MERCER, PA – The United Late Model Series (ULMS) will open its 2017 season at the Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, April 15. “Our fans really enjoy the Super Late Models, and we hope that those who are accustomed to seeing these cars and stars at other area tracks will take advantage of the opportunity to experience this special event,” said track owner Bill Altman. He explained that the race date was selected based on the later starting dates at other tracks featuring this class. “We expect a field loaded with top regional talents becasue there are no scheduling conflicts,” added ULMS President Chris Zuver. “We are looking forward to this race to showcase our racers,” he commented.
Max Blair, who cut his teeth racing Crate Late Models at the Park, was one of the most successful racers in Western PA in 2016, and he is expected to do battle with his arch rival, Mike Pegher, Jr., who once dominated the Stock Car class at the Park before graduating to the Crate Late Model and Super Late Model ranks. Add in Russell King, and you can bet that there will be plenty of action.
“Those three fellows really mixed it up when the Crate Late Models raced in the Chiller Thriller a couple of weeks ago, and it should be even more exciting with the added horsepower they will be packing for this event,” Altman said.
Joining the ULMS Late Models will be the Open Stocks, the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, and the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Rusty Martz grabbed the Open Stock win in the Chiller Thriller, his first at the Park in several years, and he is expected back for another heapin’ helpin’ of the purse put up for this special event. Jimmy Holden will be gunning for his second win with the Turn 4 Toilets 358 Modifieds, as will Andy Priest in the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprints. Remeber that this weekend’s race will be the first points races for those classes!
The gates will open at 4 p.m., with racing starting at 6:30. Come out early to pick your favorite seats for this must see event.
The ticket prices will be as follows: adults $15, seniors (60+) $13, and students (9-15) $7. The younger fans, that is, children ages 8 and under, will be free as always. The Family Pass will be just $35, and that will enable two adults and up to four minors of any age to see the ULMS in the only appearance at Mercer Raceway Park for 2017. The Pit Passes will also be $35.
Remember that you can get alerts regarding the cancellation of any racing event at Mercer Raceway Park sent directly to your smartphone or other electronic device. To register, please go to the track’s website, www.mercerracewaypark.com, click on the icon for RainedOut.com, and follow the easy steps.
Marketing partners of Mercer Raceway Park for 2107 include Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Scheidemantle Motors, Greenhill Farms Equipment, Inc., the Normandy Banquet Center of Hickory VFW Post 6166, Ritenour Equipment Center, Pizza Joe’s, AMSOIL, Noga Ambulance Service, Inc., Pyrotechnico, Watson’s, Inc., Big Dog Indoor Racing & Hobby, Herr’s Foods, the American Cancer Society, Sunburst Environmental, and Lias Tires.
About Mercer Raceway Park: Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly from late March through late September. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com, www.twitter.com/mercerraceway, or www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark.
