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FREE OHIO NIGHT SATURDAY WITH FULL 5-DIVISION SHOW PLUS MOD LITE & MINI STOCK MAKE-UP FEATURES
By Mike Leone
July 15, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Mercer, PA).After another setback by Mother Nature, Mercer Raceway Park hopes to complete a full program of racing this Saturday night, July 19 with a five-division racing card of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, plus double features for the Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks with racing beginning at 7 p.m.
Saturday's promotion is "Welcome Ohio Night" with free general admission for all Ohio residents presented by Sports Obsession (Eastwood Mall) & Armstrong Cable in Ohio. All residents of Ohio that have a valid ID showing an Ohio address and all accompanying children 15 and under will be admitted free into the grandstands.
"I have to thank Sports Obsession for getting involved at the Park this year," explained 10th year owner Vicki Emig. "We're looking forward to our annual Welcome Ohio Night as we always get so many new fans that have never been to the Park before to experience what we are all about. Armstrong has been a long-time marketing partner at the track and this year their Ohio system got involved in promoting this night to help make this night even bigger. We encourage fans to cross the border and be our guests for a full night of racing."
Last year's rookie standout, Eric Gabany of Mercer, was able to win last Saturday's 17-lap rain-shortened Modified feature holding off 2006 champion Frank Guidace and 2005 champion Gary Smoker, also both of Mercer. Ironically, both Guidace and Smoker are now tied atop the point lead. Saturday will be the final tune-up before July 26's $1,500 to-win Bill Emig Memorial.
The Sprint Cars will look to complete their first feature since June 14 when Rod George won his first of the season. George trails New Castle's Arnie Kent, who is in search of his season's first win and first ever track championship. The Sprint Cars will make up their July 12 event on August 2.
Guidace also leads the FASTRAK Late Model points over three-time Stock Car champion, Brian Booher. The July 12 FASTRAK Late Model feature will be made up on August 16 as they will also be running a special event that night in conjunction with the BRP Big-Block Modified Tour.
Todd Canter of Warren, Ohio leads the Mod Lite points, while Dan McEwen of Mercer is atop the Mini Stock standings as both drivers are in search of their first track championships. A lot will be at stake for both classes as they will be competing in double features with the July 12 make-up features plus the night's regularly scheduled features.
"The rain has been a constant thorn in our side all season," explained Emig. "When we haven't rained out, we've been delayed or had rain all around us. There still hasn't been one race night in 16 scheduled where there hasn't been a chance of rain. Hopefully Saturday will be the night and everyone can relax and concentrate on racing instead of worrying about Mother Nature. Last Saturday was our highest car count since early in the season so hopefully that trend continues this week and fans will get to see plenty of racing action with seven features on the new racing surface."
Sports Obsession is located in the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio off of Route 422 and have recently opened up a store at the Grove City Outlet Mall off of Route 208. For more info call 330-505-9394.
Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstand gates open at 4:30. Warm ups begin at 6:15 and racing begins at 7. For all others, adult admission is $11, students 6-15 are $5, the Family Pass is $25, and kids five and under are free. Pit passes are $25.
Mercer Raceway Park is located just minutes from both Interstates 79 & 80 just off Route 19 at 555 Fairground Road, Mercer, PA. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypa rk.com or call the office at 724-964-9300. For information on race day, call the track at 724-662-1310 |
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