OPENING NIGHT AT MERCER SET FOR MARCH 25 FEATURING ULMS LATE MODELS; BANQUET DRAWING NEAR

By Mike Leone

January 2, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mercer, PA…As the calendars flip over to 2006, the start of the new season is now less than three months away. Mercer Raceway Park has announced that Saturday, March 25 has been set for the 2006 season opener. The ULMS Late Models will be the featured attraction for the “Chiller Thriller” and will be joined by the E-Mods and Tire Express Stock Cars with racing at 7 p.m.
The inaugural event in 2004 saw David Scott victorious in the 30-lap ULMS feature over a 39-car field. Last year’s show was cancelled the day prior due to wet grounds and cold temperatures.
One week later on April 1, the point chases will begin in the four weekly divisions as the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Modifieds, Tire Express Stock Cars, and Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks hit the track.
The 2006 season will see some changes to not only the schedule, but various events, and promotions. “This year’s format will be different than in years past,” acknowledged Vicki Emig, who will be embarking on her eighth season. “We feel like it’s time for a change. We made some changes to our promotions last year that worked well and will continue down that path again this year. Some shows will be moved around and we’re excited about a few of our new events that we’re working on.”
Currently 25 nights are tentatively scheduled. The 2006 season will mark the 55th anniversary since racing began in 1951. Another reunion/celebration event to mark the occasion will be held. One of the most successful events was the “Gold Cup” 50th anniversary event in 2001. Due to requests the event was brought back in 2002. “Even though some asked to do the show again, we didn’t want to dilute it too much so we took three years off, but felt now’s the time to bring it back again,” explained Emig.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months as more announcements will be forthcoming. The entire schedule should be released some time in late February.
Before all the attention turns to 2006, one matter of unfinished business from 2005 is the awards banquet, which will be held on Saturday, January 14 at the Normandy Banquet Center/Hickory VFW in Hermitage, Pa. The top 10 drivers in the Sprint Car, Modified, Stock Car, Strictly Stock, and 360 Sprint Car divisions will be honored. Tickets are $31.50. Doors open at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow dinner. Ticket order forms are available on the website. All orders should be in by the 10th.
Mercer Raceway Park is located minutes from both Interstate 79 and 80 just off Route 19 on Fairground Road in Mercer, Pa. Dirt track racing and quality family entertainment are presented weekly April through October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday after 1 p.m. For more information call the office at 724-964-9300 or the track on race day at 724-662-1310. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.