By Mike Leone
April 8, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, PA…When Mercer Raceway Park opened its 2009 Sprint Car campaign last Saturday night, April 4, there was a familiar name in the lineup; that none other than Johnny Beaber. The name alone conjures up many memories for Pennsylvania and Ohio Sprint Car fans.
The Gibsonburg, Ohio native has over 200 career Sprint Car wins all over the Midwest and Northeast. He’s a 26-time Mercer winner including the only World of Outlaw race run at Mercer on June 14, 1978 and was a winner against the All Stars on June 23, 1982. His last win at Mercer came on May 6, 1995.
In 2009, Beaber will be a Mercer regular for the first time since 1994 when Mercer reopened. Beaber will be driving for New Jersey’s Jeff Taylor, who will also compete weekly (#17T) along with his second driver, Jack Helget (#71c). The three-car team will carry sponsorship from C&B Mushrooms, Buckeye Steering and Art’s Radiator. Their Beaberbuilt cars will be powered by Jereco Engines. Joining the trio Saturday will be Johnny’s son Tony in his own car. Tony owns three career non-wing wins at the Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana and was the track champion in 2006 driving for Alan Toth.
“It’s truly something special to have Johnny Beaber back at Mercer weekly,” expressed 11th year owner Vicki Emig. “He had a long and rich history at Mercer. Growing up I remember watching him race as I’m sure many other longtime fans do. It’s going to be exciting to see him get re-acclimated behind the wheel. I know he has the talent and desire to rise to the top again. I’ve always been thankful for Jeff Taylor’s support over the years and am thrilled him and his team have decided to call Mercer home in 2009 when there are a lot of other Saturday night venues out there.”
The elder Beaber suffered magneto problems in his debut Saturday night and was credited with 15th. “It was pretty cool to be back out there,” described the driver of the #7B from his Beaberbuilt business Wednesday night. “It was disappointing to have the motor problems all night, but the mag is being checked out now. I just ran a couple laps and pulled it in the feature. We should have it handled for this Saturday night.”
Beaber’s last stint behind the wheel was a short one in 2002 as he drove his son’s car and “Soup” Sabo’s #8s in a handful of races. “Everything is so much faster and a lot tougher today,” described Beaber. “There have always been the good guys, but years ago only so many had good chassis, motors, and tires. It’s different today; everyone has good stuff so the driver can make a difference. There has got to be away to outguess the other drivers. It will be interesting to see how much it has changed as the weeks go on.”
“I’ve never been one to set goals,” revealed Beaber. “If I did, I’d set them low so I could achieve them. I just want to do Jeff (Taylor) right and not let him and my family down. I’ve had a ball over the years and a lot of success at Mercer. The track has been around forever. I can honestly say I do not have a bad memory there.”
While Johnny Beaber is known far and wide around racing circles, his car owner Jeff Taylor is more well-known for his professional football days. The former Chicago, Illinois resident went to the University of Missouri and spent time in the World Football League in 1973 before being drafted by the Washington Redskins. He spent three seasons in DC and also spent some time with the Houston Oilers. Taylor also played in the United States Football League (USFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Taylor’s success came at the tight end position, but also played defensive line and weak side linebacker.
After football, Taylor played in a professional softball league for the Chicago Fire. While traveling the country, his friend convinced him to go to a season ending Sprint Car race in Wisconsin. Taylor was hooked immediately. So much in fact he went to the pits and bought the first car he saw for sale.
Now you’re probably wondering how Taylor and Beaber hooked up. “About six or seven years ago I was in Indiana and saw a Beaberbuilt Silver Crown that was driven by Jack Hewitt,” explained Taylor, who now calls Cherry Hill, New Jersey home. “I ended up acquiring it by trading it for a Sprint Car. The relationship between Johnny and I turned into a business one as I became the Beaberbuilt dealer in New Jersey. Over the winter, I kept messing with him telling him I wanted him to drive one of my cars. He didn’t think I was serious, until one day I showed up with a brand new car, motor, and trailer!”
“Before this transpired, I became really good friend with Jeff and Jack,” said Beaber. “They’re such nice people, so good, and so diplomatic. Jeff has always wanted to this and it’s put a bounce in my step. As you get older, things change, but this has made things really nice. It’s given me ambition and has really motivated me!”
“Racing is a business, but we’re just older guys having fun,” quipped Taylor! “It’s a family deal for them and there’s no pressure on Johnny…it’s not like he’s doing this for a living. In the past I never had the money to do it right, but now I can and it’s the end of all ends. I enjoy it so much, it’s such a blast and I’m having so much fun.”
The Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars will join the Approved Toilet Rental Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Mod Lites, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks again this Saturday night, April 11. Race time is 7 p.m.
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 late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday late mornings and after 1:30 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. Text the word “MERCER” to 29222 for race event and special family and discounted promotions.
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