Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Carl Bowser Headed to Australia


Carl Bowser has been working very hard this off-season preparing histeam's Sprint Cars for the '09 racing season. And now it turns outthat Carl's off-season is going to be much shorter than the past few.

Carl has a great opportunity ahead of him. He will be racing inAustralia for Tasmania's Peter and Tim Austin. Carl's 'Down Under'tour starts January 14th and runs through March 11th and will consistof racing in some of Tasmania's biggest Sprint Car races of the year.

"I'm very excited to get a chance to race for Peter and Tim; I'm alsovery anxious to get down there and climb back into a car," statedBowser.

He will be joined by his father Terry for the last two weeks of thetrip. Terry will see Carl run his final four races of the trip.

The two month trip will be an exciting experience for the young raceras he hopes to turn it into a yearly adventure, and an excellentjumpstart to his 2009 racing season in the States.

Look for updates as well as news and notes from the trip atCarlBowser.com and Lernerville.com

Carl would like to thank his family and all of his sponsors, TerryBowser Excavating, Shellhammer Atwood Nationwide Insurance Agency,Dlubak Fabrication, Ressman Body Shop, and all the product sponsors,Precise Racing Products, Hoosier Tire, HTMA, and Simpson RacingProducts.

“CRASHING THROUGH THE SNOW” NEARLY HERE WITH “JACK FROST 150” ENDURO & “SNOWBALL” DEMO AT MERCER JANUARY 3



“CRASHING THROUGH THE SNOW” NEARLY HERE WITH “JACK FROST 150” ENDURO & “SNOWBALL” DEMO AT MERCER JANUARY 3

By Mike Leone



December 23, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Mercer, PA)…“Crashing Through the Snow” at Mercer Raceway Park is almost here! The second annual edition will take place on Saturday, January 3 at 1 p.m. and is being presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply with his 12 stores throughout western Pennsylvania.



The “Jack Frost 150” Enduro returns with 150 laps of pure excitement around the 3/8-mile track. Last year’s inaugural event was run in all day rain on a frozen track that saw a muddy Leigh Wheeler emerge victorious. Wheeler is set to defend his title along with July 4 “KABOOM 150” winner Tim Gillette. The Enduro will pay the top five finishers with a big $1,000 going to the winner.



Entries are still coming in daily from far and wide and there’s still time to take part in this year’s event as participants will be accepted on the day of the event in a first-come, first-served manner. Last year, over 120 drivers entered out of the maximum 150. For rules and entry form, check out the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com.



Following the Enduro will be a smash ‘em, crash ‘em “Snowball” Demo Derby. While last year’s Derby was restricted to 1980 and newer cars, this year’s rules have reverted back to prior year Demo Derbies. The top three spots will pay with $500 going to the winner and if there are 50 or more cars, positions four through six will pay. There is no entry fee for the Demo Derby, only a $20 pit pass. For rules, check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com.



While all the heated VIP Suites sold out immediately, there is a limited amount of reserved viewing spots available around turns one and two; however, these all sold out last year before the day of the event. Send a check or money or for $20 to Mercer Raceway Park at 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143 and we will send you back your parking pass.



Pit gates open at 9 a.m. with grandstands opening at 1 p.m. Adult admission is just $6. Students 6-15 are $3. The Family Pass, which includes mom, dad, and up to four kids 6-15 is $15. Kids five and under are free. The concession stands will be open with hot foods and beverages such hamburgers, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches, soup, elephant ears, hot spiced cider, coffee, hot chocolate and more! Froggy 95 will be doing a live action broadcast. The severe weather make-up date is Saturday, January 10.



Mercer Raceway Park is located just minutes from both Interstates 79 & 80 just off Route 19 at 555 Fairground Road, Mercer, PA. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com or call the office at 724-964-9300. For information on race day, call the track at 724-662-1310

Zach Gibson Wins 2008 Buckeye Super Sprints Championship

PR Contact: Annamarie Malfitana-Strawhand (980)329-9834

annamarie@driveinwebdesign.com





For Immediate Release:



Zach Gibson Wins 2008 Buckeye Super Sprints Championship



Marysville, OH……...2008 was a year of tragedy and triumph for third generation open wheel racer Zach Gibson. He started out the season in the newly formed Buckeye Super Sprint Series with a car he built himself, and his first year as an owner and driver. The 19 year old Gibson was successful right out of the box with a win at Toledo Speedway on May 16th and another win on May 31st at Sandusky Speedway for the Ohio based pavement series. Zach was on an early points lead, and everything was going great for him.



On July 18th while Zach was racing at Kilkare Speedway, his Uncle Terry Gibson was in a fatal accident while driving a supermodified race car at Toledo Speedway. Zach got the news from his dad Larry, and was asked if he wanted to race or go home. Zach was very close to his Uncle Terry, and the two have raced together for the past three years- he considered Terry his mentor. Zach chose to race that night. He was on a mission to honor his Uncle Terry with a win, and that he did. Holding back his grief- he won at Kilkare that night and was barely able to speak in victory lane as he dedicated the win to his Uncle Terry.



Zach comes from one of the most well known families in open wheel racing, with his grandfather Todd Gibson, a former supermodified racing legend and his dad, Larry is a former ARCA midget champ, along with his uncles, Gene Lee, Terry and Jeff all being successful open wheel racers from the Midwest. The outpouring from the racing community after Terry’s loss to the Gibson family was tremendous; but Zach felt that there was one way he could continue to honor his uncle’s memory in the sport they loved the most -- win the championship and keep winning.



Zach went on to win again at Columbus Motor Speedway on August 2nd, and clinched the Buckeye Super Sprint Series Championship by August 23rd at Sandusky Speedway, in the series inaugural season. Zack earned a total of 5 wins and set two fast times, with a season ending lead of 70 points over 2nd place in the overall standings.



This championship will also mark the 40th anniversary since the last championship his grandfather Todd Gibson won in his famed #00 “Flintstone Flyer”. Zach continued that tradition carrying the same #00 and “Flintstone Flyer III” on his race car.



“This championship is all for my Uncle Terry,” says Zach. “I could go to him for anything.. Terry was with me for my first win ever at Toledo in 2006. He was with me racing almost every Saturday night. He was the best to race with, and the most fun. He was more than my uncle, he was my friend. We finished 1-2 in the WSoA championship two years ago, I won it, but it was so much better being up there with him. It will keep me going if I continue to race in his memory.”



Zach will receive the Buckeye Super Sprint Championship honors at the 2008 Buckeye Super Sprint Series Banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Westlake, Ohio.



This marks the 2nd pavement sprint car series championship for Zach Gibson in the last three years. Zach also ran his sprint car this past season at the Oswego (NY) Classic, and also ran some non-wing sprint shows with much success.



Zach would like to thank his sponsors; Walston Motors of Marion, Ohio and WG Lawn Service of Richwood, Ohio.. Special thanks to Larry Gibson, and Dick Meyers; as well as Todd Ridgeway of Ridgeway Photos and Kevin Jaycox of Buckeye Super Sprints.



To learn more about Zach Gibson please visit his website at: www.zachgibsonracing.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Brian Ellenberger Racing and Ti22 Performance have teamed up to run the full World of Outlaws Tour in 2009


Brian Ellenberger Racing and Ti22 Performance have teamed up to run the full World of Outlaws Tour in 2009. Ti22 Performance is a new company based out of Zelienople, PA, just 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.


The company is a full-service designer and manufacturer of high-quality, lightweight sprint car components. Titanium and aluminum parts will be the core components of the product line.

The Ti22 team has extensive experience, averaging 20+ years in industries such as the aircraft, automotive and industrial sectors, as well as NASCAR. With a team of highly-skilled and experienced machinists, fabricators and engineers, Ti22 is able to provide customized parts to fit unique or specific needs. The company will offer 24/7/365 customer support.

Brian Ellenberger Racing, Ti-22 Performance No. 22, will be using J&J Chassis with Garrett Racing Engines providing the power. The team is also awaiting the arrival of a new custom CarMate trailer and is planning to have everything in place for the start of the 2009 season in Florida.

For more information about Ti22 please contact Steve Doran at 724-453-2307 (direct), 724-816-5368 (mobile) or by email sdoran@ti22performance.com. We look forward to seeing you at the tracks in 2009!

Racing Fans Direct press release --Knoxville Fan Tour 2009‏

THE ONLY FAN TOUR -- to the Knoxville Nationals , Developed for the true fan. This tour contains all that you need for 4 days of racing , tickets, hotel , all transfers from airport & to races nightly , discounted airfare in cooperation with Northwest airlines from anywhere in USA or World , free giveaway prizes , free admission to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame ,& free admission to the Iowa State Fair . If you would like to attend our 2009 tour don’t wait , contact us now to put you on our list to be contacted . We provide it all for a great racing vacation , you just enjoy racing for 4 nights at the Knoxville Raceway , the town , the sights, the food , the midway , & the great fans who come to Knoxville . An all inclusive tour can be arranged

along with other options as now Knoxville has become even better with the addition of a USAC WINGLESS show Aug.9th at Knoxville before the Nationals .

An now the prices are even more affordable Single :$620.00 , Double : $560.00 per person , Triple: $535 per person (4th person Free )

Any person that has been on our tours can’t wait to return for all the personalized service we provide. Many testimonials from fans like you , will tell you that “ RFD did an outstanding job in providing what we needed “ . All we do here at Racing Fans Direct is provide fans with convenience like nowhere else . There is no organization that cares about fans as we do & if you came along you’d see why

WE’ RE MAKING A DIFERENCE FOR FANS “.

Contact us at racingfansdirect@bigplanet.com or call 443-974 – 7027 for more information & we will fulfill your dream of going to Knoxville , Thanks Bob Altman

USAC National Sprint Series coming to Mercer 6/6/09‏


HISTORY TO BE MADE JUNE 6 AS USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CARS SERIES MAKES THEIR INAUGURAL APPEARANCE AT MERCER RACEWAY PARK

By Mike Leone



December 17, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Mercer, PA)…Sprint Cars have had a long and rich history at Mercer Raceway Park. The class has evolved from the coupes in the early 1960s, to the super modifieds in the mid 60s, and then into the traditional sprint cars in the ensuing years.



Throughout the speedway’s 58 years, many special Sprint Car events and various sanctions have made their way to Mercer Raceway Park such as the World of Outlaws, All Stars, URC, ESS, etc.; however, one of the most revered and oldest, the United States Auto Club (USAC), never found its way to Mercer. That will change and history will be made on Saturday, June 6 when the USAC National Sprint Car Series will have the grand finale of the Pennsylvania swing with one of the richest and most prestigious events ever contested at Mercer.



Although USAC has only made two appearances over the years in western Pennsylvania, they have never done so on a track smaller than a ½-mile. Mercer’s 3/8-mile bullring will provide an exciting venue for fans to experience traditional, non-winged Sprint Cars as USAC brings their Indiana-brand of wheel-to-wheel racing to The Park.



The event will be known as “The Wheelman” as it will bring back memories of years gone by when these special breed of men began racing these open cockpit, non-winged beasts. Many special activities will take place including a USAC driver autograph session on the frontstretch just before they strap in to do battle in this historic feature event. This will be the first time ever that all fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal to the drivers and their cars during a major-sanctioned event.



“I think this is a fitting way to mark the anniversary of my 10th year of ownership at Mercer,” stated owner Vicki Emig. “It is a wonderful and memorable way to thank the fans who have supported me throughout my tenure. I believe this event has the potential to be one of the greatest races ever run at Mercer. Just imagine Mercer’s tricky configuration joined with USAC’s reputation for hardcore, on the edge racing and it’s just got to be great!”



Over the past two seasons, nearly 30 of USAC’s best have traveled east to compete in the Pennsylvania swing at Williams Grove, Grandview, Big Diamond, and Hagerstown Speedways. With five events planned in 2009 and more money on the line, a large group of USAC racers will again be expected to travel east. Mercer will be new territory to the vast majority of the USAC racers as they take on the locals that excel in non-winged action.



The USAC Sprint Car Champions list is a who’s who of sprint car racing with some of the best racers that have ever strapped in a race car. Drivers like Tony Stewart, A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Pancho Carter, Johnny Rutherford, Gary Bettenhausen, Ken Schrader, Sheldon Kinser, Tom Bigelow, J.J. Yeley, Dave Darland, Tony Elliott, Steve Butler, and Rich Vogler are just a sampling of some of the great USAC Sprint Car Champions.



This will be the first opportunity for many area fans to see Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne’s USAC Sprint Cars in competition. Stewart’s 2008 drivers were Levi Jones (2005 & 2007 champion) and Tracy Hines (2002 champion), who finished second and third in points to Jerry Coons, Jr. Both drivers will be back in 2009 with Stewart. Brad Sweet and Brady Bacon were Kahne’s racers in 2008.



Traditional non-winged Sprint Car racing was the norm at Mercer before wings took over in 1980. Since that time, only 11 non-winged races have been run and none as big as the one that will take place on Saturday, June 6 with a possible rain date of Sunday, June 7.



Advanced tickets are on sale for just $18, which is a $2 savings off the $20 day of event ticket price; however, advanced ticket holders will be permitted into the grandstands at 3:30 p.m. for preferred seating (one hour before general admission tickets go on sale) and will also have pit access free of charge until 5:30 p.m. Advanced tickets will be on sale through May 31 and can be obtained by calling the office at 724-964-9300 or sending a check or money order to Mercer Raceway Park, 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143.



Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track located just minutes from both Interstates 79 & 80 just off Route 19 at 555 Fairground Road, Mercer, PA. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com or call the office at 724-964-9300. For information on race day, call the track at 724-662-1310

Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers to Sponsor the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Dash Series: Chuck Hebing Aboard the ESS Series for 2009.


For immediate release;

By Dean Reynolds

Contact: DeanR@empiresupersprints.com

(315) 458-1714



Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers to Sponsor the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Dash Series: Chuck Hebing Aboard the ESS Series for 2009.



SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The 2009 racing season starts a new era for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) and the popular sprint car organization would like to welcome Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers as the title sponsor for the dash series. Successful owner and talented sprint car driver Chuck Hebing not only will be making his first sponsorship endeavor, but also a part of the ESS tour for 2009.



The man known around the sprint car ranks as the “Cobra” will be replacing huge ESS fan Walt Throne and Walt’s Hobby after a 22 year span in sponsoring the cars and stars of ESS. “Walt is like family to us but of course times change. He has handed down the business to his son and is looking to relax in his North Country camp.” said ESS President and good friend Chuck Miller. “We were so honored that Walt and his wife came to the 25th Anniversary Banquet. We will miss him, his rides in the van, his pep talks and all his jokes. We looked forward to seeing him at the races.”



While ESS is saying good bye to a good friend, Hebing is coming aboard as a big supporter for the upcoming season and hopefully beyond. “Chuck is so exciting on the race track and just loves sprint cars. We are glad to have him take over the dash series point fund sponsorship as well as having him on the tour for ‘09” said Miller.



Even though the Ontario, NY driver has six career ESS victories, this will mark the first time he will look a possible championship. “I started running mostly ESS at the end of 2008 and had a ball with them. They are one tough bunch of race teams but we are looking for the challenge.” noted Hebing. “It’s a long season and you need some luck but we will give it a shot. Sponsoring the dash series is just a small way to give back to the racers and I’m glad to be a part of ESS.”



Cobra Motorhomes and Trailers are located in Ontario and are committed in custom building of all motorhomes and trailers. There are no two Cobra projects that are alike. Top race teams such as Sweeteners Plus, H&H Racing, Jay James and many more went to Cobra for their work. It’s not just race haulers though; Hebing will build anything to your needs. For all the information that is at your finger tips, please log on to www.cobramotorhomesandtrailers.com



The top five drivers in the dash series points will share in the largest point fund ever. This signing is just a start of what will be a long line of major sponsorship announcements to come after the first of the year. Race teams will be vying for the largest payoffs in what is now the 26th year of the successful 360 sprint car organization.



For the latest up to date information, please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where it will be a new era of excitement guaranteed. Also, everyone from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint family we wish you a very safe and healthy holiday season.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

NACE AND NOUSE JOIN FORCES FOR 2009‏

NACE AND NOUSE JOIN FORCES FOR 2009



Nace Motorsports is proud to announce the hiring of Kevin Nouse as their driver for the 2009 racing season.



For Nouse, it will mark a return to the 410 ranks following a successful 2007 season in the BG Motorsports #12, which produced 2 feature wins at Williams Grove Speedway and 3 more at Port Royal Speedway. “I’m very excited about the opportunity that Jim and his team are giving me”, commented Nouse. “It’s an awesome feeling when you answer the phone and a guy with that much knowledge and experience is asking you to drive his car. I have always had a lot of respect for Jim, and it will be a privilege to drive for him.”



The familiar Nace # 6 will be sponsored by Fast Tees, R.E. Davidson & Son Polaris, Faster Tees, Jakes Carts, Garrett Racing Engines, Penske Racing Shocks, DMI Components, Ultrashield Race Products, Bell Racing & WRT Web Designs.



The 2009 plans have not yet been confirmed but will be similar to last season’s schedule, containing approximately 25 events. The finalized schedule along with team updates will be posted on www.kevinnouse.com as they become available.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

An Interview with Civil War Sprint Car Series Champion, Sean Becker

By Gary Costa





Costa: Congratulations on your 2008 Civil War Series championship! However, it wasn’t a “gimme” by any means was it?
Becker: Thanks Gary and it absolutely was not. California has some of the toughest competition in the country no matter what track or series you race with, and they seem to be getting younger and faster every year. But this championship was won by this great team that gave me a car to win with every time we unloaded. I could not have done this without them.

Costa: This also makes you the first driver to win the Civil War championship (2008), the Golden State Challenge Series championship (2005), and the Chico track championship (2005). What do those accomplishments mean to you?
Becker: It truly means the world to me. I can’t fully explain how honored I am to be listed with names like Tim Green, Shane Scott, Glenn Boune, Andy Forsberg, Tim and Brent Kaeding. These are a few of the many racers I either watched and/or raced against, that I really respected on or off of the track. I hope that they would accept me into the club.

Costa: On your Civil War championship quest, you picked up 4 Civil War features (2 at Petaluma and 2 at Placerville). Why were you so successful at those 2 tracks?
Becker: Petaluma is a very fast, hooked up, rough, elbows up type track and I love that. I’m sure the people that watch me race wouldn’t assume that’s the type of track that I like, but any time you have to search around the track to find the smoothest, quickest line, it always makes for an exciting race. Placerville is a lot like the Outlaw Kart races in Red Bluff. Quick, tight, narrow and action packed. The third time I was ever in a sprint car, it was my first time at Placerville and I set second quick time at a Civil War race. It just felt like I had been racing there for years thanks to the Outlaw Karts. On a combined note, both tracks tend to get into lapped traffic rather quickly and I think lapped traffic separates the good drivers from the great drivers. I always look forward to the challenge of dealing with lapped traffic and even though I have lost many races because of lapped cars, I know that it is only making me a better driver.

Costa: It really was an exciting championship to follow. There was no holding back. You had to bring your “A Game” every night and “get after it!”
Becker: No doubt. We started the season 12th in points after the first race, battled up to a good size lead only to have it get chopped back into single digits toward the third quarter of the year. That’s the great thing about point championships; they’re typically a roller coaster ride and hardly ever a cake walk. You definitely count your blessings if you can pull a championship out.

Costa: I witnessed “the Shark” in action on a hot Placerville night. During the main event, you actually fell back a bit, but you found something on the race track and you gave a rim riding display I won’t soon forget. By the way, you won that race…
Becker: And I think we won that one with your boss’s motor under the hood too. We blew up two motors a couple of weeks earlier and Mike Sala stepped up huge for our team and lent us his motor and that baby purred like a kitten. He was one of the main reasons we accomplished what we did. We can’t thank him enough.

Costa: In addition to a great 360 campaign, you finished 2nd in Chico’s Friday night 410 championship, 23 points behind champion, Andy Forsberg. Do you feel that there was something that you could have done different to beat Andy?
Becker: I feel like if you had to describe me as a driver, consistency would be a part of the description, and unfortunately we were not that this year. I started the year very slow trying to figure out a new car and when we finally started to put in some good runs, it was just too little too late. Hopefully next year I can have another shot at him.

Costa: What race did you win on sheer determination this year?
Becker: Definitely the Silver Cup. We had to pass Randy Hannigan, Brad Sweet, Kyle Hirst and a personal friend and hero, Paul McMahan for the lead. We had a great battle with Sweet at the end with lapped traffic playing a key role and we held on for the win. That was a very fun race and a great way to start the 360 season.

Costa: I’ve noticed that you keep to yourself and are very reserved at the race track. But once that helmet is on – watch out!
Becker: I am a very quiet guy, maybe a little shy as well, but I’m mostly just a thinker. My mind is always wandering from how I can be better on the track, to music, to sports, etc. I do love chit chatting and welcome any conversations, but you’re right, I’m not usually the one to instigate them.

Costa: You’re such a calculated and talented Sprint Car driver, watching you wheel one of these beasts is very impressive…
Becker: Thanks Gary. That means a lot coming from a fan like you who has an enormous pallet for all things racing. I know I’m not the flashiest, most exciting or even the fastest driver out there, but I will give you my all and will forever strive to be better.

Costa: What are your plans for next year?
Becker: Currently we are planning to defend our Civil War title with the 2sb car and run as many 360 events as we can. We are still trying to work something out so I can run for the Silver Dollar track title again. I really miss running the Golden State Series, but it would be an empty feeling if I wasn’t competing for the Silver Dollar title.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Crashing Through the Snow Jan 3 at Mercer; Banquet Jan 17‏


“CRASHING THROUGH THE SNOW” DRAWING NEAR WITH “JACK FROST 150” ENDURO & “SNOWBALL” DEMO JANUARY 3 AT MERCER; BANQUET TO BE HELD JANUARY 17

By Mike Leone



December 6, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Mercer, PA)…“Crashing Through the Snow” at Mercer Raceway Park is drawing near! The second annual edition will take place on Saturday, January 3 at 1 p.m. and is being presented by longtime marketing partner Hovis Auto & Truck Supply with his 12 stores throughout western Pennsylvania.



“The Jack Frost 150” Enduro returns with 150 laps of pure excitement around the 3/8-mile track. Last year’s inaugural event was run in all day rain on a frozen track that saw a muddy Leigh Wheeler emerge victorious with over 120 cars entered. The Enduro will pay the top five finishers with a big $1,000 going to the winner.



There is still plenty of time to enter and take advantage of the $50 early registration fee, which includes driver’s pit pass and scorer’s admission into the grandstand. From December 23 on, the entry increases to $100. The Enduro will be cut off at 150 entries. Those that have entered will be receiving their car number and grandstand token in the coming weeks. For rules and entry form, check out the website at www.mercerracewaypark.com.



Following the Enduro will be a smash ‘em, crash ‘em “Snowball” Demo Derby. While last year’s Derby was restricted to 1980 and newer cars, this year’s rules have reverted back to prior year Demo Derbies. The top three spots will pay with $500 going to the winner and if there are 50 or more cars, positions four through six will pay. There is no entry fee for the Demo Derby, only a $20 pit pass. For rules, check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com.



While all the heated VIP Suites sold out immediately, there are still many reserved viewing spots available around turns one and two; however, these all sold out last year before the day of the event. Send a check or money or for $20 to Mercer Raceway Park at 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143 and we will send you back your parking pass.



“We’re looking forward to this year’s event,” expressed 10th year owner Vicki Emig. “We would have never imagined the success of last year’s show especially with the rain and temps in the mid 30s. It was so much fun for both the competitors and the fans! Where can you take your entire family for just $15 for a day of fun outdoors in the middle of the winter? Adults are just $6 and the concession stand will be open as well. I have to thank Hovis Auto & Truck Supply for coming on board and presenting this year’s event.”



Two weeks later, the Normandy Banquet Center will be the site of Mercer Raceway Park's annual awards banquet and dinner for the sixth straight year. The facility will host the affair on Saturday, January 17. The Normandy Banquet Center, which is also the Hickory VFW Post 6166, is located on Route 62 just two miles east of Route 18 in Hermitage, Pa.

"We're thrilled to be going back to the Normandy Banquet Center for our banquet again," stated Emig. "They've done a great job hosting the affair the last five years and have we've heard nothing but praise. The facility is top notch and the food is excellent. The location is perfect and it's a short drive for the majority of our attendees."

Rod George (Kittanning, PA) will celebrate his second straight and third Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car Championship in the past four seasons. Frank Guidace (Mercer, PA) won his second Tire Express Modified Championship in the past three seasons and also became the inaugural McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Model Champion in his first year in a Late Model. Fifteen-year-old Bud Watson (Conneaut, OH) won his first championship of any kind as well as first career win in 2008 in the Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites. Dillon Kineston (New Castle, PA) became the youngest champion in the 57-year of Mercer collecting the M&D Paving Mini Stock Championship.



The top 10 in points of each division will receive their point fund monies and hardware. Numerous special awards will also be given out. Doors open at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow dinner. The event is open to the public. Ticket information has been mailed out to the drivers. Tickets are $33.50 per person. If you would like to attend and did not receive the information, please contact our office at 724-964-9300 or e-mail us at webmaster@mercerracewaypark.com.





Final 2008 Points:



Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. ROD GEORGE (4) 438 2. Arnie Kent (18) 411 3. Gale Ruth, Jr. (5x) 346 4. Chris Shuttleworth (11) 316 5. Brent Matus (33) 313 6. Joe Butera (Matus 3J) 282 7. Jeremy Cook (5) 266 8. Mike Lutz (Chappel 8 & Preston 1P) 256 9. Scott Bonnell (3B) 243 10. Paul Kapuchuck (10) 222.



Tire Express (358) Modifieds: 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 399 2. Gary Smoker (516) 392 3. Garrett Krummert (29) 388 4. Lonny Riggs (Black 58) 364 5. Eric Gabany (3E) 331 6. Rick Hall (B2) 320 7. Jimmy Holden (28H) 292 8. Kevin Green (74) 278 9. Matt Reeher (711) 274 10. Dillon McElrath (7) 266.



McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models: 1. FRANK GUIDACE (1G) 456 2. Rusty Moore (17M) 433 3. Brian Booher (00H) 427 4. Steve Hollabaugh (3H) 414 5. Bobby Powel (Bidwell B1D) 369 6. Mike Anderson, Jr. (72) 299 7. Max Blair (111) 201 8. Steve D’Apolito (84) 190 9. Gary Miller, Jr. (1M) 189 10. Dave Airgood, Jr. (42JR) 168.



Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites: 1. BUD WATSON (15) 491 2. Rod Jones (820) 3. Kenny Meadows (Teague 10T) 444 4. Alan Knepper (1) 433 5. Todd Canter (Teague 9T) 414 6. Terry Young (98) 389 7. Kotie Kirkbride (97N) 381 8. George Englert (11x) 369 9. Mark Marcucci (8M) 359 10. Bill Stivason (116) 356.



M&D Paving Mini Stocks: 1. DILLON KINESTON (19) 479 2. Dan McEwen (44) 477 3. Wally Stearns, Jr. (33) 399 4. Bill Fuchs (10) 388 5. Tyler Powell (36) 383 6. Pete Blazczak (77) 375 7. Ed Haylett (8-ball) 374 8. Scott Gilliland (27) 354 9. Steve Laslo (55) 346 10. John Shannon (14) 320.





Mercer Raceway Park is located just minutes from both Interstates 79 & 80 just off Route 19 at 555 Fairground Road, Mercer, PA. For more information, check out www.mercerracewaypark.com or call the office at 724-964-9300. For information on race day, call the track at 724-662-1310

Friday, December 05, 2008

Banquet Plans Announced





CARMAGO, IL (Dec. 5, 2008)  Dale Blaneys highly successful campaign
along the rugged O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car
trail will culminate Saturday, January 24, 2009 in the Eldora
Ballroom as the All Stars will join Eldora Speedway and the Sunoco
American Late Model Series (ALMS) in a busy night of awards.

All Star president Guy Webb will reward Blaney and car owner George
Fisher with a hefty $50,000 payday, as the Fowler, OH veteran upends
the two-year streak of Greg Wilson atop the year-end points race.
Blaney came on strong late in the season to overturn Lance DeWeases
early season stronghold on the top position. DeWease finished in the
runner-up slot, followed by Randy Hannigan, Wilson and Brian
Ellenberger. Those five will be joined by Brandon Martin, Ryan Myers,
lee Stark, Brock Mayes and Tim Shaffer as the top ten in the
cumulative points will be rewarded.

Joining the point honorees will be Ryan Myers as Rookie of the Year
and Jack Hewitt as the Mechanic of the Year.

Tickets for the massive event are priced at $23.00 per person and
may be purchased by contacting Eldora Speedway at (937) 338-3815
during normal business hours.

Doors to the banquet will open at 5:00 on January 24, with the
bountiful meal served at 6:15, followed by the awards and a DJ to
close out the festive night. Further details may be found by
reviewing http://www.allstarsprint.com
or http://www.eldoraspeedway.com
.