By Mike Leone
(Mercer, PA)…Throughout the past month, Vicki Emig has worked with Bill Altman to complete the purchase of Mercer Raceway Park to Altman. On Friday, the 65-year-old Altman of Butler, Pa. officially became the new owner of the 3/8-mile facility.
Emig owned and operated the facility from 1999 through the start of 2010 and will continue to handle the promotional and marketing duties for Altman along with longtime friend Terry Bowser. Frank Benic will be the track’s general manager and Mike Leone will continue public relation duties.
Mercer Raceway Park hasn’t skipped a beat during this transition completing four of the first six scheduled events. Altman made it known that he wants Mercer to be the region’s premier Sprint Car track as he upped the payoff by $1,000 including a region high $1,500 to-win weekly and has obtained five Goodyear Tire certificates valued at nearly $1,000 to be given away weekly. Thus far, Mercer has had the top Sprint Car talent in the area compete. Various other updates to the facility have already taken place.
Altman successfully operated a Butler County-based trucking company for over 35 years until recently selling that business. He’s been a lifelong race fan spending his Friday nights at Lernerville Speedway.
“It’s a relief to finally get all the papers signed and move forward,” explained Altman. “I stepped into this right before the season started, but the transition has been very smooth thanks to all of the great staff at Mercer. We’ve had some tremendous racing thus far and the quality of our Sprint Car field has been second to none. These guys are going to be putting on some great racing all summer long for the fans. And I’d be remised if I didn’t mention the importance of the racers in our Modified, Late Models, Stock Car, and Mini Stock divisions and the great racing they provide.”
“I’ve said it time and time again…there’s not a better person I could turn Mercer over to,” stated Emig. “Bill has been a successful businessman, a family person, loves racing, and is a believer in the concepts that has led The Park to prosper over the years. With this in mind and what he is able to bring to The Park can only mean great things for both the fans and racers. I’m looking forward to being able to focus more of more time on the marketing and promotions that have made Mercer stand apart from the rest.”
Mercer Raceway Park returns to action this Saturday, May 8 featuring the Luxaire Heating & Cooling 410 Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rentals Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Stock Cars, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 and racing begins at 7 p.m.
The Mercer Raceway Park office will continue to be run from the 4368 US 422, Pulaski, PA 16143 location at 724-964-9300. E-mail can continue to be sent to webmaster@mercerracewaypark.com. Fans are reminded to become a Facebook fan of The Park at www.facebook.com/mercerracewaypark and sign up for Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/mercerraceway.