Young Gun Junior Sprints Added to Saturday Night Live! Roster
Press Release By: LOU LONG / MERCER SPEEDWAY MEDIA
Photos By: TOMMY HEIN / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Mercer, PA -April 27, 2017 – This Saturday, April 29, the Precise Racing Products 410 Sprint Cars will get their final tune-up before the invasion of the touring professionals of the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions. The All Stars will make their only appearance the following week, May 5.
Jack Sodeman, Jr., of North Jackson, OH, scored his first win of the 2017 season and immediately installed himself at the top of the point standings. That is a familiar place for him, as Sodeman is the defending track champion. Jimmy Seger, the co-champion in the Bonnell’s Rod Shop 305 Sprint Cars, is in second spot, and he will be a top challenger, along with George Hobaugh, Jr., with whom he split the driving duties in the Lockhart 58. Dan Kuriger, Michael Bauer, Dan Shetler, and Gary Kreiss, Jr., also turned in creditable performances last weekend.
Joining the 410 Sprints will be the Turn 4 Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, the Bonnell Rod Shop 305 Sprints, the Rock Concrete Supply Modified Lites, and the Ray’s Racing Collectibles and Eperthener’s Auto Wrecking Mini Stocks. Making their first start of the 2017 racing season will be the Young Gun Junior Sprints.
Jimmy Holden, of Tiona, PA, is riding a three-race winning streak in the 358 Modified division. While he has all of the checkered flags in his collection, the competition has been tough. Lonny Riggs has been close, and Frankie Guidace is back on the track. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. had his machine ready after suffering a blown engine and a fire a couple of weeks ago. J.R. McGinley, Kevin Green, and many more racers will make this an interesting contest, for sure.
Andy Priest leads the 305 Sprints with a pair of wins, but he is tied atop the point standings by Daring Gallagher, a one-time winner. Gregg McCandless has been consistent, and he could pull off a win some time soon. Young Jeremy Kornbau is searching for that elusive first win. Veterans like Mike Marano, II, Mike Miller, and C.J. Jones add to the competitive spirit.
Kurt Eckstrom got his first career victory in the Modified Lites last week, and he will be among the favorites. And, in the Mini Stocks, Tyler Fulton, the defending champ, topped a banner field of 24 cars!
The fun will start at 6:30 p.m, with hot laps and qualifications. Heat races will immediately follow.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., so the racers can get their cars ready and the fans can select their favorite seats.
The regular event pricing will apply. So, adults will be admitted of just $13, seniors (60+) for $11, and students (9-15) for $5. The younger set (8 and under) will be free, as always. The Family Pass will be only $28, and that will apply for two adults and up to four minors of any age. The Pit Passes will be $30.
As mentioned above, the All Stars will be in on May 5. Another Sprint Car special will take place Memorial Day weekend, when the B.O.S.S. Sprints will race without wings! Mark your calendars for these outstanding events.
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.
