at The Park.  “The Wheelman” will be a $5,000 to-win event featuring many of the nation’s best wingless pilots in the conclusion of the Pennsylvania Swing.  Fans will also get to see the Modifieds in this unique event.  A first ever “Meet Your Heroes” autograph session for the USAC stars and cars will take place on the speedway prior to the feature.  Advanced tickets are just $18, which includes preferred seating and a special pre-race pit pass entry.   

The Enduros have become a popular attraction at Mercer.  On Saturday, July 4 fans will be able to experience a full night of racing in addition to the “KABOOM 100” Enduro. 

This year’s Bill Emig Memorial returns on July 25 as Mercer’s own Modifieds battle for the $1,500 prize.  The event honors the patriarch of the Emig Family in this 19^th annual event, which has been featured at Mercer for each of the last 16 season and is the longest running memorial race in western Pa.  The Sprint Cars will also chase after $1,500 with all the region’s best expected.  

One of the most popular events last season was “The Return,” which featured the Big-Block Modifieds back at The Park for the first time in two and a half seasons.  "Smackdown!” - Big-Block vs. Small-Block Challenge Part II returns on August 15.  The ante has been upped with $2,000 on the line along with a $1,000 bonus if a Mercer-legal small-block Modified can pull the upset.  The FASTRAK Late Models will also be highlighted this night. 

The 20^th annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” is back on September 12.  A strong field of Sprints is expected with no other tracks in the region running that weekend.  Making the night even more special will be the second appearance by the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series and the Ken Carbone Memorial will offer $1,000 to the winner of the open Stock Car event.  It will be the final night of points.

After a one-week hiatus, the “Little Guy Nationals” will take center stage featuring two complete action-packed days of racing presented by American Racer/Lias Tire on September 25 & 26. In the past, the Stock Cars have always been featured on Friday night paying $1,000 to-win followed by $2,000 on Saturday.  Last year, the STAR’s Mod Lites were able to also compete in two complete events and that will return again this season.  The big news however will be the addition of the Modifieds to the Friday night portion giving them two complete events highlighted by the $2,000 prize on Saturday.  In keeping consistent with the theme, the Mini Stocks will join the Saturday card giving them two complete programs as well!

For the second straight year, the season will conclude with the “Fall Brawl” on Saturday, October 3 as Mercer will be the Northeast site of Night 1 of the $250,000 FASTRAK Grand Nationals.  The FASTRAK Late Models will be racing for $2,000 to-win and will be joined by the only appearance of the season by the Super Late Models for $2,000 to-win as well.  Last year, a record 58 E-Mods turned out for the $2,000 to-win UEMS-sanctioned event.  This year due to the excellent support, the stakes have been raised to $3,000 to-win for the richest E-Mod event in Pennsylvania for the “Keystone Open”.  The Tri-State Mod Association will co-sanction the event with UEMS.

Mercer Raceway Park has become the region’s #1 choice for family entertainment.  Value-driven promotions have become the mainstay at The Park and have been in place long before the economy deteriorated.  These events should become even more attractive to fans this season. 

“We’ve found a nice niche with our promotions,” explained Emig.  “When I created the free county nights, Welcome Ohio Night, $10 Family Nights, and other similar promotions, I had no idea that in the very near future, they would become even more important to the fans throughout our region.”

Economic Stimulus Night on April 25 will kickoff the 2009 “Fan…tastic Entertainment Events” and allow free admission for all those with an “open” unemployment compensation claim in Pennsylvania and Ohio and accompanying children 15 and under.

The Free County Nights will return in full force beginning on May 16 as Armstrong presents Free Crawford County Night.  Venango County Night will take place on May 30 followed by Butler County Night on June 27 presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong. 

The phenomenal $10 Family Nights come to The Park on June 13 and August 8 when mom, dad, and as many kids 15 and under can attend the races for just $10.  A special edition $10 Single Parent Night will allow single parents to bring as many kids 15 and under also for just $10 on May 2!  New marketing partner Door World of Hadley presents these nights, which will be promoted by Armstrong.

The “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night presented by Herr Food’s, Inc. will be held on August 8.  Cars from all divisions will be brought onto the speedway for autographs during intermission.  Hundreds of fans traditionally flood the frontstretch for up close and personal interaction with the drivers.

Created as an offshoot of the free county nights, the “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” events brought this concept closer home.  On May 9, all residents of Shenango Valley (Sharon, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Sharpsville, Farrell, and Wheatland) will be admitted free for a full night of racing and then all New Castle, Pa. residents will get their turn on June 20. 

With our nation at war and a heightened concern for our military, American Patriot Night will take on an even greater importance.  For the 11^th straight year, Mercer Raceway Park will proudly admit all veterans free for a full night of racing action and a spectacular fireworks display presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza.

Run for border all you Buckeyes!  Welcome Ohio Night will admit all residents of Ohio free on July 18, which will be presented by new marketing partner Utsinger’s Towing in Youngstown, Ohio and promoted by Armstrong.  The Utsinger Family has a rich history of racing and their car will debut in the new 602 Stock Car division with Steve D’Apolito. 

On August 1, an emotional but uplifting event will return titled “Racing for a Cure” – An American Cancer Society Benefit Night.  Last year, $8,000 was raised through various fundraising efforts highlighted by racers competing in memory or support of those touched by cancer.  All cancer survivors will be admitted free. 

A new promotion, “Rebate Your Kid,” will also take place on August 1 as it will offer $3 off adult or family admission per child 15 and under or $6 off family admission with two children (one child rebate per adult).

Automotive Service Industry Night will recognize those employed in the automotive/truck industry and be presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.  These individuals and their significant other will be admitted for the discounted prices of $10 each or $25 for families on the prestigious “Western PA Sprint Championship” on September 12.

For the third straight year, Kargo Quality Cars of Mercer will provide the speedway with the use of a beautiful pace truck, now only utilized at the speedway on race nights, but also is an intricate part of the marketing and promotional efforts of track owner Vicki Emig.  Kargo is also planning exciting fan giveaways throughout the year.

Some of the companies already committed to corporate nights this year include Dean Dairy, Yellow Book USA, Anderson Bros. Tool, Emerson Process Management, US Foods, and Countryside Care Home of Mercer and Trinity Living Center of Grove City.

“In just one week I look forward to introducing a whole new slate of innovative and cutting-edge marketing and promotional concepts,” revealed Emig.  “I believe the addition of these exciting programs blended with our already jammed-packed schedule, will advance Mercer Raceway Park to the next level and enhance the fan’s experience and entertainment value.  Stay tuned!”

Our color tri-fold brochure schedules will be available in mid-March, please contact the office if you’re interested in one.      

Wednesday practice nights will be held at the track on April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, August 5, and September 6.  All practices will carry a Thursday rain date.

MERCER RACEWAY PARK CROWNS GEORGE, GUIDACE, WATSON, & KINESTON CHAMPIONS AT 2008 AWARDS BANQUET; NUMEROUS SPECIAL AWARDS HANDED OUT

By Mike Leone 

January 17, 2009       

Hermitage, PA…Mercer Raceway Park celebrated the 2008 season in grand style Saturday night, January 17, as the beautiful Normandy Banquet Center in Hermitage, Pa. played host for the sixth time to the annual awards banquet and dinner.  Also, the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series banquet was held in conjunction as Max Blair was crowned the 2008 champion and the remainder of the top 10 were honored.

The top ten drivers in each of the five divisions received their point fund monies and plaques.  The following 2008 track champions also received an embroidered jacket: Rod George-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace-Tire Express Modifieds & McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Bud Watson-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Dillon Kineston-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. 

For the 10^th consecutive year under owner Vicki Emig, Mercer Raceway Park continued its tradition of honoring special achievements at its banquet.  Six of those types of awards were once again given out Saturday night. 

The “Legacy” Award honors and remembers the late Bill Emig.  This year’s honor was given to Arnie Kent.  The New Castle, Pa. driver has been a self-made racer by owning, working on, and driving his own Sprint Cars.  He never went over his means and took care of his family first just like Emig did.  Kent has won at least one feature in each of the past 10 seasons and has 20 for his career at Mercer, which is third in that span of time.  He’s finished runner-up in points for three straight seasons and six times over the past nine seasons. 

Living legends are those that will forever be held in high respect by those that enjoyed their excellence.  This year’s “Living Legend” Award was bestowed to Andy Lutz.  The father of current Sprint Car racer Mike Lutz had a long, successful career that began in 1957.  He was a three-time Mercer champion and has won some 500 races in his career throughout various divisions at numerous speedways.  He’s a character on and off the track and can still be seen with his famous yellow #86 coupe that he displays and hot laps around the region.

The “Horizon” Award was put in place to recognize drivers whose careers shine as brightly as the horizon.  This year two young drivers earned the award.   Bud Watson was the first recipient.  The 15-year-old Conneaut, Ohio racer won the Mod Lite Championship in his first full season at Mercer winning his first career Mercer race.  Watson will be moving up to the FASTRAK Late Models this season.

The second “Horizon” was won by Dillon Kineston.  The 14-year-old New Castle, Pa. driver is the youngest champion in the 58-year history of the track and also won his first two races of his career in his rookie season.  Kineston will be back to defend his title this season.

This year’s “Outstanding Achievement” Award went to Frank Guidace.  The Mercer, Pa. resident became the first driver since Ralph Quarterson in 1980 to win two track championships in the same season.  He won a career high seven races including his first career Late Model win in his first ever start and won the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series event on Memorial Day.  He also won the prestigious “Little Guy Nationals” in the T3 All-Star Modified Series for the second time in three seasons.

The “Majestic” Award honors those that have made grand, noble, and dignified gestures on behalf of Mercer Raceway Park and in general.  This year’s recipient was Randy and Joyce Myers.  The husband-wife duo have spent the last decade plus working at Mercer.  Randy was a former driver that turned into one of the region’s best tech inspector and Joyce could be considered one of the region’s best scorers as she started working at the track back in the mid 90s.  The two retired after the January 3 “Crashing Through the Snow” and will be sorely missed.

The “Leland Haylett Memorial” is a new award that will honor someone in the Mini Stock division that shows great commitment had passion to the division.  Wally Stearns, Jr. of Harrisville, Pa. was the inaugural recipient.  After Leland’s passing this past summer, Stearns organized and raised money for the “Leland Haylett Memorial” race on October 4, which turned into the richest Mini Stock race ever.  He’s been very loyal with nearly perfect attendance and has built many cars for other racers since the inception of the division.  The event will be back again this summer.

Rod George celebrated his second straight track championship and third in four years by taking the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car crown.  The Kittanning, Pa. ace won 3 features, 6 heat races, 9 top 5s, and 11 top 10s in the Dr. John Crawford III/Pro Shot Directional Boring/Suzanne Stivason/Max Weiss-sponsored #4.

Arnie Kent was second with one win as he’s finished in the top 6 in points for each of the past 12 seasons.   Third through tenth in points with wins in parentheses were Gale Ruth, Jr. (1), Chris Shuttleworth, Brent Matus, Joe Butera, Jeremy Cook, Mike Lutz, Scott Bonnell (1), and Paul Kapuchuck.  Other winners were Brian Ellenberger (3), Andy McKisson, Bob Felmlee, and Carl Bowser.

For the second time in three seasons, Frank Guidace is the Tire Express Modified Champion.  The Mercer, Pa. driver’s banner season saw him win 3 races including his second “Little Guy Nationals” victory.  He added 3 heat race wins, 9 top 5s, and 10 top 10s in his #1G.

The division’s inaugural champion, Gary Smoker, was second as he scored his only win of the season on opening night, but it was the 42^nd of his career.  Third through tenth with wins in parentheses were defending champion Garrett Krummert (3), Lonny Riggs (3), Eric Gabany (1), Rick Hall, Jimmy Holden, Kevin Green, Matt Reeher, and Dillion McElrath.  Jeff Schaffer was also a winner. 

Frank Guidace will go down in the history books as the inaugural FASTRAK Late Model Champion presented by McElwain Motors.  Guidace’s #1G carried him to the first of his four career Late Model wins including the Memorial Day Northeast Touring Series event to go along with 5 heat wins, 7 top 5s, and 11 top 10s.

After taking three seasons off, Rusty Moore made a successful move up from the Stock Cars to finish runner-up with his first career Late Model win.  Finishing third through tenth in points with wins in parentheses were three-time Stock Car Champion Brian Booher (2), Steve Hollabaugh, Bobby Powell (2), Mike Anderson, Jr., Max Blair (3), Steve D’Apolito, Gary Miller, Jr., and Dave Airgood, Jr.  Jay Watson was also a winner. 

Bud Watson is the second Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite Champion in the second year of the division.  Watson drove the Bill Watson-owned, The Cutting Edge Vinyl & Signs/SND Door-sponsored #15 to his first ever Mercer win on August 9 and had 9 top 5s and 14 top 10s in 16 races. 

Rod Jones had another dominating season winning 9 features including a sweep of the “Little Guy Nationals” for the second straight year and an amazing 12 heat races out of 13.  Missing three nights ruined a shot at his second straight championship.  Third through tenth in points with wins in parentheses were Kenny Meadows (1), Alan Knepper (2), Todd Canter, Terry Young, Kotie Kirkbride, George Englert, Mark Marcucci, and Bill Stivason.  Other winners were Mikey Hay (2) and Garrett Krummert.

Like the Mod Lites, there is a new M&D Paving Mini Stock champion in its second year and it’s teenager Dillon Kineston.  Kineston’s Equipment Rental Options/Kineston Auction Service/C&R Trailer/Fat Boyz Wingz ‘n Thing-sponsored #19 won his first two features of his career to go along with 5 heat wins, 9 top 5s, and 13 top 10s.

Dan McEwen led the points for much of the season, but missed out on the title by a mere two points and scored his first career win on July 4.  Through tenth in points with wins in parentheses were Wally Stearns, Jr., Bill Fuchs (1), Tyler Powell, Pete Blazczak (1), Ed Haylett, Scott Gilliland, Stephen Laslo (1), and John Shannon (1).  Other winners were Chris Myers (4), Curtis Brown (1), Kyle Colwell (2), Cory Kilgore (2), Steve Mowery (2),  

Track announcer Mike Dutko emceed the event and thanked the sponsors, employees, press, drivers, owners, and all of the fans for making 2008 another success.  Special thanks went out to the Mercer East End, Pine Township, and Jefferson Fire Departments along with Mesaros & Jeswald Towing.  The Mike Anderson Family, Matt Howsare, and the Brian Booher/Hoover Bros. Racing Team were honored with plaques by going above and beyond with their fund raising efforts on August 1 American Cancer Society “Racing for a Cure” Benefit.  Howsare even made the three hour drive to collect his plaque.

The 2009 season was previewed with many upcoming special events beginning with the March 28 “Chiller Thriller” featuring for the first time the BRP Big-Block Modified Tour.  A Rock-n-Roll Express closed out the banquet until midnight with live music for everyone’s dancing and listening pleasures.

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 late March through September.  The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday late mornings and after 1:30 p.m.  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.

Final 2008 Mercer Raceway Park Point Standings

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. ROD GEORGE (4) 438  2. Arnie Kent (18) 411  3. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x) 346  4. Chris Shuttleworth (11) 316  5. Brent Matus (33) 313  6. Joe Butera (Matus 3J) 282  7. Jeremy Cook (5L) 266  8. Mike Lutz (Chappel 8 & Preston 1P) 256  9. Scott Bonnell (3B) 243  10. Paul Kapuchuck (10) 222.

Tire Express (358) Modifieds: 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 399  2. Gary Smoker (516) 392  3. Garrett Krummert (29) 388  4. Lonny Riggs (Black 58) 364  5. Eric Gabany (3E) 331  6. Rick Hall (B2) 320  7. Jimmy Holden (28H) 292  8. Kevin Green (74) 278  9. Matt Reeher (711) 274  10. Dillion McElrath (7) 266.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models: 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 456  2. Rusty Moore (17M) 433  3. Brian Booher (00H) 427  4. Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 414  5. Bobby Powel (Bidwell B1D) 369  6. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72) 299  7. Max Blair (111) 201  8. Steve D’Apolito (84) 190  9. Gary Miller, Jr. (1M) 189  10. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42JR) 168.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites: 1. BUD WATSON (15) 491  2. Rod Jones (820) 460  3. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T) 444  4. Alan Knepper (1) 433  5. Todd Canter (Teague 9T) 414  6. Terry Young (98) 389  7. Kotie Kirkbride (97N) 381  8. George Englert (11x) 369  9. Mark Marcucci (8M) 359  10. Bill Stivason (116) 356.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks: 1. DILLON KINESTON (19) 479  2. Dan McEwen (44) 477  3. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33) 399  4. Bill Fuchs (10) 388  5. Tyler Powell (36) 383  6. Pete Blazczak (77) 375  7. Ed Haylett (8-ball) 374  8. Scott Gilliland (27) 354  9. Steve Laslo (55) 346  10. John Shannon (14) 320.

Special Award Winners:

          “Living Legend”: Andy Lutz

            “Legacy”: Arnie Kent

            “Horizon”: Dillon Kineston & Bud Watson

            “Outstanding Achievement”: Frank Guidace

            “Majestic”: Randy & Joyce Myers

            “Leland Haylett Memorial” Award: Wally Stearns, Jr.

GILLETTE MAKES IT 2-IN-A-ROW WITH “JACK FROST 150” ENDURO VICTORY IN FRONT OF A BIG CROWD SATURDAY;

BOYLE WINS “SNOWBALL” DEMO DERBY

By Mike Leone 

January 3, 2009           

Mercer, PA…Though it was titled “Crashing Through the Snow,” a beautiful sunny January 3^rd day blessed Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday afternoon as a big crowd watched Tim Gillette capture the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro and Doug Boyle take the “Snowball” Demo Derby.  It was a festive atmosphere as the second annual event was presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply. 

Driving a 1992 Toyota Celica, Tim Gillette made it two-in-a-row in Enduro competition with the same car backing up his July 4 “KABOOM 150” Enduro win with another $1,000 payday in the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro.  Gillette survived a couple brushes with disaster in the closing laps including a cut tire, blown radiator, and a spinning car in turn four on the final circuit.

“That’s all I could ask of that car,” expressed the 46-year-old Linesville, Pa. winner by his smoking car in victory lane.  “I think it (debris) got my radiator.  I don’t know when the tire went.  I knew it wasn’t handling right the last three laps.”

Gillette started his path to victory from the second starting spot and actually led the opening lap taking the lead from pole-sitter Shaun Hooks, the 2002 Stock Car champion and 2004 “Little Guy Nationals” winner.  Ray Seibert made his way from the 10^th starting spot to grab the lead on lap two and led until lap five when Gillette regained the lead.  Fourteenth starting Chris Roberts took the lead from Gillette on lap nine, but his lead only lasted a lap as third-generation racer Ryan Hall came from 20^th starting spot to lead lap 10.  It was a five-car race for the lead at this point in the event. 

Hall’s day actually ended in the lead when he yielded the top spot to 25^th starting Jeff Schomaker on lap 17. Schomaker held the lead for two laps until Dwight Boice, a one-time Stock Car winner, charged from dead last to the lead on lap 19.  Boice led for seven laps before Seibert would lead his last lap of the day on lap 26 as Boice regained the lead for one lap on the 27^th circuit.  Roberts came back to lead 28 and turned the lead back to Schomaker on lap 29.  The two battled for the lead as Roberts then was able to lead laps 31-39. 

Last year’s “Jack Frost 150” winner, Leigh Wheeler, worked his way from 38^th to lead for the first time of the day on lap 40.  Hoping to make it two-in-a-row for the event, Wheeler gave up the lead at lap 50 to Gillette, the eventual winner.  Wheeler suffered mechanical woes forcing him out of the event in the ensuing laps.

It looked like a battle was going to shape up for the lead as Aaron Hill made up at least two laps as he had passed Gillette to get back on the lead lap; however a red flag on lap 108 doomed the Brookville, Pa. driver as he was unable to get his car started.  Gillette drove a smooth and consistent race leading the last 101 laps and 106 overall in his Gillette Import Autowerks #2.   

Andy Sweetland of Spartansburg, Pa. came from 66^th to finish second, but was five laps down to the winner and earned $500.  Former Modified racer John Larkin of Renfrew, Pa. was third capturing $400.  Paul Koffler, Jr. of West Leisenring, Pa. was fourth nabbing $300.  Completing the top five was Stock Car driver Stacy Neubecker of Boardman, Ohio for $200.

The event featured 14 lead changes amongst seven different drivers.  Nearly 70 cars took the green flag as the competitors ranged in age from 14 to 64 hailing from all over Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and western New York including some 20 current and former racers.  The race took 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete including two red flag stoppages.    

Doug Boyle won his first “Snowball” Demo Derby topping a field of 13 competitors with his Chevy-powered 1984 Ford.  It was definitely worth it,” said the Saegertown, Pa. winner by his smashed #715.  “It was a good derby.  I love coming down here.  I just hit as hard as I could and kept moving.”

Veteran Harry Boyer of Meadville, Pa. was second earning $250, while former racer Bruce Milbert of Portersville, Pa. was third taking $150. 

“I have to thank all of the fans for the excellent turnout, the participation by the drivers, our sponsor Hovis Auto and Truck Supply, and the outstanding work by track manager Frank Benic and Wayne Sheets and the rest of his crew for preparing the facility for this event,” explained 11^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “It was amazing how nice the track turned out after it got run it as so many people said you could have raced on it!  Without everyone’s support there is no way we could attempt a show like this.   We’ll be bringing back this event to kick off 2010 with possibly another addition to the show.” 

“Jack Frost 150” Enduro: 1. TIM GILLETTE ($1,000)  2. Andy Sweetland  3. John Larkin  4. Paul Koffler, Jr.  5. Stacy Neubecker  6. Martin Jones  7. Russ Sansosti  8. Rusty Cade  9. Skip Lindemuth  10. Ray Seibert  11. Chris Roberts  12. Jason Schomaker  13. Jeremy Speicher  14. Jim McClean  15. Henry Wilfong  16. Joe Philip  17. Aaron Hill  18. Nick Steiger  19. Curtis Holben  20. Tom Roberts  21. Don Vernier  22. Gene Buck  23. Pete Blazczak  24. Shaun Pyle  25. Tyler Wickham  26. Lee Lehnerd  27. Leigh Wheeler  28. Kyle Ripper  29. Matt Cross  30. Camaron Alexander  31. Adam Sellers  32. Dave Tackett  33. Brian Scholze  34. Rich Ridinger  35. Dakota Papsun  36. Dillon Kineston  37. Russell Byler  38. Ron Herman  39. Robert Roser, Jr.  40. Jeff Schomaker  41. Bryan Wagner  42. Eelyn Wickham  43. Tom Emery  44. Dwight Boice  45. Steve Settle, Jr.  46. Clyde Roberts  47. Josh Dillaman  48. Mark Hayes  49. Eric Beggs  50. Tim Callahan  51. Keith Grasser  52. Shaun Hooks  53. Mike Pegher, Jr.  54. Ryan Hall  55. Bob Stroup  56. Stephen Grasser  57. Cody Hickok  58. Larry Wagner, Jr.  59. Michael Custer  60. Dave Kineston  61. Mark Sieler  62. Rick Emerson  63. Brad Blackshear  64. Derek Stefanik  65. Garrett Schreffler  66. Cody Burzynski–DNS  67. Barry Nerone–DNS.

HISTORY TO BE MADE JUNE 6 AS USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CARS SERIES MAKES THEIR INAUGURAL APPEARANCE

By Mike Leone

December 17, 2008               

(Mercer, PA)…Sprint Cars have had a long and rich history at Mercer Raceway Park.  The class has evolved from the coupes in the early 1960s, to the super modifieds in the mid 60s, and then into the traditional sprint cars in the ensuing years. 

Throughout the speedway’s 58 years, many special Sprint Car events and various sanctions have made their way to Mercer Raceway Park such as the World of Outlaws, All Stars, URC, ESS, etc.; however, one of the most revered and oldest, the United States Auto Club (USAC), never found its way to Mercer.  That will change and history will be made on Saturday, June 6 when the USAC National Sprint Car Series will have the grand finale of the Pennsylvania swing with one of the richest and most prestigious events ever contested at Mercer.  

Although USAC has only made two appearances over the years in western Pennsylvania, they have never done so on a track smaller than a ½-mile.  Mercer’s 3/8-mile bullring will provide an exciting venue for fans to experience traditional, non-winged Sprint Cars as USAC brings their Indiana-brand of wheel-to-wheel racing to The Park.

The event will be known as “The Wheelman” as it will bring back memories of years gone by when these special breed of men began racing these open cockpit, non-winged beasts.  Many special activities will take place including a USAC driver autograph session on the frontstretch just before they strap in to do battle in this historic feature event.  This will be the first time ever that all fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal to the drivers and their cars during a major-sanctioned event. 

“I think this is a fitting way to mark the anniversary of my 10^th year of ownership at Mercer,” stated owner Vicki Emig.  “It is a wonderful and memorable way to thank the fans who have supported me throughout my tenure.  I believe this event has the potential to be one of the greatest races ever run at Mercer.  Just imagine Mercer’s tricky configuration joined with USAC’s reputation for hardcore, on the edge racing and it’s just got to be great!”

Over the past two seasons, nearly 30 of USAC’s best have traveled east to compete in the Pennsylvania swing at Williams Grove, Grandview, Big Diamond, and Hagerstown Speedways.  With five events planned in 2009 and more money on the line, a large group of USAC racers will again be expected to travel east.  Mercer will be new territory to the vast majority of the USAC racers as they take on the locals that excel in non-winged action.

The USAC Sprint Car Champions list is a who’s who of sprint car racing with some of the best racers that have ever strapped in a race car.  Drivers like Tony Stewart, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Pancho Carter, Johnny Rutherford, Gary Bettenhausen, Ken Schrader, Sheldon Kinser, Tom Bigelow, J.J. Yeley, Dave Darland, Tony Elliott, Steve Butler, and Rich Vogler are just a sampling of some of the great USAC Sprint Car Champions.

This will be the first opportunity for many area fans to see Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne’s USAC Sprint Cars in competition.  Stewart’s 2008 drivers were Levi Jones (2005 & 2007 champion) and Tracy Hines (2002 champion), who finished second and third in points to Jerry Coons, Jr.  Both drivers will be back in 2009 with Stewart.  Brad Sweet and Brady Bacon were Kahne’s racers in 2008.

Traditional non-winged Sprint Car racing was the norm at Mercer before wings took over in 1980.  Since that time, only 11 non-winged races have been run and none as big as the one that will take place on Saturday, June 6 with a possible rain date of Sunday, June 7.

Advanced tickets are on sale for just $18, which is a $2 savings off the $20 day of event ticket price; however, advanced ticket holders will be permitted into the grandstands at 3:30 p.m. for preferred seating (one hour before general admission tickets go on sale) and will also have pit access free of charge until 5:30 p.m.  Advanced tickets will be on sale through May 31 and can be obtained by calling the office at 724-964-9300 or sending a check or money order to Mercer Raceway Park, 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143.

GREEN FLAG TO FALL APRIL 18 ON MERCER’S NEW GM 602 CRATE STOCK CAR DIVISION

By Mike Leone 

December 1, 2008     

(Mercer, PA)…With the holidays upon us and the racing season just four months away, Mercer Raceway Park has made a commitment to offer an option to regional stock car drivers to participate in racing at an affordable cost.  Crate Stock Cars will become part of Mercer Raceway Park’s weekly program beginning April 18; this date has been chosen to give the racers additional time to get ready due to the newness of the division.

“After several weeks of considerable thought and discussions with area drivers, we have decided to move forward with this concept,” announced owner Vicki Emig.  “I believe strongly in this program and feel that it offers area racers an affordable option; one that will help them save money in these hard economical times.  Through growth it can also offer stability to this division in the future.” 

The division will be based on the concept and merits of the FASTRAK Late Model program, which has been very successful in two short years growing from basically no cars to start 2007 to 90 to end 2008.  There is no reason the precedent set by the FASTRAK template cannot turn into the same with Stock Cars. The beauty of the 602 allows one to start in the Stock Cars with the ability, if desired, to move up to FASTRAK.

“The 602 crate Stock Car division will be a home-grown division at Mercer,” said Emig.  “Reality is today that the majority of stock car drivers are one night a week racers; however, through the help of the racers and long research by tech inspector Brad Hibbard we have tried to stay in line with Tri-City, Raceway 7, and Lernerville rules, which will allow these drivers the ability to compete more than one night of week and be competitive if they choose to do so.  This has shown to be possible by Jason Johns and Steve D’Apolito in recent years.”

The class is based around standard regional stock car rules featuring the $3,150 GM 602 crate engine that runs on pump gas, $75 affordable and durable American Racer Tires, enforced body rules, and various claims and protests that will be in place.  The 2009 rules are now posted on our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com under Rules.  They are written in a condensed format that’s meant to be easily understood with the intent to eliminate gray areas.   

“I am not asking for miracles,” stated Emig.  “I realize this will be a building process and will not happen overnight.  I would be happy with a dozen cars to start- you have to start somewhere.  We’ve already gotten commitments from three of the area’s standout racers in 2001 & 2004 track champion Andy Buckley, 2002 track champion & 2004 “Little Guy Nationals winner Shaun Hooks, and Steve D’Apolito along with the return of Terry Kroner after a three-year absence.  We think fans will be surprised with some of the other racers that we expect to compete as some 35 racers have shown interest in the program.  Currently we have four $400 to-win special events for this new division.”

“Tracks that had 30, 40+ car counts in recent years are now down to barely full fields,” stated Emig.  “Promoters need car counts and racers want increased purses.  It’s time everyone starts working together.  In reality the ball is now in the racers’ court; it’s their choice to take a step with us toward the future.” 

“Many have been concerned that if we brought in the crate Stock Cars we were going to do away with our open Stock Car events,” expressed Emig.  “That was never our intention as they have been very popular with racers from throughout the region and have been great shows for the fans.  Tentatively we have five of these open shows scheduled beginning with our March 28 “Chiller Thriller.” 

If you are interested in participating in this class, we ask that you contact our office at 724-964-9300 to get on our mailing list.  For tech questions, call Brad Hibbard at 330-540-7223.

An informational seminar will be held at Big Daddy’s Speed Center in Grove City, Pa. during the last weekend of January.  Tech inspector Brad Hibbard will give a detailed presentation on the 602 crate motor and also discuss the various teching procedures that will be utilized on a weekly basis.

MERCER’S 358’S APPROACHING 5^th SEASON; FEATURING STRONG COMPETITORS NOW RECOGNIZED THROUGHOUT THE REGION’S MODIFIED RANKS; BIG SHOWS PLANNED FOR 09

By Mike Leone

November 26, 2008               

(Mercer, PA)… Four years later, Mercer Raceway Park’s 358 Modified division is one of the region’s most competitive modified classes in the area with a minimum of 10 drivers on a nightly basis capable of winning.  That represents nearly half of the average car count of more than 20 per night.  As 2009 approaches, the Park anticipates one of the richest schedule of events in the history of the division!

“I’m very proud of the quality of racing and the caliber of racers our 358 Modified division features on a weekly basis,” acknowledged owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s no secret that when I decided to drop the Big-Block Modifieds following the 2004 season that many questioned this decision and felt that I had doomed the future of the Park.  It was probably the hardest decisions I’ve made in the 10 years I’ve owned Mercer.  I wouldn’t trade this division for anything and have been extremely proud of how they have fared when competing against the region’s big blocks.  Two BRP Tour wins with Gary Smoker winning at Tri-City and Lonny Riggs victorious at Sharon’s $3,000 event highlighted the 358 performances.  They also had an amazing showing on their home turf during “The Return” by winning the three heats they competed in, the dash, and a third place feature finish by Lonny Riggs.”

For the second time in three years, Frank Guidace is the Tire Express Modified Champion at Mercer Raceway Park.  The Mercer, Pa. driver also made a successful Late Model debut winning the McElwain Motors FASTRAK Championship.  Guidace is the first driver since the track reopened in 1994 to win multiple championship in the same season.  Along with his four FASTRAK Late Model wins, Guidace added three more and an impressive nine top 5s in 12 races in the Modified division in his G&G Auto Outlet #1G.  Guidace ended the season winning the $2,000 “Little Guy Nationals” adding to his prior big wins in the “Bill Emig Memorial” and the “Jeff Hoffman Memorial”. 

Gary Smoker, also of Mercer, was hot on Guidace’s tail coming up only seven points shy of a second championship.  He won on opening night, but was unable to find victory lane again for the rest of the season.  Smoker finished in the top 10 every night with the exception of the season-ending, non-point “Little Guy Nationals,” where he finished 15^th.  Since the current 358 Modified division was added a weekly class in 2005, Smoker is the top winner with 14 victories and he was the inaugural championship.  Smoker made the 358 Modifieds proud when he upset the big blocks at Tri-City Speedway on May 25 for the BRP Tour event in the D&D Racing-owned, Kristyak’s Service Plaza/MBMR/Bell Boyz Toilet Rental-sponsored #516.

Finishing third only 11 points behind Guidace was Garrett Krummert.  In 2007, Krummert won his first title and was the youngest Modified champion in track history at 18 years of age.  Though Krummert was shutout of victory lane in 2007, this past season Krummert got that monkey off his back as he scored his first three career Modified wins.

Lonny Riggs had what you could call a career year.  His three wins tied Guidace and Krummert for tops in the division.  More importantly he won his second “Bill Emig Memorial” worth $1,500 on September 5 and then scored his biggest career win two weeks away from Mercer.  That $3,000+  win came at Sharon Speedway, as he became the second Mercer 358 small-block to dethrone the BRP big blocks.  The Volant, Pa. racer finished fourth in Mercer points in the Merle Black-owned, Pitt Stop Pub/Iron Bridge Inn-sponsored #58.

Completing the top five in points was another Mercer, Pa. driver in Eric Gabany.  The 2007 showed great promise for the rookie racer as he scored his first career.  Gabany was able to add his second career win during the 2008 campaign and improve from 13^th in points in 2007 to fifth in 2008.  Gabany drove his Atlantic Timberframes/E&E Welding/Shaver Barber Shop-sponsored #3E to six top 5 finishes doubling his total of three with four less starts from one year ago.  Other than his win, Gabany turned in his most impressive efforts with a seventh place effort against the big blocks in the BRP Tour event on August 16 and a third place finish in against a stout field of T3 All-Star competitors in the “Little Guy Nationals”.

Though the drivers in positions six through ten were unable to score a victory, they were competitive all season long.  Veteran Rick Hall had three top 5s to place in the sixth position as he has now finished in the top seven in points in one of the three modified divisions he’s competed in every year since the track reopened in 1994 with the exception of 1995.  That’s 14 of the past 15 seasons! 

Young Jimmy Holden missed two events, but still was able to finish seventh in points with six top 5s.  The Tiona, Pa. driver competed for the first time with New York-based T3 All-Star Modified Series where he placed second in points losing the championship on the final night to veteran star Billy VanPelt. 

After finishing just 10 points out of the top 10 behind Jimmy Holden in 2007, Kevin Green upped his finishing position to a career best eighth, 14 points behind Holden.  The New Castle, Pa. low-buck racer tows to the track by himself in his open trailer and is generally his only crew member.  Green turned in his best career finish in second to Lonny Riggs on June 7 and later in the year on August 2 won his first career heat race beating the likes of Smoker, Riggs, and Hall. 

Matt Reeher of Volant, Pa. kept his string of finishing in the top 10 in points all four years alive as he came home in the ninth position with a season best fifth on June 7.  Completing the top 10 was rookie driver Dillon McElrath.  The Mercer, Pa. driver turned in his two best efforts the first two weeks of the season finishing in sixth both nights.

Jeff Schaffer was also victorious, but failed to finish in the top 10 in points.  Other drivers like Mike Stine, Brian Fink, Steve Barr, John Buchanan, Mark Frankhouser, Randy Brown, Matt Howsare, Ron Eperthener, Jr., and Brad Rapp were contenders when they competed.    

Currently there are four significant special events for the division during 2009.  The 358s have been added to the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” with a $1,000 to-win event.   The “Bill Emig Memorial” paying $1,500 to-win will take place on July 25.  For the first time ever, two complete shows will be run at the “Little Guy Nationals” with a $1,000 to-win on Friday night and $2,000 to-win sanctioned by the T3 All-Stars on Saturday, September 26.  Two additional increased purse events are still in the planning stages for the month of June.  Another big-block/small-block clash is expected to happen near the end of summer in another BRP Tour event. 

“358 Modifieds have found their home at Mercer Raceway Park”, said Emig. “They have also added a unique niche to western Pennsylvania Modified racing.  We look forward to them entertaining our fans once again in 2009 with their wheel-to-wheel, always on the edge excitement, and wholeheartedly support them when they go into the trenches with the big blocks.”

The top 10 358 Modified drivers will be honored at the annual awards banquet and dinner on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Normandy Banquet Center/Hickory VFW on Route 62 in Hermitage, Pa.

Final 2008 Tire Express (358) Modified Points: 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 399  2. Gary Smoker (516) 392  3. Garrett Krummert (29) 388  4. Lonny Riggs (Black 58) 364  5. Eric Gabany (3E) 331  6. Rick Hall (B2) 320  7. Jimmy Holden (28H) 292  8. Kevin Green (74) 278  9. Matt Reeher (711) 274  10. Dillon McElrath (7) 266.

MERCER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS TICKET & VIP PACKAGES; BUY EARLY & SAVE BIG FOR YOUR FAVORITE RACE FANS

By Mike Leone 

November 7, 2008      

(Mercer, PA)…Just in time for the holidays, Mercer Raceway Park has put together wonderful ticket and VIP packages for the upcoming 2009 season.  These greatly-reduced offers will be good only through the end of the year.  These are perfect gifts for those hard to buy race fans or simply treat yourself or family by taking advantage of these great savings. 

Buy a Santa 10-pack of general admission tickets for just $85 ($110 value) or a 6-pack for $55 ($66 value)!  Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer?  Buy single adult passes for $10 or a family passes for just $23! 

There was nothing like the Griswold’s so Mercer Raceway Park is honoring Christmas’ most infamous family that brought you the “Christmas Vacation” movie with the “Griswold Family Pass”.  Buy 10 family passes for just $195 and we’ll throw in one adult pit pass upgrade for a selected event and an 8x10 family photo with your favorite driver.  This is an $85 savings!  Or buy 6 family passes for just $130!

Santa has made his elves work extra hard over the Christmas holiday so we’re honoring them with the “Elves Night Out” VIP Package.  You’ll receive a 10x10 VIP suite, 10 general admission tickets, 10 food vouchers, 2 reindeer reserved parking passes, and a 15-minute meet & greet session with your favorite Mercer driver for just $195!  That’s a savings of $130!

“Rudolph’s Red Light Special” is the above package on any special race event for only $250!

“We’re always looking at new things and ways to promote Mercer Raceway Park,” explained owner Vicki Emig.  “With the current state of the economy, these packages serve as a dual purpose by providing perfect gifts for race fans while at the same time offering substantial savings.”

Please note that the above packages are good on “Saturday Night Live” non-special events only with the exception of “Rudolph’s Red Light Special” and these great offers will end on December 31, 2008 so be sure to act now and purchase the perfect gift for that race fan in your life.

MERCER ANNOUNCES $75 SPEC TIRE FOR PROPOSED 602 CRATE STOCK CAR CLASS

By Mike Leone

October 27, 2008                     

(Mercer, PA)…Mercer Raceway Park announced today that the spec tire that will be utilized for the proposed GM 602 crate Stock Car division will be an American Racer 8” tire priced at $75. 

“After discussions with American Racer’s Fred Woodard of Lias Tire, I am confident this tire is the right choice and will provide competitive racing at an extremely affordable price,” explained 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “The tire will be a Mercer-stamped tire with a hard compound that is similar to one that was used this past year on the Stock Cars at Bedford and Thunder Valley Speedways.  Like in FASTRAK Late Models, grooving and siping of tires will not be permitted, which will extend the durability of the tires.”

This division will be affordable in three very important aspects; first being the $3,100 GM 602 engine; second, the $75 spec tires compared to current Stock Car tires that retail well over $100; and finally the fact the GM 602 utilizes pump gas, which alone is more than 50% savings from high octane racing gas.   Couple these three reasons together along with the fact that the overall rules package will allow these cars to travel to other regional speedways and be very competitive should make this potential class attractive to area racers.   

“As in all divisions, racers have voiced their concerns about the ever-increasing costs of racing,” stated Emig.  “I hope the racers that have spoken about these concerns will seriously look as this program even those with open motors as they move forward toward 2009 facing rebuild costs comparable to the price tag of a new 602 engine.  This will be the first time in the history of our region that Stock Cars have the ability to compete against each other with the same motor and tires.”

Once again, with the start of the 2009 season about five months away, time is of the essence in making a final decision and creating a rules package.  With that in mind, an informational meeting has been scheduled for interested parties only on Saturday, November 15 at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Country Cooking Café looked at 6922 McCartney Rd., Lowellville, Ohio at the OH/PA State Line on Route 422.  The meeting will be restricted to the prospective driver and one accompanying crew member.  If interested in attending, please register your attendance by calling the track office at 724-964-9300.   

ROOKIE KINESTON WINS MINI STOCK POINTS; GROWTH CONTINUES; ENFORCING OF RULES TO KEEP CLASS STOCK TO CONTINUE IN ‘09

By Mike Leone

October 23, 2008      

(Mercer, PA)…After last competing at Mercer Raceway Park in 1982, the Mini Stocks were reborn 25 years later in 2007.  Lucas Sprouse was the lone competitor on April 21, 2007.  The class grew to six competitors one week later, more than doubled to 13 on June 9, 2007, and ended the year with a record 27 cars on September 28, 2007.  The average car count was 13 as 17-year-old Mike Anderson won the championship.

Enter 2008.  M&D Paving returned for the second straight year to sponsor the class.  Right out of the box on opening night, April 5, there were 13 cars.  For the first time ever, 20 cars were on hand for a regular show on April 26.  From July 4 on there were at least 20 cars every night except one (17 on Friday, September 5)!  The average car count was nearly 21 per night!  A total of 61 different drivers competed in 52 different cars!

Dillon Kineston will go down in the record books as the youngest champion in the history of Mercer Raceway Park at 14 years of age.  The New Castle, Pa. driver won two races in the David Kineston-owned Equipment Rental Options/Kineston Auction Service/C&R Trailer/Fat Boyz Wingz ‘n Thing-sponsored #19 and edged out Dan McEwen by two points in the track’s closest point race.  Kineston is the grandson of former racer Carl Wagner. 

The division boasted an impressive 11 different winners including Kineston, Chris Myers, Bill Fuchs, Pete Blazczak, John Shannon, Cory Kilgore, McEwen, Curtis Brown, Kyle Colwell, Stephen Laslo, and Steve Mowery. 

Other drivers like Scott Gilliland, Dan Nagy, Ed Haylett, Wally Stearns, Jr., Tim Callahan, Dillon Barr, rookie teens Tyler Powell, Kyle Crawford, and Jerry Batcher were fast all year, but couldn’t quite get in victory lane. 

“We are very proud of the Mini Stock division,” expressed 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s really accomplished what we had hoped for when we made the announcement at the end of the 2006 season.  It’s brought so many youngsters into racing and given so many the opportunity to race that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do so.  The growth has really been amazing.  It seemed like every week we were getting a new car or two.” 

As the division grew, a stronger emphasis was put on tech, which saw numerous racers disqualified throughout the season.  That trend will continue in 2009 with new tech inspector Brad Hibbard.

“I have to thank Randy Myers for his excellent dedication and hard work at Mercer,” said Emig.  “Brad brings a wealth of racing knowledge.  He’s been the FASTRAK Tech Inspector the past two seasons and has even teched in national events in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio and learned a lot from working with Randy this past year.  We’re excited to have him as our tech inspector and he’s really looking forward to jumping in head first with the Mini Stocks.”   

“I want to see a different winner every week,” stated Hibbard.  “Those that show dominance better be prepared to stay (in tech).  I want to keep this division growing.  I have a specific idea on a teching procedure that’s going to be quick and easy and plan to catch the cheaters.  I’ll admit I’m still green at this, but I’m going to lean on Randy (Myers) a lot.  If anyone has ideas or anything additional I should be on the look out for, please call me.  I’m available just about all the time and would be glad to meet and discuss your ideas.  

Mercer Raceway Park was happy to add specials for the Mini Stock class this past season and that will continue in 2009 due to the excellent support.  The new rules will be posted on the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com as soon as they are available.  For questions on rules and teching, call Brad Hibbard at 330-540-7223.    

Mercer Raceway Park will open the new year with “Crashing Through the Snow” featuring the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro and the “Snowball” Demo Derby on Saturday, January 3.  The annual awards banquet and dinner will be held on Saturday, January 17 at the Normandy Banquet Center Hickory VFW in Hermitage, Pa.