UPCOMING EVENTS

NEWS FLASH!!!

• Stay tuned for a decision on the rescheduling of the Bill Emig Memorial. (7/26)  

RECENT PRESS RELEASES

GEORGE WINS 2ND IN WILD SPRINT FEATURE; SCHAFFER INHERITS 1ST MOD WIN; #4 FOR GUIDACE IN LATE MODELS; JONES & KNEPPER SPLIT MOD LITES; KINESTON & MYERS SHARE MINI STOCK WINS

By Mike Leone

July 19, 2008

Mercer, PA…For the 17th straight week, Mother Nature scattered showers around Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night, but only a few sprinkles fell as the entire program was completed. Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Rod George-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Jeff Schaffer-Tire Express Modifieds, Frank Guidace-McElwain Motors FASTBACK Late Models, Rod Jones & Alan Knepper-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Dillon Kineston & Chris Myers-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. A regular show season-high of 93 cars were on hand and the entire program including the two July 12 make-up features was completed in three and half hours. It was Free Ohio Night presented by Sports Obsession (Eastwood Mall).

On April 19, Brian Ellenberger stole a win away from Rod George in turn four on the last lap. On Saturday night, Ellenberger towed back after an All Star rainout in Michigan to have the tables turned on him as George squeaked by in turn four with the white flag waving to win his second straight 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature and Ellenberger’s three-race win streak.

“I’ll tell you what, the track was a little rough tonight but you could race anywhere- up or down,” explained the Kittanning, Pa. driver. “I think you could see that from all the racing out there and it was a nice field of cars and an awesome job by the track crew. The lapped cars played into, but all those guys did a great job. A few months back Brian got me on the last lap. Sometimes it’s better to be in second in the last couple laps- just great racing.”

Ellenberger blasted into the lead from the pole position with Gale Ruth, Jr. and Chris Shuttleworth trailing. George, who started sixth, passed Eric Williams and Lindsay Enscoe on the first lap for fourth. On lap three, George moved past Shuttleworth for third, while 12th starter Arnie Kent made a nice move to pass both Troy Little and Shuttleworth. Ellenberger caught lapped traffic on lap seven allowing Ruth, George, and point leader Kent to close in. Ruth was all over Ellenberger on lap eight trying to make a pass for the lead, but brushed the wall trying to avoid the slowing Brian Steinman, who brought would bring out the caution.

When racing resumed, Ellenberger continued to set the pace with Ruth, George, and Kent in tow. George took over runner-up on lap 13 racing off turn four and set his sights on Ellenberger. George remained within striking distance as the laps ticked off, but it appeared Ellenberger was going to make it four-for-four. Then came lapped traffic on laps 18 and 19 as George quickly closed on the leader. Ellenberger had a swarm of lapped cars to deal as headed down the backstretch on lap 19. John McCracken slowed as he exited the track and Ellenberger was on the binders entering turn three with cars everywhere. George drove hard up and under Ellenberger off turn four to lead lap 19, while Ellenberger made contact with Lindsay Enscoe at the start-finish line, but able to keep going.

Ellenberger drove hard on the final lap, but was unable to get back by George as George captured his 17th career Mercer win in his Dr. John Crawford III/Pro Shot Directional Boring/Max Weiss/Suzanne Stivason-sponsored #4. Ruth held on to third. Australian Troy Little was able to pass Kent on the final lap to finish fourth in his first Mercer start of the season and second ever. Kent dropped to fifth. Completing the top 10 were Mike Lutz, Scott Bonnell, Shuttleworth, Dan Kuriger, and Bryan Grove. Heat winners over the season-high 22-car field were Little, Ellenberger, and George.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Gary Smoker, but a gift first win for Jeff Schaffer in the 20-lap Tire Express Modified feature as Smoker got tangled up in a turn four last lap accident. “We had our Schaffer family reunion today and I had people from Texas, California, and Chicago all here tonight,” expressed the Fombell, Pa. victor. “It’s a special day and if we can do it next week (Bill Emig Memorial) we’ll have it made.”

John Buchanan took off from the pole position with Jimmy Holden in hot pursuit. The two raced side-by-side on laps two and three, but Holden drove in too hard in turns one and two on lap three and looped his mount moving Smoker to second. Following a quick caution for a slowing Lonny Riggs, Smoker and Schaffer moved past Buchanan on the restart for first and second. Seventh starting Garrett Krummert and Buchanan put on a great race running side-by-side lap after lap for third with Krummert high and Buchanan low until Krummert finally got by off turn four on lap 13.

It appeared the final 18 laps were going green-to-checkered as Schaffer didn’t have anything for Smoker. Then disaster struck for Smoker. In turn four on the final lap, Dave Cogswell and Jr. Baker tangled. Smoker was entering turn three and slowed, but was unable to avoid the accident as it was a heartbreaking end for a great run by the 2005 champion.

When racing resumed, Schaffer was able to hold off Krummert on the final lap for his first win of the season, fifth of his career in the division, and 12th overall at Mercer in the Jerry Schaffer-owned, Approved Toilet Rentals/DontBeADog.com-sponsored #4. Schaffer became the sixth different winner in seven races in the ultra-competitive division. Buchanan recorded his third straight top five finish, but best effort since a third on June 1, 2002. Frank Guidace was fourth over Rick Hall. Rounding out the top 10 were Steve Barr, Holden, Eric Gabany, Matt Reeher, and Smoker. Winning the heats over the 17-car field were Holden and rookie Dillon McElrath.

Frank Guidace continued his dominance of the FASTRAK Late Models with his fourth win in seven tries in the 20-lap McElwain Motors-sponsored feature. “The track has been different every week since they changed the surface,” acknowledged the Mercer, Pa. winner. “Tonight it was bitey and had a big cushion to it. It’s been a challenge. I have to thank Lazer Chassis and Shadow Shocks once again. The Goodyear 45 has been excellent all year.”

Guidace drew the pole position and survived six cautions and challenges first by Butch Lambert then Steve Hollabaugh for his fifth win at the track in 2008 and 17th of his career in his #1G. Lambert started sixth and worked his way to second on lap two when he passed Brian Booher and Ben Black. Lambert got under Guidace on lap 14, but his night ended that lap when the rack broke in his mount. Hollabaugh then inherited second and stayed right with Guidace coming up only two car lengths shy at the finish for his third runner-up finish of the year. Rusty Moore was fourth. Ben Black crossed the finish in fifth, but was disqualified when he failed to report to tech moving Tyler Dietz to a career best fifth. Sixth through tenth were Mike Anderson (Jr.), Chris Haines, Scott Jones, Lambert, and Paul Reiser. Heats were won by Guidace and Lambert.

Rod Jones of West Middlesex, Pa. opened the night by winning the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature for the fourth time of the season. Terry Young led the first two laps before J.J. Metheney took over. Jones started 10th and moved to third on lap four passing Kenny Meadows. On lap five, it was three-wide for second with Jones and Meadows getting by Brian Woodhall. Jones made what turned out to be the winning move going to the inside of Metheney in turn four on lap eight and came out with the lead. After falling back as far as fourth, Woodhall charged back to second and got a great run in turn four on the final lap to come up two car lengths shy for his best finish of the season in second. The victory was Jones’ 14th of his career in the division and 16th overall at the track in the Jones Performance-sponsored #820. Third through fifth were Meadows, 14th starting Todd Canter, and Alan Knepper.

Fifteen-year-old Alan Knepper fought off a late charge by Rod Jones to hold on and win his second feature of the season in the night’s regular 15-lap Mod Lite event. “I didn’t know if Rod (Jones) was going to get me,” stated the Somerset, Pa. winner. “I knew he was going to be there so I was just trying to keep it low.”

Knepper started on the pole and raced out the lead. The caution-filled event allowed 12th starting Jones to stay in the hunt. Jones passed point leader Todd Canter on lap seven and then Mark Marcucci following a restart on lap nine. After going single file with six laps completed, the final seven laps ran off caution-free as Knepper was able to hold off Jones by a car-length at the checkered flag in the Lynn Knepper-owned, Knepper Repair/Bill’s Auto-sponsored #1. Another 15-year-old Bud Watson was third. Mark Marcucci was a season-best fourth over Meadows.

The youth movement continued in the Mini Stocks as 14-year-old Dillon Kineston won the July 12 M&D Paving make-up and 15-year-old Chris Myers won for the fourth time in the night’s regular 12-lap event. Kineston started on the pole and led from green-to-checkered in the non-stop event timed in four minutes and 50 seconds ironically holding off Myers. The rookie Kineston’s win came in the David Kineston-owned #19. Newcomer Kyle Colwell was third over Stephen Laslo and Jamie Colwell.

“I’d like to thank my mom, dad, and grandpa and all my sponsors for supporting me and keeping my car on the track,” expressed the New Castle, Pa. driver.” My grandpa (former racer Carl Wager) is probably dancing around down there. I was a little nervous and just kept my head straight like grandpa said and don’t worry about it.”

Despite starting 10th, Myers wasn’t to be denied in the night’s regular 12-lap feature. The Knox, Pa. racer inherited the lead on lap eight when Kyle Colwell slowed and raced on to his fourth win of the season in the Les Myers-owned, Eric’s Auto Service-sponsored #c1. Myers win was worth an extra $100 from division sponsor M&D Paving. Newcomer Cody Colwell was second after starting seventh with Kineston, Bill Fuchs, and Wally Stearns, Jr. completing the top five. Myers, Kineston, and Kyle Colwell were heat winners over the season high 24-car field.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. ROD GEORGE (4) 2. Brian Ellenberger (20E) 3. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x) 4. Troy Little (20AU) 5. Arnie Kent (18) 6. Mike Lutz (Chappel 8) 7. Scott Bonnell (3B) 8. Chris Shuttleworth (11) 9. Dan Kuriger (08) 10. Bryan Grove (45) 11. Jeremy Cook (5L) 12. Joe Butera (Matus 3J) 13. Paul Kish (Clark 4c) 14. Eric Williams (76) 15. Brent Matus (33) 16. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R) 17. Paul Kapuchuck (10) 18. Lindsay Enscoe (96) 19. John McCracken (63) 20. Carl Bowser (10) 21. Nate Stein (93) 22. Brian Steinman (24s).

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. JEFF SCHAFFER (4) 2. Garrett Krummert (29) 3. John Buchanan (93) 4. Frank Guidace (1G) 5. Rick Hall (B2) 6. Steve Barr (25B) 7. Jimmy Holden (28H) 8. Eric Gabany (3E) 9. Matt Reeher (711) 10. Gary Smoker (516) 11. Dillon McElrath (7) 12. Dave Cogswell (8) 13. Jr. Baker (359) 14. Kevin Green (74) 15. Fred Sasse (0) 16. Mark Bailey (14B) 17. Lonny Riggs (Black 58).

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 2. Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 3. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H) 4. Rusty Moore (17M) 5. Tyler Dietz (10) 6. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72) 7. Chris Haines (35H) 8. Jason Stanke (44) 9. Butch Lambert (27) 10. Paul Reiser (293) 11. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42JR) 12. Ben Black (27B)-DSQ (did not report to tech) 13. Dan Karalagas (G1)-DNS.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite July 12 Make-up (15 laps): 1. ROD JONES (820) 2. Brian Woodhall (8B) 3. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T) 4. J.J. Metheney (31c) 5. Todd Canter (Teague 9T) 6. Alan Knepper (1) 7. Bud Watson (15) 8. George Englert (11x) 9. John Gerula, Jr. (54) 10. Steve Young (Yeager 7) 11. Terry Young (98) 12. Bill Stivason (116) 13. Kotie Kirkbride (97N) 14. Mark Marcucci (8M) 15. Levi Spinneweber (10s) 16. Dave Snow (34) 17. Bryan Martin-DNS (did not return).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. ALAN KNEPPER (1) 2. Rod Jones (820) 3. Bud Watson (15) 4. Mark Marcucci (8M) 5. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T) 6. Todd Canter (Teague 9T) 7. Levi Spinneweber (10s) 8. Steve Young (Yeager 7) 9. Terry Young (98) 10. George Englert (11x) 11. Shane Pfeuffer (Lawson 40L) 12. John Gerula, Jr. (54) 13. Bill Stivason (116) 14. Kotie Kirkbride (97N) 15. Dave Jones (82) 16. J.J. Metheney (31c) 17. Brian Woodhall (8B) 18. Matt Snow (34)-DNS.

M&D Paving Mini Stock July 12 Make-up (12 laps): 1. DILLON KINESTON (19) 2. Chris Myers (c1) 3. Kyle Colwell (80JR) 4. Stephen Laslo (55) 5. Jamie Colwell (54J) 6. Mike Mathieson (72) 7. Dan McEwen (44) 8. Ed Haylett (8-ball) 9. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33) 10. Bill Fuchs (10) 11. Tyler Powell (36) 12. Jordan Gentile-Preston (1P) 13. Dillon Barr (15) 14. Scott Gilliland (27) 15. Pete Blazczak (77) 16. Rudolph Troples (28) 17. Matt Cwynar (21c) 18. Kyle Crawford (14c) 19. Sam Kloos (62K) 20. Jordan Ehrenberg (JD57) 21. Cody Colwell (67) 22. Cory Eckels (124)-DNS (did not return) 23. Ryan Beatty (78)-DNS (did not return).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. CHRIS MYERS (c1) 2. Cody Colwell (67) 3. Dillon Kineston (19) 4. Bill Fuchs (10) 5. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33) 6. Tyler Powell (36) 7. Ed Haylett (8-ball) 8. Dillon Barr (15) 9. Kyle Crawford (14c) 10. Erick Cwynar (21c) 11. Rudolph Troples (28) 12. Dan McEwen (44) 13. Kyle Colwell (80JR) 14. Scott Gilliland (27) 15. Curtis Brown (67) 16. Dan Nagy (17B) 17. Jordan Gentile-Preston (1P) 18. Stephen Laslo (55) 19. Mike Mathieson (72) 20. Sam Kloos (62K)-DNS 21. Jordan Ehrenberg (JD57)-DNS 22. Pete Blazczak (77)-DNS 23. Jamie Colwell (54J)-DNS 24. Tim Callahan (26T)-DSQ (illegal).

Open Wheel Shootout - July 26

Mercer Raceway Park will be the site of the inaugural “Open Wheel Shootout” next Saturday, July 26 presented by FireDEX of Butler.

The Modifieds will be racing in their biggest event of the season to date with $1,500 awaiting the winner of the annual “Bill Emig Memorial”.

For the first time ever, 3 different classes of Sprint Cars will be competing on the same night!

The 410 Sprint Cars will also be running for $1,500 to-win and a strong field of cars is expected with no other races in the region going on.

Making their first ever visit will be the PA 305 Sprint Series. This economic, sealed-engine Sprint Car division has flourished in central PA racing weekly at Path Valley & Hesston Speedways as well as special events at Williams Grove, Port Royal, and Lincoln Speedways. One of the division’s top runners is 74-year-old Jim Kennedy of Everett, who is known for yodeling when he wins an event.

Completing the Sprint Car portion of the event will be the Limited Sprints that normally compete at Sharon Speedway. The division has grown in car count in the last year, and like the 305’s, are a sealed-engine economic division. They’ve also competed in the past at Raceway 7, Central PA Speedway, and Sportsman’s Speedway and will also be making their debut at Mercer. Two of the division’s top runners are former Mercer Modified winners Guy Griffin and Andy Paden- both of Greenville, PA.

Completing the “Big 6” card of racing will be the Mod Lites and Mini Stocks racing for extra money.

Gates open at 4:30 with warm-ups at 6:15 and racing at 7 PM.

Adult admission is just $15 and the family pass is $35.

GABANY WINS RAIN-SHORTENED MOD FEATURE BEFORE RAINS WIN AGAIN

By Mike Leone 

July 12, 2008     

Mercer, PA…Like a broken record, for the 16^th straight racing event Mother Nature affected the racing program at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday night.  Just when it looked like all was clear, storms fired west of Akron, Ohio toward evening and tracked east with a band of storms washing out racing action after 17 laps of the Modified feature was completed.  The remaining features will be made up in the coming weeks. 

A big crowd filled the grandstands for the rescheduled Free Venango County Night presented by Allegheny Toyota/Scion as well as $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express & Armstrong and Dean Dairy Corp. Night.

            Last year Eric Gabany won his first career feature in his rookie season on August 11 and went on to be awarded the “Horizon” Award at the banquet.  This year the Mercer, Pa. racer has a second and a pair of thirds in just five starts.  On Saturday night, Gabany held off two former champions- a hard-charging Frank Guidace and Gary Smoker to win the 17-lap Tire Express Modified rain-shortened feature.

            Gabany raced into the lead from the pole position with defending track champion Garrett Krummert and John Buchanan trailing.  Guidace started 12^th, but was already up to fourth on lap four when he passed Rick Hall for the spot, while eighth starting Smoker cracked the top five on lap six passing Jimmy Holden. 

Marvin Williams brought out the first caution with six laps completed when he spun.  On the ensuing restart, Guidace got a great start diving under Buchanan and Krummert for second.  Buchanan was also able to get by Krummert to maintain third.  Smoker then made a great move to pass both Krummert and Buchanan for third on lap eight.

Guidace and Smoker began to hound Gabany as light rain began to fall at the halfway point.  Fred Sasse brought out the second caution with 15 laps completed.  The final caution was displayed for Steve Barr in turn two with 17 laps completed.  Under caution, the intensity of the rain picked up and the cars were sent off the track.  After waiting for about a half hour, the intensity of the rain picked up again and racing had to be cancelled. 

Gabany was credited with his second career win in his Atlantic Timberframes/Gabany’s/Shaver Barber Shop-sponsored #3E.  Guidace edged Smoker for second and with point leader Lonny Riggs unable to start the feature, Guidace and Smoker are now tied atop the points.  Krummert and Buchanan dropped to fourth and fifth at the finish.  Completing the top 10 were Jeff Schaffer, Hall, Kevin Green, Holden, and Mike Stine.  Barr and Stine won the heat races.

            In the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Brian Ellenberger and Rod George won the heat races and the feature will be made up on August 2. 

In the McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Kyle Drum & Max Blair won the heat races and the feature will be made up on August 16. 

In the Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, Levi Spinneweber and Rod Jones won the heat races and the feature will be made up this Saturday, July 19. 

In the M&D Paving Mini Stocks, Dillon Kineston and Tyler Powell won the heat races over the 23-car field and the feature will be made up this Saturday, July 19.
 

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. ERIC GABANY (3E)  2. Frank Guidace (1G)  3. Gary Smoker (516)  4. Garrett Krummert (29)  5. John Buchanan (93)  6. Jeff Schaffer (4)  7. Rick Hall (B2)  8. Kevin Green (74)  9. Jimmy Holden (28H)  10. Mike Stine (7s)  11. Matt Reeher (711)  12. Dillon McElrath (7)  13. Jr. Baker (359)  14. Fred Sasse  15. Steve Barr (25B)  16. Dave Cogswell (8)  17. Marvin Williams (69w)  18. Lonny Riggs (Black 58)-DNS.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car line-up for August 2 make-up feature: Row 1: Gale Ruth, Jr. & Brian Ellenberger;  Row 2: Gale Ruth, Sr. & Dan Kuriger;  Row 3: Joe Butera & Paul Kapuchuck;  Row 4: Chris Shuttleworth & Arnie Kent; Row 5: Nate Stein & Jeremy Cook; Row 6: Eric Williams & Rod George; Row 7 Brent Matus & Paul Kish  Row 8: John McCracken & Charlie Holben.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models line-up for August 16 make-up feature: Row 1: Brian Booher & Kyle Drum; Row 2: Gary Miller, Jr. & Mike Anderson (Jr.); Row 3: Steve Hollabaugh & Paul Reiser; Row 4: Max Blair & Chris Angelicchio; Row 5: Rusty Moore & Tyler Dietz; Row 6: Chad Myers & Frank Guidace; Row 7: Rusty Cade & Bobby Powell; Row 8: Bill Vance, Jr.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites line-up for July 19 make-up feature: Row 1: Terry Young & Kotie Kirkbride; Row 2: J.J. Metheney & Chad Yeager; Row 3: Mark Marcucci & Brian Woodhall; Row 4: Kenny Meadows & Bud Watson; Row 5: Levi Spinneweber & George Englert; Row 6: Rod Jones & Alan Knepper; Row 7: John Gerula, Jr. & Matt Snow; Row 8: Bill Stivason & Todd Canter; Row 9: Bryan Martin.

M&D Paving Mini Stocks line-up for July 19 make-up feature: Row 1: Dillon Kineston & Mike Mathieson; Row 2: Cody Colwell & Jamie Colwell; Row 3: Scott Gilliland & Tyler Powell; Row 4: Kyle Crawford & Steve Laslo; Row 5: Ed Haylett & Chris Myers; Row 6: Wally Stearns, Jr. & Dan McEwen; Row 7: Dillon Barr & Rudolph Troples; Row 8: Pete Blazczak & Sam Kloos; Row 9: Bill Fuchs & Cory Eckels; Row 10: Matt Rape & Matt Cwynar; Row 11: Jordan Gentile-Preston & Kyle Colwell; Row 12: Ryan Beatty.

STAR’S MOD LITES TO JONES FOR 3RD WIN; DUNMIRE TAKES MICROS FOR 3RD TIME; VETERAN MAYBERRY WINS LEGENDS; CAREER 1ST FOR MCEWEN IN MINIS; GILLETTE WINS $1,000 “KABOOM 150” ENDURO

By Mike Leone 

July 4, 2008               

Mercer, PA…After two straight Saturday rain outs, Mercer Raceway Park was back in action on Friday night for the inaugural “Small Car National Open” presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance to celebrate Independence Day.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Rod Jones-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, Steve Dunmire-Micro Sprints, Tom Mayberry-INEX Legend Cars, Dan McEwen-M&D Paving Mini Stocks, and Tim Gillette-“KABOOM 150” Enduro. 

In the 20-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, defending track champion Rod Jones charged to the front and passed Mikey Hay to become the division’s first three-time winner of the season and erased Hay’s chances of making it three-for-three in STAR’s events this season.  “We were a little worried about the track with the new surface,” explained the West Middlesex, Pa. winner.  “It’s got a lot of bite in it though.  Frank (Benic) and the guys did a great job with it.  Anytime Mikey Hay pulls alongside you concerned.  I missed a shift on that one restart and let him have it that one time.” 

            Hay took off from his second starting spot past 15-year-old pole-sitter Alan Knepper, who won his first race on June 14.  Jones, who started ninth, used the outside to charge to the front passing Levi Spinneweber and J.J. Metheney for third on lap four.  Following the event’s first caution with six laps completed, Jones passed Knepper for second.  Jones ran down Hay and the two raced side-by-side on lap 10 with Jones getting by on the outside to lead lap 11 before Rod’s father Dave spun to bring out the caution.  After one more completed lap, a 12-car melee took place in turns one and two.  Most of the cars would return to action.

When racing resumed, Spinneweber passed Knepper for third on lap 13 before spinning one lap later.  Jones would survive two more cautions and held off Hay for the victory in the Jones Performance #820.  The $600 win was the 13^th of Jones’ career at Mercer in the Mod Lites and 15^th overall.  Knepper and Garrett Krummert swapped third and fourth back and forth in the closing laps with Knepper getting third.  Dave Jones was fifth after starting 18^th and coming from the tail after a spin to complete a good night for the Jones Family on Jones Performance Night.  Heat winners over the season-high 25-car field were Bill Watson, Rod Jones, and Metheney.

Steve Dunmire wired the 20-lap Micro Sprint feature leading from green-to-checkered in a dominating fashion for the $500 win in the division’s first appearance of the season.  “The car was really good,” stated the Ford City, Pa. racer.  “I have to thank my sponsors, my dad, and Mercer Raceway Park for having us.  The track was awesome and I’m happy we came away with the victory.”

The event got off to a rough start when Mike Himes spun in turn three, which ensued a six-car accident.  When racing got underway, Dunmire blasted by Dave Hawkins for the lead on the opening lap with Jay Groves and Jeff Bacha moving into second and third.  Sixth starter Todd Reusser passed Bacha for third on lap two before Mike Crane brought out the event’s second caution.  The next 15 laps went non-stop with Dunmire opening up a big lead while Reusser challenged Groves for the runner-up spot. 

The race was slowed for the final time with 17 laps completed when C.J. Jones came to a stop on the frontstretch right in front of Dunmire, which erased the leader’s straightaway plus lead.  When green replaced yellow, Dunmire had two lapped cars separating him from the second place of Groves, which allowed him to pull away for his third career win and biggest since his $750 payday during the 2004 Little Guy Nationals in the DBY Motorsports, Buffalo Limestone-sponsored #83.  Groves edged Reusser for second.  Bacha dropped to fourth over Doug Karlene.  Topping the heats over the 26-car field were Karlene, Groves, and Reusser. 

Former east coast Modified great Tom Mayberry captured the 20-lap feature for the INEX Legend Cars in a regional qualifying event in their first ever appearance.  Despite just six cars that made the long tow in threatening weather, five of the drivers led laps.  “We were a little disappointed in the car count,” acknowledged the winner.  “We were hoping to show you folks what the legends can do.  We had a long night last night at Susquehanna.  We were questioning coming a couple times with the weather, but were determined to come on out and give you folks a show.  This is my 36^th year of racing; we used to run Modifieds and Sprint Cars in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, but never ventured out this way.”

Rob Sobieski led the first five laps before spinning out of the lead off turn four.  Justin Grim inherited the lead and led until lap eight when he slowed allowing Floridian Kara Clarke, who now calls Charlotte, NC home, to grab the lead.  Clarke’s lead lasted only one lap as Reed Salony and Mayberry drove around the leader off turn four for first and second on lap nine.  Mayberry’s 15-year-old son, T.J., brought out the event’s second and final caution with 10 laps completed.  On the restart, Mayberry overtook Salony.  The two raced side-by-side throughout the final 10 non-stop laps, but it was Mayberry holding on for victory in the Ralph Rehrig-owned #27R.  Salony was second over Sobieski, Clarke, T.J. Mayberry, and Grim.

Second-generation racer Dan McEwen captured his career first win after apparent winner, Bill Fuchs, was docked two spots for rough driving on the final lap in the 15-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature.  “That was a good race, but he drove into the side of me,” acknowledged the Mercer, Pa. winner.  “You got to do what you got to do to win, but you don’t have to do that.”

Dillon Barr led the first lap before fourth starting McEwen and Ed Haylett moved into first and second.  Fuchs, who started sixth, passed Barr for third on lap three.  Fuchs and newcomer Jamey Lee drove under Haylett to take over second and third on laps eight and ten respectively.  A caution for rookie Adam Bulfone with 13 laps completed set up a two-lap shootout to the finish.  On the last lap, Fuchs drove hard into turn one knocking McEwen up the track.  Fuchs then took the checkered flag first, but was moved back two spots in the finishing order.  McEwen’s win came in his #44 over the #44J of Lee.  Fuchs was credited with third with Haylett and 12^th starting Kris Anderson completing the top five.  A season-high 23 cars were on hand with heat races going to Fuchs and Dillon Kineston.

Tim Gillette used the same car that he competed in the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro on January 5 to drive to victory in the “KABOOM 150” Enduro seven months later. 

Sixty-nine of the 75 entered cars took the green for the 150-lap event with former Stock Car winner Dwight Boice flying from his 21^st starting spot to the lead.  Boice led the first five laps before 59^th starter David Campbell made the pass in heavy traffic to lead lap six.  Boice though reassumed the lead on lap seven and led until the 16^th lap when Campbell took the lead back.  Sprint Car racer, Arnie Kent, started fourth and led laps 28-35. 

On lap 36, Randal Shaffer took command.  His lead was short-lived as Gillette made his way to the front to lead for the first time on lap 40.  Former Stock Car Champion and Little Guy Nationals winner, Shaun Hooks, took the lead on lap 92 from Gillette and held the lead until lap 108 when Gillette grabbed the lead back for good.  Gillette led the final 43 laps in his 1990 Toyota Camry sponsored by Gillette Import Autoworks. 

Joe Philip was six laps behind the leader in second.  Sean Beck was third 11 laps down.   Fourteen-year-old Dillon Kineston completed an excellent night finishing fourth after his heat win and sixth place finish in the Mini Stocks.  Dean Schreffler was fifth. 

Thirteen drivers finished the event, which was completed in one hour and 43 minutes including three red flags; one for a fire, one for a flip by Kevin Latshaw, and the third for Bob Drewnowski who took a hard shot in the driver’s side.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (20 laps, $600 to-win): 1. ROD JONES (820)  2. Mikey Hay (22)  3. Alan Knepper (1) 4. Garrett Krummert (Spinneweber 20s)  5. Dave Jones (82)  6. Todd Canter (Teague 9T)  7. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T)  8. Doug Stanley (Coen 1C)  9. Terry Young (98)  10. Bud Watson (15)  11. David Innes (18)  12. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  13. George Englert (11X)  14. Bill Stivason (116)  15. Josh Sliter (17)  16. Gene Buck (55)  17. Lynn Knepper (Lawson 40L)  18. Levi Spinneweber (10s)  19. John Gerula, Jr. (54)  20.   J.J. Metheney (31c)  21. Mark Marcucci (8M)  22. Bill Watson  (13)  23. Mylan Markovich (2)  24. Matt Snow (34)  25.Mike Wilson (51)-DNS.

Micro Sprints (20 laps, $500 to-win): 1. STEVE DUNMIRE (83)  2. Jay Groves (25)  3. Todd Reusser (Gagne 98)  4. Jeff Bacha (48)  5. Doug Karlene (11x)  6. Bob Robertson (4B)  7. Mike Himes (79)  8. Mike Nulph (9N)  9. Mark Ewer (20R)  10. Jim Myers (45)  11. Mikey Schall (03)  12. Tim Smith (404)  13. Mike Kerr (23K)  14. Eric Williams (7)  15. Jessica McDivitt (22)  16. Scott Hawkins (27H)  17. Dave Hawkins (27)  18. Clayton Mullett (20x)  19. C.J. Jones (10J)  20. Mike Crane (2c)  21. Sam Fulmer (F16)  22. Nathan Karenbauer (7s)  23. Tim Robertson (7a)-DNS  24. George Hobaugh, Jr. (40)  25. Mike McKnight (21)-DNS  26. Michael Perricellia (18)-DNS.

INEX Legend Cars (20 laps): 1. TOM MAYBERRY (Rehrig 27R)  2. Reed Salony (22)  3. Rob Sobieski (Rehrig 17R)  4. Kara Clarke (21)  5. T.J. Mayberry (Rehrig 16JR)  6. Justin Grim (611)

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (15 laps, $100 to-win): 1. DAN MCEWEN (44)  2. Jamey Lee (44J)  3. Bill Fuchs (10)  4. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  5. Kris Anderson (3D)  6. Dillon Kineston (19)  7. Kyle Crawford (14c)  8. Jordan Gentile-Preston (1P)  9. Adam Bulfone (19JR)  10. Dillon Barr (15)  11. Steven Suhrie (Gabany 3)  12. Stephen Laslo (55)  13. Scott Gilliland (27)  14. Rudolph Troples (28)  15. Sam Kloos (62K)  16. Curtis Brown (67)  17. Tyler Powell (36)  18. Jordan Ehrenberg (JD57)  19. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)-DNS  20. Mike McConnell (31)-DNS  21. John Shannon (14)-DNS  22. Dan Nagy (17B)-DNS  23. Pete Blazczak (77)-DNS.

“KABOOM 150” Enduro (150 laps, $1,000 to-win) top 10: 1. TIM GILLETTE (12)  2. Joe Philip (14)  3. Sean Beck (52)  4. Dillon Kineston (56)  5. Dean Schreffler (50)  6. Jim McClean (Greer 3)  7. Ray Seibert (43)  8. Rusty Cade (47)  9. Jeremy Speicher (28)  10. Dan Varga (61).

MERCER HOPES FOR BETTER WEATHER FOR SECOND HALF OF SEASON; RECAP OF SCHEDULE CHANGES NOTED
By Mike Leone

June 29, 2008             

Mercer, PA…After the worst weather start ever to a season of a racing, Mercer Raceway Park hopes the second half of the season will bring sunshine and dry weather.  After 15 scheduled events, only one, the world championship truck and tractor pull on May 24 was a sunny day without a chance of rain.  Seven of the 14 race events have been rained out and all the seven completed after either been threatening, cloudy and cold, or have been delayed by rain.  

            “This is my 10^th year and I’ve never experienced anything like this,” acknowledged owner Vicki Emig.  “It’s been a very challenging year on everyone from management, to the track crew, to the fans and drivers each and every week.  I want to thank everyone for their support thus far and their patience and understanding dealing with the weather week in and week out.  After getting people at the track three times and having to send them home, we made the decision yesterday with the forecast to cancel early.  Last Saturday was stressful with the severe storms and having to evacuate everyone with the tornado sirens blaring.  It turned out that severe storms hit again Saturday shortly before race time.  It’s really a no-win situation for anyone on these nights.”

            Following Wednesday’s open practice from 5 p.m. until dark, Friday night, July 4 is the inaugural “Small Car National Open” presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance.  Along with the “KABOOM 150” Enduro paying $1,000 to-win a full night of racing will be on tap for the STAR’s Championship Tour Mod Lites, INEX Legend Cars in a National Touring Event, Micro Sprints, and Mini Stocks.  Racing begins early at 6 p.m.   Adult admission is only $7, families $18, and students 6-15 just $3.  Rain date is Saturday & Sunday, July 5-6.

            With all the rain outs, many of the promotions have had to be rescheduled.  The rained out Free Venango County Night presented by Allegheny Toyota/Scion will take place on July 12.  The “Racing for a Cure” American Cancer Society Benefit will be held on August 2 as already $7,500 has been raised with the pot to grow through the event date.  On August 9, the Free New Castle Night presented by Augustine’s Italian Village and Froggy 95 will take place.  Saturday’s rained out fireworks spectacular presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza will be held on August 16, while Free Butler County Night presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong Cable will take place on August 23.

            Two upcoming special race events to pencil on your calendars are July 26 and August 16.  The inaugural “Open Wheel Shootout” in conjunction with the annual “Bill Emig Memorial” presented by FireDEX of Butler will take place on Saturday, July 26.  The Tire Express Modifieds will be racing in one of their richest events of the season and for the first time ever three different classes of Sprint Cars will be competing.  The Luxaire Heating & Cooling 410 Sprint Cars will race for $1,500 to win as no other regional Sprint Car races will be held this night.  The PA 305 Sprint Series will make their maiden voyage to western Pennsylvania and the Limited Sprint Cars will make their first ever appearance at Mercer.  The Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites and M&D Paving Mini Stocks will also be racing for extra money.

            On August 16, “The Return” will see the Big-Block Modifieds back for the first time in two and half years in a BRP Tour-sanctioned event.  The McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models will also compete in a special event.  If sponsorship is obtained, the event originally scheduled for $800 to-win would become a Northeast Touring Series show.  Fireworks and autograph night for the Big-Block Modifieds will also be held along with increased monies for the Mod Lites and Mini Stocks.

            Last month the announcement was made that Mercer Raceway Park has changed from the handicap line-up system used since 1999 to the top 12 redraw format- the new format went into effect on June 14.  The Sprint Car purse was adjusted with a purse increase as positions 7-24 were increased with $175 now to start.  Last week, the track crew laid down 600 tons of new clay. 

            “We’re looking at July as the start of a new season with a fresh slate,” explained Emig.  “We based our schedule this year on affordability with the state of the economy and gas prices without ever imaging the horrendous weather we’d face night in and night out.  It’s been a challenging season and we’ve had to adjust and move on.  We’ll start with our practice on Wednesday, which is supposed to have nice weather and look forward to a fun event on Friday night.  We invite everyone out for just $7 or bring the families for $18 and spend the holiday at The Park for a night of fun.  Then we’ll get back into our weekly action on the 12^th.”     

RACING RAINED OUT FOR 7TH TIME SATURDAY; FIREWORKS RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 16; FREE BUTLER COUNTY NIGHT TO AUGUST 23; PRACTICE NIGHT WEDNESDAY

By Mike Leone 

June 28, 2008       

(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, June 28 at Mercer Raceway Park has been cancelled for the seventh time this season due to rain and the 70% forecast of additional rain throughout the afternoon and evening.  The fireworks presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza has been moved to August 16 and the Free Butler County Night presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit to August 23.

            “This has been a very frustrating year with Mother Nature,” stated 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “This was our 14^th scheduled race event.  We’ve lost half of them due to rain and the other seven were all affected by weather.  Three of those seven times we’ve had race teams and fans at the track when we’ve had to cancel so with the morning rain today and the forecast we just felt it was best to make the call early.”  

            Mercer Raceway Park will also host its fourth practice of the year this Wednesday, July 2.  Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with practice from 5 p.m. until dark.  Pit passes are $20.  The rain date is Thursday, July 3.

            Action will hopefully resume next Friday night, July 5 with the inaugural “Small Car National Open” presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance.  Along with the “KABOOM 150” Enduro paying $1,000 to-win a full night of racing will be on tap for the STAR’s Championship Tour Mod Lites, INEX Legend Cars in a National Touring Event, Micro Sprints, and Mini Stocks.  Racing begins early at 6 p.m.   Adult admission is only $7, families $18, and students 6-15 just $3.  Rain date is Saturday & Sunday, July 5-6.

NEW CLAY TO GREET RACERS SATURDAY

By Mike Leone
 

June 25, 2008   

Mercer, PA…When drivers in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks hit the track this Saturday at Mercer Raceway Park they’ll be racing on approximately 600 tons of new clay laid down earlier this week.

            “Frank Benic, Wayne Sheets, and the rest of our track crew do a great job preparing the track,” acknowledged 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “This year has been especially tough fighting the rain every night, but week in and week out the racers praise Frank and the crew for preparing one of the best surfaces in the region.  The clay level was getting down so this will give the track crew more clay to work with when they prepare the track- especially in the turns as it will bring back some of the banking and in some spots add a foot to the surface.”

            Along with the five divisions of racing action, a spectacular fireworks presentation will take place after sunset as part of American Patriot Night presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza.  All Butler County residents, veterans with ID, and scouts in uniform will be admitted free.  Butler County Night is presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong.    

            Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstands at 4:30, hot laps are at 6:15, and racing begins at 7. Adult admission is $11. Students 6-15 are $5. Children five and under are always free. The family pass, which admits mom, dad, and up to four kids 6-15, is $25. Pit passes are $25.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS KO RACING AGAIN SATURDAY; CANCER & NEW CASTLE NIGHT RESCHEDULED

By Mike Leone 

June 21, 2008      

(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, June 21 at Mercer Raceway Park was cancelled for the sixth time this season due to severe thunderstorms that hit the speedway.  The “Racing for the Cure” American Cancer Society Benefit Night with free admission for cancer survivors has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 2 and the Free New Castle Night presented by Augustine’s Italian Village and Froggy has been postponed until Saturday, August 9.

            “This ugly trend with Mother Nature just continues,” stated 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “We’ve now had 13 race events scheduled and all 13 have been affected by weather.  This is the first time we’ve ever had severe storms of that magnitude on our doorsteps and everyone did a wonderful job evacuating and getting to a say place before they hit.  It was a shame for all the cancer survivors and New Castle residents that turned out.  We can now safely say we have raised over $7,500 for the American Cancer Society and that will just grow by the time we complete the August 2 event.  The Hoover-Booher FASTRAK Late Model team went to work in the last week are up to over $1,200!  It just shows how wonderful the racing community is.”

            Coming up on Saturday, June 28 will the annual “American Patriot Night” presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza.  It’s a full show of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks.  After sunset a huge fireworks display will be put on.  All Butler County residents will be admitted free presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit and Armstrong.  It’s also free admission for all veterans with ID and scouts in uniform.  Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 6:15 and racing at 7.

            The fourth open practice will be held Wednesday, July 2.  Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with practice 5 p.m. until dark.  The rain date is Thursday, July 3.  Pit passes are $20.

GEORGE WINS 1ST OF YEAR IN SPRINTS; GUIDACE DOUBLES WINNING LATE MODELS & MODS; 15-YEAR-OLD KNEPPER WINS 1ST IN MOD LITES; KILGORE INVADES & TAKES MINIS

By Mike Leone

June 14, 2008           

 Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park waited out the scattered showers throughout the day as the skies cleared for a beautiful Saturday evening as four of the five winners scored their first wins of the season.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Rod George-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Frank Guidace-Tire Express Modifieds & McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Alan Knepper-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and Cory Kilgore-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. 

A big crowd turned out for Free Crawford County Night presented by the Oncology Center of Meadville Medical Center and Armstrong, $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express and Armstrong, $5 Biker Night presented by Renegade Classics Outlet Store, and Yellow Books USA Corp. Night. 

Rod George capitalized on a rare fourth starting position as the pill draw format replaced the handicap line-up system and returned to victory lane for the first time since August 11, 2007 in the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car feature. 

“It’s been a long time since we won here,” expressed the Kittanning, Pa. driver.  “That was just an awesome race track; hats off to the track crew.  It rained all day at our house.  We came here and the track was pretty bad, but man that was the best racing surface I’ve ran on all year.”

Making his first ever Sprint Car start at Mercer, Nate Stein raced ahead of newcomer Aaron Shaffer on the start with George advancing past Bryan Grove on the opening lap.  George then drove under Shaffer in turns one and two for second on lap three.  George ran down Stein and made the winning move under the leader in turn three on lap five.  Grove passed Shaffer for third before Jimmy Hawley and Arnie Kent entered the picture dropping Shaffer back two more spots on laps seven and eight. 

At the halfway point, George opened up a commanding lead by more than a straightaway, while the battled heated up for second with Stein trying to hold off Grove, Hawley, and Kent.  Hawley, who started seventh, made his run to the front sneaking around Grove off turn four for third on lap 13 then under Stein for second one lap later in traffic.  Kent slipped under Grove in a swarm of cars to take third on lap 17 before newcomer Danny Mumaw caught the turns two guardrail and flipped bringing out the red. 

When racing resumed, Kent was able to overtake Stein for third before the event’s final caution when Chris Shuttleworth and Shaffer tangled in turns three and four.  The moment was a scary one for George, who was entering turn three on the last lap and just got slowed down and was barely able to sneak by without hitting the wall.

George led the last lap as Hawley was unable to clear the lap car of Broc Martin to mount any challenge.  George’s 16^th career Mercer victory was just his second overall of the season circuit-wide after winning a career high 21 last year in his Dr. John Crawford III/Pro Shot Directional Boring/Max Weiss/Suzanne Stivason-sponsored #4.  “The car was awesome and the racing was great,” stated George.  “It’s nice to see a good group of cars here.  Everyone raced real well tonight.  Hats off to all the racers out there.  The passing was good and the track was good top to bottom.  Everybody did a great job.”

Hawley was second for the second straight event.  Kent came from ninth to place third over Gale Ruth, Jr. and Grove in his first appearance of the season.  Dan Kuriger had a good run in his first start of the season finishing sixth after starting 16^th.  Shuttleworth was seventh.  Stein’s excellent run didn’t show as he slowed on the final restart dropping from fourth to eighth.  Martin and Brent Matus completed the top 10.  Hawley and Ruth won the heats over the 20-car field.

Earlier this season Frank Guidace made history by becoming the first driver in the 57-year history of the speedway to win in five different divisions.  On Saturday night, Guidace did one better as swept both the FASTRAK Late Model and Modified features for the first time.  The last time a driver won two features in one night was Andy Priest on August 5, 2000 when we won both the Big-Block and Sportsman Modified features for the second time that year.

In the 20-lap McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Model feature, Guidace topped three-time Stock Car champion Brian Booher for his third win of the season.  Guidace led every lap as he survived four cautions, which tightened the field up.  “What can I say about this car again,” exclaimed the Mercer, Pa. racer.  “This Lazer has been awesome all year.  It was a great track and that was the luck of the draw.  We did away with the handicap line-up.  I didn’t know that until tonight and went down there and drew the number one pill then John Buchanan pulled the pill for the mods and put me on the pole for that!”

Guidace’s victory came in his ASI Sportswear-sponsored #1G.  Booher rebounded from last week’s crash while leading on the last lap to finish second.  Rusty Moore was a close third ahead of eighth starting Gary Miller, Jr., who recorded his best finish of the season.  Last week’s winner, Bobby Powell, was fifth.  Completing the top 10 were Mike Anderson (Jr.), Steve Hollabaugh, Bill Vance, Jr., Paul Reiser, and Dave Airgood, Jr.  Heat winners were Guidace and Powell.    

After his on-track interview and weighing his Late Model, Guidace jumped in his Modified and went out and led all 20 laps of the Tire Express-sponsored feature for his first Modified win of the season.  It was a perfect night for Guidace as he led all 56 green flag laps he competed including both heat races.  “That’s unbelievable,” stated the jubilant winner.  “I’m out of breath; wow.  Troyer Chassis finally got the Mod there; Shadow Shocks, ASI, everybody that’s been helping me.  The race track was great tonight and starting spots were key.”

While Guidace took the lead at the start, Steve Barr passed Kevin Green, who one week ago recorded a career runner-up, for second.  John Buchanan, Eric Gabany, and Lonny Riggs all passed Green for second, third, and fourth on lap two.  Matt Howsare spun with three laps completed and the last 17 laps would go non-stop.

Gabany, who started sixth, drove by Buchanan for third on lap four.  Defending track champion and two-time 2008 winner Garrett Krummert made his way into contention passing Buchanan on the outside for fourth on lap 10, but slipped high on lap 16 allowing Buchanan and ninth starting Jimmy Holden by into fourth and fifth.  

Barr challenged Guidace for the first half of the event, but Guidace cleared lapped traffic better as he opened up ground in the latter stages as he took his fourth checkered flag of the night.  Guidace’s victory in his #1G was the seventh of his career in the 358 Modified division and 16^th overall at the track.  Barr’s second was his career best finish.  Gabany was third.  Holden made a late charge to finish fourth after getting by Buchanan on the last lap.  Buchanan dropped to fifth in his second start of the year.  Gary Smoker came back from an early race spin to finish sixth over Krummert, Riggs, Green, and Matt Reeher.  Heat winners were Buchanan and Guidace.

Last Sunday night, Alan Knepper won his career first feature at Blanket Hill Speedway.  On Saturday night, the 15-year-old racer repeated the feat passing veteran Kenny Meadows for the victory in the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center feature.  “I didn’t think I was going to get him, but he (Meadows) screwed up in that one turn,” explained the Somerset, Pa. driver.”

Mark Marcucci led the first lap before eighth starting Meadows overtook the lead on lap two, while Knepper, who started fifth, passed Meadows’ teammate and point leader Todd Canter for third.  Knepper inherited second later that lap when Marcucci slowed and brought out the caution.  Meadows would lead until lap 11 when he slipped high in turn four allowing Knepper to dive under the leader.  Knepper led the lap before Kotie Kirkbride and Terry Young tangled with Bryan Martin flipping for the second time in three weeks.  Martin was okay, but done for the event.  Knepper held off Meadows’ challenges the last four laps for the victory in his father Lynn’s, Knepper Repair/Bill’s Auto-sponsored #1.  Canter was third over Bud Watson and David Innes.  Young and Knepper won the heats. 

Last September Cory Kilgore made his first ever visit and captured the Little Guy Nationals.  On Saturday night, Kilgore made the long tow from Kittanning, Pa. profitable after his home track Marion Center Speedway cancelled earlier in the day to win the 12-lap M&D Paving Mini Stock feature.    

Kilgore passed Dillon Barr on the opening lap and went on to lead every lap surviving four cautions for the victory in the Kevin Kilgore-owned #0.  Dillon Kineston passed Barr on lap two and held him off to finish second for the second straight week.  Barr dropped to third over last week’s winner John Shannon.  Wally Stearns, Jr. came back from an early race spin to finish five.  Stephen Laslo and Kilgore won the heat races over the 19-car field.  
 

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. ROD GEORGE (4)  2. Jimmy Hawley (Rudzik 49)  3. Arnie Kent (18)  4. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x)  5. Bryan Grove (45)  6. Dan Kuriger (08)  7. Chris Shuttleworth (11)  8. Nate Stein (93)  9. Broc Martin (83m)  10. Brent Matus (33)  11. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R)  12. Joe Butera (Matus 3J)  13. Paul Kapuchuck (10)  14. Aaron Shaffer (97s)  15. Danny Mumaw (16)  16. Paul Kish (Clark 4c)  17. Gary Edwards (Rudzik 94)  18. Scott Bonnell (3B)-DNS  19. Brian Steinman (24s)-DNS  20. Bob Clark (44c)-DNS.

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G)  2. Steve Barr (25B)  3. Eric Gabany (3E)  4. Jimmy Holden (28H)  5. John Buchanan (93)  6. Gary Smoker (516)  7. Garrett Krummert (29)  8. Lonny Riggs (Black 58)  9. Kevin Green (74)  10. Matt Reeher (711)  11. Rick Hall (B2)  12. Matt Howsare (5H)  13. Jr. Baker (359)  14. Fred Sasse (0)  15. Adam Siegel (91)  16. Dillon McElrath (7)  17. Dave Cogswell (8)-DNS.

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G)  2. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  3. Rusty Moore (17M)  4. Gary Miller, Jr. (1m)  5. Bobby Powell (Bidwell B1D)  6. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72)  7. Steve Hollabaugh (3H)  8. Bill Vance, Jr. (93)  9. Paul Reiser (293)  10. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42)  11. Tyler Dietz (10).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. ALAN KNEPPER (1)  2. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T)  3. Todd Canter (Teague 9T)  4. Bud Watson (15)  5. David Innes (18)  6. George Englert (11x)  7. Tony Tatgenhorst (63)  8. J.J. Metheney (31c)  9. Bill Stivason (116)  10. Terry Young (98)  11. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  12. Bryan Martin (237)  13. Mark Marcucci (8M).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. CORY KILGORE (0)  2. Dillon Kineston (19)  3. Dillon Barr (15)  4. John Shannon (14)  5. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)  6. Mike McConnell (31)  7. Tyler Powell (36)  8. Dan McEwen (44)  9. Dan Nagy (17B)  10. Ed Haylett (8-ball)  11. Stephen Laslo (55)  12. Adam Bulfone (19JR)  13. Sam Kloos (62K)  14. Rudolph Troples (28)  15. Scott Gilliland (27)  16. Bill Fuchs (10)  17. Pete Blazczak (77)  18. Kris Anderson (3D)-DNS  19. Josh Verrill (13)-DNS.

MERCER CHANGES TO PILL DRAW LINE-UP FORMAT; SPRINT PURSE RESTRUCTURED WITH $175 TO START

By Mike Leone 

June 12, 2008        

(Mercer, PA)…When racing action resumes this Saturday night, June 14 at Mercer Raceway Park drivers in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks will experience a change in format and Sprint Car drivers will see a change in payoff.

            Effective this Saturday night, June 14, Mercer Raceway Park will utilize a pill draw format to determine the first 12 starting spots of all of the feature line-ups.  The standard initial draw for heat race line ups will remain unchanged.  New drivers will not be penalized in any manner.  Beginning with the next event, the previous week’s feature winner or the next time the driver returns, will start 12^th.  This rule will not apply to special events.  

            “This is one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make since I purchased the speedway almost 10 years ago,” expressed owner Vicki Emig.  “We have always believed in the handicap line-up system as it has given many racers the ability to win features that otherwise may not have, and we know there are a lot of racers that believe in the system and will hate to see it go; however, today is a different time.  There aren’t as many racers competing in the region and we really can’t afford to deter anyone.  This will be a simple system that everyone can understand.  Now everyone will be on equal footing when they pull through the gates.”

            The second change will take place in the Sprint Car division.  The top two spots will now pay $1,100 and $800 rather than $1,300 and $850; however, positions 7^th through 24^th have been increased with the biggest change being $175 to take the green rather than $125.  The entire 24-car field purse has actually been increased. 

            “We sent letters to all of the Sprint Car drivers and talked to many of them, and have taken into consideration what they have had to say,” explained Emig.  “Most are in favor of spreading the money out instead of so much on top.  Hopefully this 40% increase will help racers that need the money the most and give these racers some extra incentive to come.  We want to be able to preserve the tradition of Sprint Car racing at Mercer Raceway Park into the future.  By going to the pill draw and making this purse adjustment, hopefully that’s a step in the right direction.” 

            Saturday night is Free Crawford County Night presented by the Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center and Armstrong along with $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express and Armstrong and $5 Bike Night presented by Renegade Classics Outlet Store.  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.     

ELLENBERGER MAKES IT 3-FOR-3 IN SPRINTS; RIGGS WINS 1ST OF YEAR IN MODS; 1ST FOR POWELL IN LATE MODELS; #2 FOR JONES IN MOD LITES; CAREER 1ST WIN FOR SHANNON IN MINIS

By Mike Leone 

June 7, 2008      

Mercer, PA…A heavy late afternoon downpour delayed action nearly 90 minutes, but Mercer Raceway Park was able to complete the program on Saturday night with three new winners including a career first.  Celebrating in the Hoosier Tire victory lane were Brian Ellenberger-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Lonny Riggs-Tire Express Modifieds, Bobby Powell-McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Rod Jones-Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and John Shannon-M&D Paving Mini Stocks. 

It was “Pack the Track Night” presented by Coca-Cola, “Meet Your Heroes” Autograph Night presented by Duke Whiting for 17^th District Representative, and Emerson Process Management Corp Night. 

Brian Ellenberger has made Mercer Raceway Park his Saturday night home away from the All Star Circuit of Champions this year and it’s paying off as he made it three wins in three starts by scoring the 20-lap Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car win.  “Wow it’s a fast Mercer Raceway Park out there tonight,” expressed the jubilant Butler, Pa. winner.  “Frank (Benic) prepares the best track around.  That’s the fast way around (above the cushion)- that’s what my crew chief told me.  He set the car for up top and said I better go up there so I had to listen to him.”

            Brent Matus overtook pole-sitter Paul Kapuchuck to grab the early lead, while fourth starter Jeremy Cook raced past Chris Shuttleworth and Kapuchuck for second on the opening lap.  Arnie Kent started fifth and passed Shuttleworth for second on lap two then drove around Kapuchuck off turn two for third two laps later. 

            Matus had stretched out to a decent lead, but was erased when Lindsay Enscoe brought out the caution with four laps completed.  When racing resumed, Kent passed Cook for runner-up and Ellenberger moved into the top five with a pass of Shuttleworth before action was slowed again for debris with just one more lap completed. 

            Back under green flag conditions, all eyes were on Ellenberger who drove around Kapuchuck off turn two for fourth on lap six then made a similar move one lap later to take third from Cook.  Matus was doing his best to hold off Kent on laps eight and nine, but Kent was too much taking the lead on the ninth circuit.  The fast closing Ellenberger drove around Matus for second later that lap. 

Kent’s lead was short-lived as Ellenberger pulled alongside the leader on lap 10 and grabbed the lead for good racing off the inside of turn one on lap 11.  The event’s final caution was for a slowing Shuttleworth with 12 laps completed.  Ellenberger dominated the last eight laps in what will be his last appearance until August as he’ll hit the road with the All Stars and World of Outlaws in his Open Joist/Car*Mate Trailers/Hoosier Tire/K&N Filters-sponsored #20E.  Ellenberger’s victory was the seventh of his career at Mercer and 13^th overall.  

Kent was a season best second.  Matus was a strong third for his best effort since May 12, 2007.  Cook turned in an impressive run with a career best fourth.  Scott Bonnell was fifth.  Completing the top 10 were Kapuchuck, Gale Ruth, Sr., Paul Kish, Joe Butera, and Enscoe.  Heat winners were Gale Ruth, Jr. and Ellenberger.  Point leader Rod George was not in action due to his son’s wedding. 

Lonny Riggs put on one of the most dominating performances seen in quite some time in the Modified division as his first win of the season came by 5.76 seconds over Kevin Green in the 20-lap Tire Express-sponsored feature.  “A lot of people probably didn’t like that track, but I loved it,” expressed the Volant, Pa. victor.  “I love it when we have a big cushion.”

            Green raced into the early lead with Matt Reeher passing Matt Howsare for second.  Riggs, who started sixth, wasted little time getting into contention as he passed Dillon McElrath, Mark Frankhouser, and Howsare all on the first lap for third.  Riggs then powered around the cushion off turn four taking second from Reeher on lap three.  Riggs was all over Green by lap five and one lap later made the winning move again riding the cushion past Green off turn four. 

            Three cautions slowed action between laps seven and 11.  One was for a spin by Garrett Krummert, who had won the last two features.  The second caution was for Frank Guidace, who had moved into second on lap eight, but found the wall in turn two ending his night.  Howsare brought out the final caution with 11 laps completed. 

            The final nine laps went non-stop as Riggs pulled away every lap for his eighth career win in the division and 21^st overall at Mercer in the Merle Black-owned, Iron Bridge Inn/Pit Stop Pub-sponsored #58.  Green did a great job holding off Mark Frankhouser and Jeff Schaffer for a career best second as he attributed the monthly practices over the last year to his improvement.  Frankhouser’s third was his best ever at Mercer.  Schaffer came all the way from 18^th to fourth.  Reeher turned in his best performance in fifth since a third on June 18, 2005.  Steve Barr, Gary Smoker, Brian Fink, Ron Eperthener, Jr., and John Buchanan were sixth through 10^th.  Barr and Riggs won the heats over the 20-car field.

Bobby Powell became the Northeast’s first racer to qualify for the $250,000+ FASTRAK Grand Nationals and did it in grand style with his first victory of the season in the 20-lap McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Model feature.  “I’ve finally made it to victory lane,” stated the Waterford, Pa. winner.  “This is our 15^th night and I hadn’t got the checkered, but now we did.  This is 50 points and we had a good finish last night.  Hopefully we can use this and keep rolling.  I was terrified of that big cushion so I wasn’t surprised he (Steve Hollabaugh) took the bottom, but it worked out.”

            The front row cars of Mike Anderson, Jr. and Gary Miller, Jr. got together on the start, which allowed fourth starting Steve D’Apolito to ascend to the lead with sixth starting Steve Hollabaugh second.  Hollabaugh passed D’Apolito for the lead on lap four.  Eighth starting Brian Booher and fifth starting Powell were able to get past D’Apolito for second and third on lap six when he got sideways. 

A caution for newcomer Dan Angelicchio slowed action with nine laps completed.  On the ensuing restart, Booher used the cushion to take the lead.  Booher began to pull away as the battle raged for second with Hollabaugh trying to hold off Powell and Frank Guidace.  With the white flag waving, Booher looked like a sure winner, but jumped the cushion off turn four and slammed the frontstretch wall.  Hollabaugh was handed the lead back with Powell second. 

Hollabaugh chose the inside again for the restart, but Powell was able to glide around the cushion and power by into the lead.  Powell would only lead one lap, but it was the one that counted as he scored his seventh career Mercer win in the Scott Bidwell-owned, Fame RV Center/Maloney Tool & Mold/Rich Johnson Electric-sponsored #B1D.  Hollabaugh was a season best second over Guidace, Andy Buckley, and newcomer Chris Angelicchio.  Rounding out the top 10 were Kevin Meadows, Rusty Moore, Miller, Dan Angelicchio, and Bill Vance, Jr.  Heat winners over the 16-car field were Meadows and D’Apolito. 

Rod Jones captured the 15-lap Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lite feature for the second time this season and third overall with his win last week at Raceway 7.  “Lynn (Knepper) is one of those guys you can race wheel-to-wheel with.  He’s a great guy.  I kind of hate taking it away from him, but you got to do what you got to do.”

Lynn Knepper took charge of the event at the start.  Fifteen-year-old Bud Watson used the outside to fly from eighth up to second past Terry Young on lap four.  Jones, who started 11^th, drove by Young for third on lap six and caught Watson two laps later.  Jones was all over the youngster and didn’t get by until lap 13 when Watson caught the berm of mud in turn two sending his car across the track.  Watson’s fine run ended later that lap when he looped his mount off turn four.  The caution was a costly one for Knepper as well as it erased his lead and apparent victory. 

When racing resumed, Knepper and Jones raced side-by-side on lap 14 with Jones nosing ahead to lead the lap.  Knepper stayed close, but Jones was able to take his 14^th career win in the Dave Jones-owned, Jones Performance-sponsored #820 by one car-length.  Brian Woodhall, who started 12^th in his season debut, passed Levi Spinneweber on lap 14 to finish third.  Spinneweber was fourth over Mark Marcucci.  Topping the heats were Woodhall and Jones over the 17-car field.

John Shannon became the latest new winner in the Mini Stocks as the youngster captured his first career win in the 12-lap M&D Paving-sponsored feature.  The Harrisville, Pa. second-year racer dedicated the victory to fellow racer and friend, Leland Haylett, who is on life support battling leukemia.  Shannon started eighth and inherited the lead on lap six when leader Dan Nagy hit the wall.  Once in front, Shannon never looked back for the win in his #14.  Rookie Dillon Kineston, who spun on the first lap, assumed second and held on for his career best finish.  Scott Gilliland was third.  Rookie Tyler Powell turned in his best effort in fourth ahead of 13^th starting Kris Anderson.  Heat winners over the 17-car field were Dillon Barr and Dan McEwen.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (20 laps): 1. BRIAN ELLENBERGER (20E)  2. Arnie Kent (18)  3. Brent Matus (33)  4. Jeremy Cook (5L)  5. Scott Bonnell (3B)  6. Paul Kapuchuck (10)  7. Gale Ruth, Sr. (1R)  8. Paul Kish (Clark 4c)  9. Joe Butera (Matus 3J)  10. Lindsay Enscoe (96)  11. Pup Nystrom (Holtgraver D4)  12. Chris Shuttleworth  13. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x).

Tire Express 358 Modifieds (20 laps): 1. LONNY RIGGS (58)  2. Kevin Green (74)  3. Mark Frankhouser (03)  4. Jeff Schaffer (4)  5. Matt Reeher (711)  6. Steve Barr (25B)  7. Gary Smoker (516)  8. Brian Fink (Brown 67J)  9. Ron Eperthener, Jr. (333)  10. John Buchanan (93)  11. Marvin Williams (69W)  12. Garrett Krummert (29)  13. Adam Siegel (91)  14. Jr. Baker (359)  15. Fred Sasse (0)  16. Dillon McElrath (7)  17. Matt Howsare (5H)  18. Shane Jones (Holden 15H)  19. Frank Guidace (1G)  20. Rick Hall (B2)-DNS. 

McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models (20 laps): 1. BOBBY POWELL (Bidwell B1D)  2. Steve Hollabaugh (3H)  3. Frank Guidace (1G)  4. Andy Buckley (Robinson 34R)  5. Chris Angelicchio (54)  6. Kevin Meadows (Welsch 49)  7. Rusty Moore (17m)  8. Gary Miller, Jr. (1m)  9. Dan Angelicchio (14)  10. Bill Vance, Jr. (93)  11. Brian Booher (Hoover 00H)  12. Steve D’Apolito (84)  13. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72)  14. Tyler Dietz (10)  15. Bob Dorman (19)  16. Rusty Cade (47).

Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites (15 laps): 1. ROD JONES (820)  2. Lynn Knepper (10)  3. Brian Woodhall (8B)  4. Levi Spinneweber (10s)  5. Mark Marcucci (8M)  6. Todd Canter (Teague 9T)  7. Terry Young (98)  8. Bud Watson (15)  9. Dave Jones (82)  10. George Englert (11x)  11. Bill Stivason (116)  12. Kotie Kirkbride (97N)  13. John Gerula, Jr. (54)  14. Alan Knepper (1)  15. Bryan Martin (237)  16. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T)  17. J.J. Metheney (31c).

M&D Paving Mini Stocks (12 laps): 1. JOHN SHANNON (14)  2. Dillon Kineston  3. Scott Gilliland (27)  4. Tyler Powell (36)  5. Kris Anderson (3D)  6. Dillon Barr (15)  7. Rudolph Troples (28)  8. Kyle Crawford (14c)  9. Sam Kloos (62K)  10. Pete Blazczak (77)  11. Dan Nagy (17B)  12. Dan McEwen (44)  13. Bill Fuchs (10)  14. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33)  15. Mike McConnell (31)  16. Jordan Ehrenberg (JD57)-DNS  17. Josh Verrill (13)-DNS.

RACING RAINED OUT SATURDAY; FREE VENANGO COUNTY MOVED TO JULY 12

By Mike Leone 

May 31, 2008         

(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, May 31 at Mercer Raceway Park was cancelled for the third time in five weeks and fifth time this season due to rain that hit the speedway after 5 p.m.  The Free Venango County Night presented by Allegheny Toyota/Scion has been postponed until Saturday, July 12.

            “We can’t catch a break with Mother Nature,” stated 10^th year owner Vicki Emig.  “We’ve had 10 race events scheduled and all 10 have been affected by Mother Nature.  When we haven’t cancelled there’s been a chance of rain or it’s been cloudy and cold.  We thought we were going to be okay, but late in the afternoon storms started developing o