Smokin’ Joe McEwen took the the 20 lap feature for the Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, while Andy Buckley and Pete Blazak prevailed in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks and the Mini Stocks, respectively.

Shaffer admitted that it has been a tough year so far, but he put himself in position by earning the pole position for the race. Still, he was concerned that his run of bad luck may continue. “When you start on the pole like that, you kinda worry what’s going to happen tonight.” What happened, though, was a dominant performance by the reigning king of the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions.

When the green flag waived, Shaffer pulled a wheelie that ran the length of the front stretch. Nonetheless, he entered turn one with the lead. Ed Lynch, Jr., making a rare appearance, followed him into the corner and gave chase for the first third of the race. Lynch could not reel in Shaffer, who was earnestly trying to open up some breathing room.

A caution on lap 11 bunched the field up due to tangle between Rod George and Cowboy Brian Steinman in turn four. On the restart, Shaffer fired first, but another yellow quickly followed because Scott Priester hit the cone located on the front stretch.

When the green was displayed again, Shaffer would race off with a lead that he would never surrender. He completed the remainder of the race without further interruption.

Shaffer had opened up a considerable lead, but as he negotiated his way through traffic in the latter stages of the race, his lead began to dwindle. “Early on, we wanted to get some breathing room, but, then, we started moving around and started losing some time,” he said.

That allowed his protege, Danny Holtgraver, to begin to close the gap. Holtgraver had taken second from Lynch on lap 18. At the time, he was more than a straightaway behind his mentor. By the checkers, he had cut the margin to several car lengths. “I saw him,” Holtgraver said, “and when I saw the two to go, I wished it was five to go. We came on pretty strong at the end.”

Another driver who advanced in the late stages of the race was Dale Blaney. The former UNOH All Stars champ gained the final podium spot. He climbed form ninth on the grid. Blaney got behind early in the night with a sub-par qualifying time. “I shot myself in the foot qualifying, that just got us behind,” he explained.

Lynch held on for the fourth spot, crossing the finish ahead of Cap Henry.

Defending track champion Bob Felmlee was sixth. Rob Chaney, making his second start in the Rudzik 94, finished seventh. Paul McMahan, Greg Wilson and Brandon Spithaler completed the top ten. Wilson was the hard charger of the race, advancing a dozen positions.

The three heat race winners were Felmlee, McMahan, and Carl Bowser, who was an early retiree from the feature.

The B Main victory went to Steinman. Steinman had a top ten time, but spun early in his heat race and could not earn the important transfer that would have moved him up in the starting field.

The evening’s fastest time was turned in by David Gravel. He could not start the feature, however, due to a problem with his MSD box.

Joe McEwen jumped from his second place starting spot to take the lead at the start of the Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warrior feature. Despite two stoppages for minor incidents, McEwen raced to an easy win.

Jimmy Morris came from fifth to second in just five laps. He could not challenge McEwen on this evening. Guy Griffin, who ran outside the top five for most of the distance, rallied for a fine third place finish. Justin Whitesell and Rob Felix rounded out the top five.

Positions six through ten went to Chris Matthews, Mike Miller, Andy Fiel, Jay Howe and C.J. Jones. It was Fiel’s first start in the winged beasts.

The heat winners were Jeff Taylor and Morris.

Andy Buckley raced to victory in the Precise Racing Products Open Stocks, but it was not easy. He came from 16th on the grid and he had to fend off the persistent challenges of Tommy Fox and Colton Gearhart.

Dave Ferringer led the way for a pair of laps, before surrendering the lead to Gearhart. Gearhart paced the field for three laps. He was overhauled by Tommy Fox. Buckley took the lead on lap 7, but Fox and Gearhart remained close for the rest of the way.

Finishing behind Buckley, Gearhart and Fox were Joe Kelley and Ferringer.

Making his first start of the season, Bobby Heim rode home in sixth. Danny Exley, Matt Wagner, Brandon Johnston and Brett McDonald were seventh through tenth.

The pair of heat races were captured by Brent Coleman and Chris Schneider.

Pete Blazak took the Mini Stock nightcap. He made his winning move on the inside of turns three
and four when he ducked under Steve Longwell, Jr. Longwell had led from lap two until lap eight.

The race was halted with 12 of the 15 laps completed. Matt Christy spun coming off turn four and was hit broadside in the driver’s door area by Wally Stearns, who had nowhere to go. When it appeared that Christy would need to be transported to a local hospital, officials made the call to end the race. Fortunately, though, Christy was up and walking after the incident and he was joking about his misfortune.

Blazak was declared the winner, followed by Longwell Jr. Trooper Tim Callahan was third. Steve Longwell, Sr. claimed fourth and Rob McElhaney took fifth.

Rudy Troples, Andrew Dutkewycz, Tyler Fulton, Joel Wisser and Chase Anthony completed the top ten.

The two heat winners were Adam Bulfone and Jerry Bratcher.

Next week, the wings come off for the 410 sprints. The B.O.S.S. sprints will invade the Park. Other local classes will be in action. Gates will open at 4 and racing will begin at 7.

All Star Circuit of Champions (29 Cars)
[#]-Starting Position

Qualifying – Kistler Engines
1. 89G-David Gravel, 13.779
2. D4-Danny Holtgraver, 13.857
3. 3-Pete Miller III, 13.927
4. 94-Rob Chaney, 13.934
5. 24-Brian Steinman, 13.996
6. 83-Tim Shaffer, 14.005
7. 7-Eric Williams, 14.006
8. 2L-Ed Lynch Jr., 14.064
9. O8-Dan Kuriger, 14.083
10. 54-Cap Henry, 14.096
11. 2-Dale Blaney, 14.125
12. 22-Brandon Spithaler, 14.139
13. 15-Scott Priester, 14.164
14. 45-Paul McMahan, 14.220
15. 23-Jimmy Light, 14.276
16. 8-Bob Felmlee, 14.299
17. O-Lee Jacobs, 14.370
18. 10-Carl Bowser, 14.425
19. CIII-Rod George, 14.426
20. 4-Danny Smith, 14.474
21. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.498
22. 30-Daryl Stimeling, 14.502
23. 13-Brandon Matus, 14.557
24. 5K-Adam Kekich, 14.637
25. 12-Jared Ridge, 14.724
26. 49-Bob Howard, 14.768
27. 81-Craig Folmar, 14.779
28. 66-Chris Best, 15.027
29. 33-Brent Matus, 15.240

Heat 1 – Kears Speed Shop (8 Laps – Top 6 finishers transfer to the A-feature)
1. 8-Bob Felmlee[1]
2. 54-Cap Henry[3]
3. 15-Scott Priester[2]
4. 89G-David Gravel[6]
5. 94-Rob Chaney[5]
6. CIII-Rod George[7]
7. 7-Eric Williams[4]
8. 30-Daryl Stimeling[8]
9. 66-Chris Best[10]
10. 12-Jared Ridge[9]

Heat 2 – All Pro Aluminum Heads (8 Laps – Top 6 finishers transfer to the A-feature)
1. 45-Paul McMahan[2]
2. O-Lee Jacobs[1]
3. 2-Dale Blaney[3]
4. 2L-Ed Lynch Jr.[4]
5. 4-Danny Smith[7]
6. D4-Danny Holtgraver[6]
7. 13-Brandon Matus[8]
8. 49-Bob Howard[9]
9. 24-Brian Steinman[5]
10. 33-Brent Matus[10]

Heat 3 – Dragon Race Fuel (8 Laps – Top 6 finishers transfer to the A-feature)
1. 10-Carl Bowser[1]
2. 83-Tim Shaffer[5]
3. O8-Dan Kuriger[4]
4. 23-Jimmy Light[2]
5. 22-Brandon Spithaler[3]
6. 3-Pete Miller III[6]
7. 5K-Adam Kekich[8]
8. W20-Greg Wilson[7]
9. 81-Craig Folmar[9]

Dash – Outerwears Performance Products (6 Laps, finishing order determined first 6 starting positions of A-feature
1. 83-Tim Shaffer[3]
2. 94-Rob Chaney[2]
3. 2L-Ed Lynch Jr.[4]
4. D4-Danny Holtgraver[6]
5. 3-Pete Miller III[1]
6. 89G-David Gravel[5]

B-Main – MSD Ignition (12 Laps – Top 6 finishers transfer to the A-feature)
1. 24-Brian Steinman[1]
2. W20-Greg Wilson[3]
3. 7-Eric Williams[2]
4. 5K-Adam Kekich[6]
5. 49-Bob Howard[8]
6. 66-Chris Best[10]
7. 13-Brandon Matus[5]
8. 12-Jared Ridge[7]
9. 81-Craig Folmar[9]
10. 33-Brent Matus[11]

A-Main – University of Northwestern Ohio (30 Laps)
1. 83-Tim Shaffer[1]
2. D4-Danny Holtgraver[4]
3. 2-Dale Blaney[9]
4. 2L-Ed Lynch Jr.[3]
5. 54-Cap Henry[8]
6. 8-Bob Felmlee[16]
7. 94-Rob Chaney[2]
8. 45-Paul McMahan[14]
9. W20-Greg Wilson[21]
10. 22-Brandon Spithaler[10]
11. 23-Jimmy Light[15]
12. 4-Danny Smith[20]
13. 3-Pete Miller III[5]
14. O-Lee Jacobs[17]
15. 15-Scott Priester[13]
16. 7-Eric Williams[12]
17. 5K-Adam Kekich[22]
18. 66-Chris Best[24]
19. O8-Dan Kuriger[7]
20. CIII-Rod George[19]
21. 24-Brian Steinman[11]
22. 49-Bob Howard[23]
23. 10-Carl Bowser[18]
24. 89G-David Gravel[6]
Hard Charger: W20-Greg Wilson[+12]

Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors: Joe McEwen, Jimmy Morris, Guy Griffin, Justin Whitesell, Rob Felix, Chris Matthews, Mike Miller, Andy Fiel, Jay Howe, C.J. Jones, Joe Siembida, Jeff Taylor, Jacob Lagastee, Harold Braden, Jr., Bob McMillin, Dalton Daniels, Dave Wagner, Tom Sanders (DNS).

Precise Racing Products Open Stocks: Andy Buckley, Colton Gearhart, Tommy Fox, Joe Kelley, Dave Ferringer, Bobby Heim, Danny Exley, Matt Wagner, Brandon Johnston, Brett McDonald, Travis Walsh, Rusty Martz, Bob McCann, Brent Coleman, Russ Byler, Rusty Moore, Duane Grinnell. DNS: Chris Schneider, Dan Lewis, Carl Johnston.Mini Stocks: Pete Blazak, Steve Longwell, Jr., Tim Callahan, Steve Longwell, Sr., Rob McElhaney, Rudy Troples, Andrew Dutkewycz, Tyler Fulton, Joel Wisser, Chase Anthony, Wally Stearns, Matt Christy, Clay Wansor, Adam Bulfone. DNS: Jerry Bratcher, Mike McConnell, Ed Haylett.

Points WILL be awarded at ALL races this year UNLESS a division is racing under special rules or outside sanction. There will be NO points awarded when a class is running under special rules of under an outside sanction. However, other classes running under Mercer track rules on that night WILL get their normal points.

Example: On May 12th the All-Stars Sprints are at Mercer. As a result of the outside sanction, the Sprints will not be point racing. The Sprints will NOT receive show up points. The Stocks are running under Mercer’s Open Stock rules, not our regular rules, so no points will be awarded to them. The Outlaw Sprint Warriors and Mini Stocks WILL be running for points as there are no changes from normal racing for their divisions.

On May 19, the Sprints are running under B.O.S.S. wingless rules. No points will be awarded for the Sprints. Sprints will NOT receive show up points. The 358 Modifieds, Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Stock Cars, Mod Lites, and Mini Stocks are all running under Mercer Raceway Park rules and those divisions WILL be point racing.

One last example, on August 18th the BRP Modified Tour will be racing at Mercer. Because of the outside sanction the 358 Modifieds will not point race that night. The 358 Modifieds will NOT receive show up points. All other divisions will be point racing that night.

These are just a few examples for clarification, and are not intended to be an all encompassing list of events.

Again if a division is racing with an outside sanctioning body, or under special rules, NO points will be awarded. All other divisions on those nights racing under regular Mercer Raceway Park rules WILL be point racing.

Additionally as stated on the schedule June 23rd, and September 8th are double points nights for all divisions.

We apologize for any confusion that this revision of policy may have caused.

The Kittanning Comet, Rod George, took advantage of a restart on lap 16 to overtake Scott Priester, who led from the start of the 25 lap affair. George followed Priester into turn one, but rocketed off turn two. George’s momentum carried him into the lead as the pair entered turn three.  “My wife always gives me hell every night for sleeping on the restarts, so I decided to make it count tonight,” the happy winner said.

Priester looked to be the class of the field in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprints for the first fifteen laps. Even George agreed. “Scott was running a super race, if it would not have been for that yellow, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have gotten around him.”

Priester swept into the lead at the drop of the green and he held off a challenge from Pete Miller, III, who was looking for a weekend double to celebrate his birthday.

Priester stretched his lead as he encountered traffic on lap eight. Meanwhile, George worked past Miller and took off after his pal. Priester was able to maintain his advantage as they negotiated through the slower cars.

The 16th lap was problematic for more than Priester, however. The caution that set up George’s winning move eliminated the fourth and fifth place cars of Jimmy Light and Broc Martin. Their misfortune moved Eric “Turkey” Williams and Bob Felmlee closer to the front.

Williams took advantage of his opportunity, passing Miller in the waning laps to take third.

At the checkers, it was George over Priester, Williams, Miller and Felmlee.

The sixth spot went to Jason Dolick. Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus and Rob Chaney completed the top ten.

Heat wins for the 24 car field went to Felmlee, Priester and Chaney. The B Main winner was Craig Folmar.

Goodyear tire awards went to George (winner), Spithaler (hard charger), Nathan Skaggs (last car lead lap), Felmlee (random) and Priester (random).

Frank “on the Gas” Guidace scored his second win of the young season in his immaculate Troyer car. He credited the shop for their help in working on the set-up for slicker conditions. “I started changing and changing on that thing all night because I saw that the track was going to be harder and slicker.” Guidace, who usually likes the heavier surfaces, thought that it was going to be a long, dry summer, so getting a better set-up was important for him.

Lonny Riggs and Frank Guidace paced the field for the 20 lap Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature. Riggs jumped out front at the start, but there was no stopping Guidace this night. He swept into the lead coming through turns three and four to lead lap 2. Riggs continued to run second while Rob Curtis and Jeff Shaffer took turns applying the pressure.

After a couple of stoppages, Curtis snuck by Riggs on a restart. Shaffer, who was driving the 51 of Clyde Gumpp, also passed the Tugboat for position.

A couple more cautions slowed the pace during the middle stages of the race, but the final half of the event went non-stop.

Guidace led the way to the checkers, with Curtis taking second. Shaffer held on for third, just one spot ahead of Riggs. Eric Gabany closed quickly in the final laps to snare the fifth position.

Sixth through tenth were Kyle Fink, J.R. McGinley, Matt Reeher, Dave Cogswell and Kevin Green.

The three heat winners were Guidace, Shaffer and Gabany. Dustin Martin took the B Main. There were 24 cars on hand.

The Precise Racing Products Stock Cars were next to the track. Bob McCann took the early lead, but Russ Byler snuck ahead coming off turn four early in the race. The pass counted, despite the spin by Travis Walsh in turn three, as Walsh was able to re-fire his mount.

Joe Kelley charged to the front, and started to press Byler for the lead. It looked like Kelley was going to make an inside move coming off turn two, but he lost his traction when Rusty Moore tapped him. Moore slipped by Kelley a couple of laps later.

Kelley’s run from the back ended when he tangled with McCann on the front stretch bringing out a yellow.

Moore, the leading winner at the Park last year, had two shots at Byler on late-race restarts, but Byler made the correct inside lane choice each time, and Moore could not get enough momentum to drive by on the outside.

Behind Byler and Moore were McCann, Matt Wagner and Danny Exley, subbing for Curtis Bish.

Duane Grinnel finished sixth, ahead of Brendt McDonald, Darrin Hyde, Bill Bannick, Jr., and Kelley.

Heat winners for the 14 cars were McCann and Byler.

The Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors were dominated once again by Guy Griffin. Griffin wrestled the lead away from Rob Felix after battling with Justin Whitesell in the early going. That was the way the top three crossed the line.

Rookie C.J. Jones turned in a fine fourth place run, just a notch ahead of Jimmy Morris.

Skip Dougherty, Joe McEwen, Dalton Daniels, Chris Matthews and Bob McMillin rounded out the top ten.

The pair of heats went to Felix and Griffin.  There were fifteen cars in this class.

Mark Marcucci jumped out front of the Modified Lite feature and was never headed. George Englert ran second for several laps before fading. Bill Stivason was making a strong run, as was Kotie Kirkbride, but Stivason’s night ended in turn three when he spun and collected Englert.

At the checkers, it was Marcucci over a rapidly advancing Darin Gallagher. Kirkbride was third, Richard Lawson was fourth and Jason Johnsto rode home fifth.

Positions six through ten belonged to Daniel Demyan, Stivason, Taylor Smith, Jacob Bova and Englert.

The thirteen-car field had a pair of heat winners, Gallagher and Marcucci.

The Mini Stock feature completed the action-packed program. Jerry Batcher took the early lead and held off Tyler Fulton for the win. Mike McConnell was the third place finisher.Clay Wansor and Rudy Trouples completed the top five.

The next group across the stripe were Wally Stearns, Steve Longwell, Jr., Kyle Zaffuto, Michael Thompson and Tim Callahan.

Twenty cars comprised two heats, which were won by Fulton and Stearns.

Next week, the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars bring their high-flying show to town. They will be joined by the Stock Cars, Outlaw Sprint Warriors and Mini Stocks. Gates will open at 4 and racing will begin at 7.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars:  Rod George, Scott Priester, Eric Williams, Pete Miller, III, Bob Felmlee, Jason Dolick, Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus, Rob Chaney, Brent Matus, Lee Jacobs, Jimmy Light, Brian Steinman, Adam Kekich, Craig Folmar, Nathan Skaggs, Russ Sansosti, Adam Anderson, Broc Martin.  DNQ:  Gale Ruth, Sr., John MCCracken, Jr., Chris Best, Andy Priest (DQ).

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds:  Frank Guidace, Rob Curtis, Jeff Shaffer, Lonny Riggs, Eric Gabany, Kyle Fink, J.R. McGinley, Matt Reeher, Dave Cogswell, Kevin Green, Jimmy Holden, Dustin Martin, Tommy Glenn, Max Smoker, Rich Whitney, Makayla Guidace, Chad Gumpp, Joe Gibson, Shane Izzo.  DNS: Andy Paden, Rick Hall.  DNQ:  Tom Holden, Ron Eperthener, Rick Kress.

Precise Racing Products Stock Cars:  Russ Byler, Rusty Moore, Bob McCann, Matt Wagner, Duane Grinnell, Brendt McDonald, Darrin Hyde, Bill Bannick, Jr., Joe Kelley, Travis Walsh, Brent Coleman, Dan Lewis, Brandon Johnston.

Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors:  Guy Griffin, Rob Felix, Justin Whitesell, C.J. Jones, Jimmy Morris, Skip Dougherty, Joe McEwen, Dalton Daniels, Chris Matthews, Bob McMillin, Harold Braden, Jr., Joe Siembida, Jacob Lagastee.  DNS:  Chad Matthews.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center/Rock Modified Lites:  Mark Marcucci, Darin Gallagher, Kotie Kirkbride, Richard Lawson, Jason Johnston, Daniel Demyan, Bill Stivason, Taylor Smith, Jacob Bova, George Englert, Jordie McClaine, Andrew Bruce, Rick Ament.

Mini Stocks:  Jerry Batcher, Tyler Fulton, Mike McConnell, Clay Wansor, Rudy Trouples, Wally Stearns, Steve Longwell, Jr., Kyle Zaffuto, Michael Thompson, Tim Callahan, Maria Nevin, Steve Longwell, Sr.  DNS:  Carl Keller, Todd Hanlon, Matthew Cwynar, Pete Blazak, Rob McElhaney, Ed Haylett, Patricia Riffe, Chase Anthony.

Spithaler explained that his car was really locked down at the beginning of the race. “It was great for about the first two-thirds of the race, then it started to go away as the track slicked off.” So, he slid the wing back all the way, and hoped for the best. His concerns were for naught, as he maintained a comfortable margin over Jack Sodeman, Jr., who was making his first start at the track since his horrific accident last season at an All Star Circuit of Champions race in Canada.

Spithaler shot out to the lead from the pole position and led the entire 25 lap distance in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars. Sodeman took second on the opening lap, held the position throughout the race, and finished several car lengths behind the winner. Eric Williams took third, one notch ahead of Chris Myers.

Behind the top four, however, the drivers were swapping positions, much to the delight of the crowd. Veteran racers Bob Felmlee and Rod George came to life after restarts. Felmlee took off after the caution on lap ten, and George moved ahead after the caution on lap 18. George was the prime beneficiary, charging his way to fifth at the checkers.

Jimmy Light was sixth, Dan Kuriger seventh and Felmlee eighth. Brandon Matus and Adam Kekich completed the top ten.

Heat winners for the 25 Sprinters were Andrew Albrecht, Andre Leyfield and George. The B Main winner was Racin’ Ralphie Spithaler.

Goodyear rear tires were awarded to Brandon Spithaler, George (hard charger), Brian Steinman (last car lead lap), Adam Kekich (random) and Brandon Matus (random). Front tires went to Sodeman (second place), Albrecht (first car on lap down), and Steve Collins (random).

Frank “on the gas” Guidace captured the opening race for the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. However, the first thing that he said in his post-race interview was “how did Makayla do?” He was referring to his daughter, who ran her first race in the highly competitive class. She came home seventh, just one spot ahead of second generation driver Max Smoker, who was also making his debut.

For Guidace, his immaculate new Troyer chassis car was working to perfection. He used the outside line to crack into the top five, but his big move came on the inside after a restart. Guidace lined up third on lap five, and, as is so often the case at the Park, he powered off the fourth corner in the second spot. He pressed the early leader, Matt Reeher, as they entered the first turn. Soon thereafter, Guidace assumed command.

As Guidace moved forward, so did Lonnie Riggs. Riggs was running second when he retired from the event.

Guidace finished out the race on the cushion of the speedway. It was almost his undoing. Clyde Gumpp began to reel him in, as the top seemed to be going away. Gumpp drew close, but he could not pull off the pass for the win.

Finishing third was Rick Hall. Shawn Fleeger took fourth and Dave Cogswell ran fifth. Sixth went to Kevin Green, followed by the pair of rookies, Makayla Guidace and Max Smoker. Riggs was credited with ninth and Kyle Fink with tenth.

Heat winners in the 17 car field were Rob Curtis and Frank Guidace.

In the Precise Racing Products Stock Car Class, Rusty Moore blasted into the lead at the drop of the green. Just one week after a broken valve sidelined him, Moore appeared to be on his way to victory. However,  a late race caution allowed Joe Kelly, Andy Buckley and Dan Lewis to challenge for the win.

The final laps of the race were something to behold. Moore worked the cushion like a master, but Kelly preferred the low side of the track. Kelly pulled beside Moore coming through turns three and four and grabbed the lead coming off turn four. Moore rallied, and tried to regain the lead as the white flag was displayed.

Kelly slid up the track a bit, and that left a lane for Andy Buckley. Buckley charged hard into turn three on the final lap, and the pair came off the final corner side by side. There was a bit of contact, and the cars spun to the inside of the speedway as they crossed the finish line.

Moore was a close third, followed by Lewis. Curtis J. Bish claimed fifth. Positions six through ten belonged to Dillon Kineston, Greg Beach, Brandon Johnston, Terry Young, and Darrin Hyde.

The pair of heat races went to Lewis and Buckley. There were twelve cars on hand for the night’s activity.

Guy Griffin sped to the win in the ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors. C.J. Jones jumped out to the lead in his first race in this class. His bid for a first race first victory came to an end, though, when he spun coming off turn four. Griffin was able to take evasive measures, as he was closing in on the rookie driver. Dennis Wagner likewise avoided contact by dropping to the inside of the speedway.

Griffin and Wagner would lead the way to the finish. Placing third was  Justin Whitesell. Joe McEwen and Jeff Goodman completed the top five. Sixth was Skip Dougherty, followed by Dalton Daniels, Jones, Joe Sienbida and Jacob Lagastee.

Heat races for the dozen Outlaw Sprint Warriors were Doughtery and Wagner.

The Modified Lite fifteen lap feature was presented by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and Rock Concrete. Taking the win was Canadian Josh Sliter, one of five drivers from north of the border.

Mark Marcucci pressured Sliter throughout the race, pulling even on the outside as the pair raced through turns one and two near the halfway mark. Sliter held his line and powered off turn two with the lead, which he would never surrender.

Behind Sliter and Marcucci were Shane Pfeuffer, Jeff Teeters, and Andy Feil. Cody Bova led the next group to the checkers. He was followed by Shawn Sliter, Tyler Frankenberry, Kotie Kirkbride and Jason Corless.

Eighteen Modified Lites entered the event, Their heat winners were Cody Bova and Teeters.

Doug Ehrenberg jumped out to an early lead, but Mike McConnell made the pass and never looked back. McConnell’s march to victory was slowed by a caution on lap nine. That gave Ed Haylett the opportunity to line up beside the leader for the restart. Haylett was able3 to keep pace into turn one, but McConnell powered off turn two with a substantial advantage.

McConnell led the rest of the way to claim his third career victory. Haylett was second, but he was pressed by his pal, Rudy Troples over the remainder of the distance. Steve Longwell, Sr. and Steve Longwell, Jr. rounded out the top five.

The next five finishers were Cody Baughman, Kyle Suffutp, Joel Wisser, Matt Cwynar and Chase Anthony.

The heat winners for the 16 car field were Haylett and McConnell.

Next week will be another fun-filled night of Saturday Night Live! racing. The racers will start their quest for track championships, as it will be the first night of points racing in the six classes. Gates will open at 4, with racing at 7.

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars (25 laps):  Brandon Spithaler, Jack Sodeman, Jr., Eric Williams, Chris Myers, Rod George, Jimmy Light, Dan Kuriger, Bob Felmlee, Brent Matus, Adam Kekich, Brandon Matus, Ralph Spithaler, Scott Priester, Jason Dolick, Davey Jones, Brian Steinman, Andrew Albrecht, Russ Sansosti, Brad Knabb, Andre Leyfield.

DNQ:  Adam Miller, John McCracken, Jr., Steve Collins, Adam Anderson, Gale Ruth, Sr.

Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds (20 laps):  Frank Guidace, Clyde Gumpp, Rick Hall, Shawn Fleeger, Dave Cogswell, Kevin Green, Makayla Guidace, Max Smoker, Lonnie Riggs, Kyle Fink, Matt Reeher, Joe Gibson, Rob Curtis, J.R. McGinley, Jimmy Holden (DNS), Ron Eperthener (DNS).

Precise Racing Products Stock Cars (15 laps):  Joe Kelly, Andy Buckley, Rusty Moore, Dan Lewis, Curtis J. Bish, Dillon Kinneston, Greg Beach, Brandon Johnston, Terry Young, Darrin Hyde, Matt Wagner, Travis Walsh.

ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors (15 laps):  Guy Griffin, Dennis Wagner, Justin Whitesell, Joe McEwen, Jeff Goodman, Skip Dougherty, Dalton Daniels, C.J. Jones, Joe Sienbida, Jacob Lagastee, Bob McMillin.

Big Daddy’s Speed Center/Rock Concrete Modified Lites (15 laps):  Josh Sliter, Mark Marcucci, Shane Pfeuffer, Jeff Teeters, Andy Feil, Cody Bova, Shawn Sliter, Tyler Frankenberry, Kotie Kirkbride, Jason Corless, Andrew Bruce, Bill Stivason, Taylor Smith, Ray Sliter, Dillon Sliter, Darin Gallagher, Jacob Bova (DNS).

Mini Stocks (12 laps):  Mike McConnell, Ed Haylett, Rudy Troples, Steve Longwell, Sr., Steve Longwell, Jr., Cody Baughman, Kyle Suffuto, Joel Wisser, Matt Cwynar, Chase Anthony, Pete Blaczak, Jerry Bratcher, Todd Hanlon, Trisha Riffe, Doug Ehrenberg, Jordan Ehrenberg, Tim Callahan (DNS).

For just the third time in his illustrious career, Felmlee will be a hired gun. Most of his success came behind the wheel of his own race cars. “It will be different,” Felmlee said. But, he is optimistic that he will work well with his new car owner. “Jim and I are both pretty laid back, so we should get along fine.”

The team will debut a brand new race car this Saturday. It will be a GF-1 chassis, just like the one that Felmlee drove in 2011. The team will choose between Rider and Garrett race engines. “Jim has good stuff, I am excited about the opportunities,” Felmlee said. He was at the shop earlier this week to install his seat and shoulder harness. The crew still has some finishing touches to make, but they will be ready for action when the pit gates open at 4 p.m.

The team of Felmlee and Chappel will focus exclusively on Mercer Raceway Park for the 2012 season. Felmlee wants to deliver a championship for his new car owner.

Felmlee will do battle with Rod George, a former champion at the track, and veterans like Brian Ellenberger and Andy Priest. Young guns like Carl Bowser, Brandon Spithaler and Adam Kekich will also want to make their marks. The father and son team of Brent and Brandon Matus will also be in the hunt.

The Saturday Night Live! racing program will also feature the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, the ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, and the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. The Modified Lites, sponsored by Rock Concrete and Big Daddy’s Speed Center will also be in action. The Mini Stocks will compete in their second event of the new season.

Gates will open at 4 and racing will begin at 7. Come out early to pick your favorite seats!