MERCER RACEWAY PARK READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2008 SEASON

MERCER RACEWAY PARK READY FOR AN EXTRAVAGANT 2008 SEASON; JAMMED-PACKED 28-NIGHT SCHEDULE RELEASED WITH OPENING NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 29
By Mike Leone

March 4, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…Mercer Raceway Park has released the 2008 schedule of event as Saturday, March 29 has been set as the 57th anniversary season opener with Steel-Block Late Models, United E-Mod Series, open Stock Cars, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks making up the “Chiller Thriller”. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first green flag of the new season set to wave at 7 p.m. Another season of heart-pounding racing excitement and quality family events make up the 28-night slate.
“I’m more excited about this season than I have been in quite some time,” expressed owner Vicki Emig. “The FASTRAK Late Models are going to be a great addition to our weekly program and we’ve received nothing but praise from both the racers and fans looking forward to the return of the Late Models at Mercer for the first time since 1974. Fans are going to see a great show with the ability to see Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Late Models weekly. Our Mod Lite division is strong and we expect a lot of newcomers to the growing Mini Stock class as it continues to serve its purpose of getting youngsters into racing affordably. From the beginning I have focused on making Mercer Raceway Park a great grassroots Saturday night speedway focusing on our local racers and at the same time making The Park an affordable option for family entertainment. That vision still remains as I embark on my 10th season.”
Luxaire Heating & Cooling returns for the seventh time in the past eight seasons to headline the Sprint Cars. Tire Express has moved their sponsorship to the Modified division. Mercer Raceway Park is thrilled to have McElwain Motors back as a huge marketing partner for the upcoming season and as part of their package includes the divisional sponsorship of the Late Models. The Mod Lites and Mini Stocks will return for the second straight year as a weekly division and will again be sponsored by Big Daddy’s Speed Center and M&D Paving respectively. The five-division weekly program will take to the track one week later on Saturday, April 5 with points starting providing the opener is completed.
“We’ve changed up some of our special race events once again to go along with our great five-division grassroots racing weekly program,” stated Emig. “We have five new special events coming this year as there’s just about something for everyone. The best thing about all of our special race events is that they are all so affordable for our fans with no events more than a $15 adult or $35 family admission.”
For the eighth straight year, Mercer Raceway Park will be the site of a world championship pulling event, but this year will take place on a Saturday as May 24 at 6:30 PM is the date and time and will be presented by Semi Service Express. The All-American “Spring Nationals” will include the Big Rig Semis, Smoker Tractors, Street Semis, and Street Diesel 4x4 Trucks with a rain date of Sunday at 5 PM and will be the kickoff of “American Thunder Weekend”.
Then on Monday, the “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” presented by Auto Service Express will be held featuring the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series along with Sprint Cars, the $1,000 to-win Ken Carbone Memorial for open Stock Cars, plus the STAR’s Mod Lites.
Another new event will be the “Small Car National Open” on Friday, July 4 presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance. The STAR’s Mod Lites will be back and will be joined by the first ever appearance by the INEX Legends Cars in a National Touring event. The Micro Sprints will make their first of two appearances. At the end of the night, the “KABOOM 150” Enduro will be held paying $1,000 to-win. A rain date of Saturday & Sunday has been set.
This year’s Bill Emig Memorial on July 26 will be part of the Open Wheel Shootout presented by FireDEX of Butler. The Modifieds will be racing in one of their biggest events of the season and will be joined by three classes of Sprint Cars for the first time ever- the 410s, the PA 305 Series, and the Limited Sprints.
One of the most requested events has been a BRP Big-Block Modified Tour event and that will happen on August 16. Look for some bonus monies and incentives for the 358s to compete. A special autograph session will be held plus driver introductions. The FASTRAK Late Models will also be highlighted that night.
A second truck and tractor pulling event will fill the schedule on September 6. The USA-East Regional Finals will feature Semi Trucks, “Run What Ya Brung” Trucks, 4x4 Diesel Trucks, 4x4 Gas Trucks, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, and Super Farm Tractors in an invitation-only event. The rain date is Sunday at 2 p.m.
The 20th annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” returns on September 13. A strong field of Sprints is expected with no other tracks in the region running that night and making the night even more special will be the second appearance by the FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series. The E-Mods will return for their final appearance and be joined by increased purse events for the Mod Lites and Mini Stocks in the final night of points.
After a one-week hiatus, the “Little Guy Nationals” will take center stage as the region’s richest support division-only event and will again feature two packed days of action presented by American Racer/Lias Tire on September 26 & 27. Friday night includes open Stock Cars for $1,000 to-win plus Micro Sprint, Mod Lites, and Mini Stocks. Then Saturday afternoon the Stock Cars return for a big $2,000 to-win event. The T3 All-Star Series’ only appearance of the season will see the winner of the Modified feature earn $2,000. The STAR’s Mod Lites will pay $1,000 to-win.
The season will be extended one week this year, as Mercer will be the Northeast site of Night 1 of the $250,000 FASTRAK Grand Nationals. The FASTRAK Late Models will be racing for $2,000 to-win and will be joined by the only appearance of the season by the Super Late Models in an ULMS-sanctioned $2,000 to-win event. This inaugural event is being presented by McElwain Motors.
“We’ve found a nice niche with our promotions,” explained Emig. “We’ve been very happy with how these events have turned out and are glad to be the industry leader in these types of promotions. We feel these types of events are important with the current state of the economy. It’s no secret that many people today struggle to take their families to the races. We’re hoping these nights continue to allow more fans the opportunity to attend that may have been unable to otherwise.”
Four free county nights will again be featured including Beaver (May 3 presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics), Crawford (May 17 presented by the Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center), Venango (May 31 presented by Allegheny Toyota Scion), and Butler (June 28 presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit). The Crawford and Butler County Nights will be promoted by Armstrong, who will also promote the return of the popular $10 Family Nights that are presented by Auto Service Express. On April 19, May 10, July 12, and August 9, mom, dad, and as many kids 15 and under can attend the races for just $10 (a minimum $15 savings!) Also on August 9, Auto Sales & Service Express will give a car away part of the “Big Give” promotion.
“Pack the Track” Fan Appreciation Night will be held on June 7 as admission prices will be slashed to $5 adults, $12 families, and $2 for kids 6-15 and will be presented by Coca-Cola. The night will also include “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night. All of the cars from all divisions will be brought onto the speedway for autographs during intermission, which will be presented by Elect Duke Whiting for PA State Rep. – 17th Dist (paid for by candidate). A second “Meet Your Heroes” night will be held on August 2.
New marketing partner Renegade Classics Outlet Store will present “Thunder at the Park” on June 14 where all bikers and their riders will be admitted for just $5 each.
A new promotion this year is the “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” nights promoted by Froggy 95. On June 21, all New Castle, Pa. residents will be admitted free and on August 2 all Shenango Valley residents will be admitted free. Also on June 21, all cancer survivors will be admitted free as part of the American Cancer Society’s “Racing for a Cure”
American Patriot Night will again admit all veterans and scouts in uniform free on June 28 and will be presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza.
For the fourth straight year, Welcome Ohio Night will admit all residents of Ohio free on July 19, which will be presented by new marketing partner Sports Obsession at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio.
Another new promotion will be the Automotive Service Industry Night on August 23 presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply. All those employed in the automotive/truck field and their significant other will be admitted for $5 each or $15 for families.
Kids bike races will be held on May 10, July 12, and August 9 presented by Ray’s Racing Collectibles & Eat ‘n Park restaurant. For the second straight year, Kargo Quality Cars will provide the speedway with the use of a pace truck.
Some of the companies already committed to corporate nights this year include Dean Dairy, Yellow Book USA, UPMC Horizon, AutoMart.com, Anderson Bros. Tool, US Foods, Trinity Living Center of Grove City, Emerson Process Management, and George L. Wilson & Co.
Attached is a text-only version of the 2008 schedule. Our color tri-fold brochure schedules will be available in mid-March, please contact the office if you’re interested in one.
Adult admission is $11, students 6-15 are $5, the family pass is $25, children five and under are free and pit passes are $25 for all non-specials and $30 for specials. Season VIP rentals are still available and nightly rentals are $150. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Mercer Raceway Park
2008 Event Schedule





March 29 “Chiller Thriller” * Steel-Block Late Models ($2,000)/Open Stocks ($1,000)/United E-Mod Series/Mini Stocks * Rain date April 5
April 5 Saturday Night Live! OR Rain Date for March 29 * Our five-division opener of Sprints/Modifieds/FASTRAK Late Models/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Points start
April 12 Saturday Night Live! * (Our full 5-division show)
April 19 Saturday Night Live! * Bring the family for $10
April 26 Saturday Night Live!
May 3 Saturday Night Live! * Free admission for all Beaver County residents presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics
May 10 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * Twin-State & PCTC Club Night
May 17 Saturday Night Live! * Free general admission for all Crawford County residents presented by Oncology Wellness Institute of Meadville Medical Center & Armstrong * AutoMart.com Corp. Night
“American Thunder Weekend” * Presented by Semi Service Express & Auto Service Express
May 24 All-American “Spring Nationals” – World Championship Pulling Event * Big-Rig Semis/Smoker Series Tractors presented by Watson’s Inc./Street Semis/Street Diesel 4-Wheel Drive Trucks * Note 6:30 PM start time * (Rain date Sun., May 25 at 5 PM)
Mon, May 26 “Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic” * FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series ($1,200)/Sprint Cars ($1,500)/Ken Carbone Memorial Open Stocks ($1,000)/ STAR’s International Mod Lite Series/Mini Stocks * Free general admission for all active servicemen in uniform * Ray Baselj Benefit & BBQ Dinner * Note: 6 PM starting time
May 31 Saturday Night Live! * Free general admission for all Venango County residents presented by Allegheny Toyota Scion
June 7 Saturday Night Live! * “Pack the Track” – Fan Appreciation Night ($5 Adults, $12 Family Pass, $2 Students) * Presented by Coca-Cola * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * Emerson Process Management Corp. Night
June 14 Saturday Night Live! * “Thunder at the Park” Bike Night - $5 admission for bikers & $5 for their rider * Presented by Renegade Classics Outlet Store * Bring the family for $10 * Yellow Book USA Corp. Night
June 21 Saturday Night Live! * “Racing for a Cure” – American Cancer Society Benefit Night * Cancer survivors admitted free * “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” - Free general admission for all New Castle, PA residents presented by Froggy 95 * UPMC Horizon Corp Night - $5 adult admission with ID & $5 for their significant other
June 28 Saturday Night Live! * American Patriot Night/Fireworks Spectacular! * Presented by Walt’s of Mercer Plaza * Free general admission for veterans with I.D., scouts in uniform, & Butler County residents presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit & Armstrong
Fri, July 4 “Small Car National Open” * Presented by Truk Rodz by Jones Performance * STAR’s International Mod Lite Series/INEX Legends National Tour/Micro Sprints/Mini Stocks plus the KABOOM 150 Enduro ($1,000) * Note: 6 PM starting time * Rain date July 5 & 6
July 12 Saturday Night Live! * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * Dean Dairy Corp. Night
July 19 Saturday Night Live! * Welcome Ohio Night – free general admission for all Ohio residents! * Presented by Sports Obsession, Eastwood Mall
July 26 “Bill Emig Memorial”/Open Wheel Shootout * Presented by FireDEX of Butler * Modifieds ($1,500)/410 Sprint Cars ($1,500)/PA 305 Sprint Series/Limited Sprints/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Anderson Bros. Tool Corp. Night
Aug. 2 Saturday Night Live! * “Meet Your Heroes” Camera & Autograph Night * All cars and drivers from all divisions on the speedway during intermission * “Hey Neighbor…C’mon Over!” - Free general admission for all Shenango Valley residents (Sharon, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Sharpsville, Farrell, Wheatland) presented by Froggy 95 * Trinity Living Center of Grove City Corp. Night
Aug. 9 Saturday Night Live! * “Big Give” Car Giveaway presented by Auto Sales & Service Express * Plus Kids Bike Races * Bring the family for $10 * US Foods Corp Night
Aug. 16 “The Return” * Big-Block Modifieds in a BRP Tour event plus FASTRAK Late Models/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Big-Block Modified Autograph Night
Aug. 23 Saturday Night Live! * Automotive Service Industry Night * Presented by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Inc. * $5 for those employed in the automotive/truck field, $5 for their significant other, or $15 for families * Rain date Sept. 13
Aug 30 No racing
Sept. 6 USA-East Regional Finals Truck & Tractor Pulling Event– Semi Trucks, “Run What Ya Brung” Trucks, 4x4 Diesel Trucks, 4x4 Gas Trucks, Limited Pro Stock Tractors, & Super Farm Tractors * Note: 6:30 PM start time * (Rain date Sun., Sept. 7 at 2 PM)
Sept. 13 20th Annual “Western PA Sprint Championship” * Sprint Cars ($2,000)/FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series ($1,200)/E-Mods/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks * Points end * George L. Wilson & Co. Corp. Night
Sept. 20 No racing
9th Annual “Little Guy Nationals” * Presented by American Racer/Lias Tire
Fri., Sept. 26 Open Stocks ($1,000)/Micro Sprints/Mod Lites/Mini Stocks
Sept. 27 T3 All-Star Modified Series ($2,000)/Open Stocks ($2,000)/STAR’s International Mod Lite Series ($1,000) * Demo Derby * Racing begins at 4 p.m. * (Rain date Sun., Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.) * (Entire event rain date Fri.-Sun., Oct. 17-19)
Oct. 4 “First Night” – FASTRAK $250,000 Grand Nationals Night 1 of 3 * Presented by McElwain Motors * FASTRAK Late Models ($2,000)/ULMS Super Late Models ($2,000)/Mini Stocks * (Rain date Sun., Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.)
Jan. 3, 2009 “Crashing Through the Snow” * Featuring the “Jack Frost 150” Enduro ($1,000) & the “Snowball” Demo Derby * Note: 1 PM starting time * Rain date Jan 4 or Jan 17

Practice Nights: April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 17. Rain dates are the following day.

Pits open 3:30 PM Grandstand open 4:30 PM Hot Laps 6:15 PM Racing 7 PM
(unless otherwise noted)