All Stars Sprints and More at Mercer Raceway Park Saturday
Story By:LOU LONG / MERCER RACEWAY MEDIA Photos By:TOMMY HEIN / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Mercer, PA May 13, 2016- Tony Stewart’s Arctic Cat All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Car series will roar into Mercer Raceway Park this Saturday, May 14. It will be the final night of a two-day stand in Western Pennsylvania and the only time that the travelers will tangle with the regulars in the 4 Your Car Connection Sprint Car division. “This program is made possible by Bonnell’s Rod Shop, and we are very appreciative of Scott Bonnell’s support of Mercer Raceway Park,” said track owner Bill Altman. “I sure hope that the weather cooperates with us, so the fans can enjoy this entertaining program,” he added.
The All Stars will be led by two former champions, Dale Blaney and Chad Kemenah, both of whom have scored series wins at the track. They both have wins on the circuit in 2016, and they will be tough to beat. But Sheldon Haudenschild, Ryan Smith, Cap Henry, and rookie T.J. Michael all may have some say in the matter. Mercer favorites like Tim Shaffer, Lee Jacobs, and Danny Holtgraver all have had success at the tricky track, so they could easily find their way back to victory lane. Add in talents like Caleb Helms, Brent Marks, Andrew Palker, Kraig Kinser, Caleb Armstrong, Bradley Howard, and Kory Crabtree, and this should be the most diverse and challenging group of racers to converge at the Park in a long, long time.
The local contingent will be pretty stout, too. Points leader Brandon Matus owns one All Stars career win, and he would like nothing better than to get a second one in front of his loyal fans. Jack Sodeman, Jr. cannot be ignored, either. Will this be the night that his retro tribute to his dad will grace the winner’s circle? Scott Priester, Michael Bauer, Eric Williams, and A.J. Flick will be on the prowl, too. And Brandon Spithaler and Carl Bowser should be in the house for this one!
Joining the Sprint Cars will be the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds and the Bonnell’s Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. Jimmy Holden has scored both 358 Modified wins this season, while the Warriors have seen Andy Priest and Jacob Gomola have shared the glory.
Because this is a special event, the gates will swing open at 3:30 for the racers and 4 p.m. for the spectators. The Sprint Cars will take to the track at 6 p.m. for warm-ups and practice, followed immediately by the time trials. Heat racing will be next.
The ticket prices for this program will be as follows: adults $25, seniors (60+) $23, and students (9-15) $9. The children (ages 8 and under) will be free. A Family Pass can be purchased for $52, and that will apply to two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit Passes will 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 include Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Mercer Hardware, Schaeffer’s Specialized Lubricants, Scheidemantle Motors, Greenhill Farms Equipment, Inc., the Normandy Banquet Center of Hickory VFW Post 6166, Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service, Pizza Joe’s, Sharon Auto Wrecking, Inc., AMSOIL, Noga Ambulance Service, Inc., Pyrotechnico, Watson’s, Inc., Big Dog Indoor Racing & Hobby, Ritenour Equipment Co., 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.
