By Mike Leone
Mercer, PA… Once again Mercer Raceway Park has worked diligently through the winter to present area race fans not only with an exciting schedule of race events, but a variety of money-saving opportunities throughout the upcoming 2010 season, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 27.
“It’s no secret times are tough,” expressed 12th year owner Vicki Emig. “And with that in mind it was important to me, especially this year, to make sure race fans of all ages and walks of life are still able to attend and enjoy the Park without a strain on their budgets.”
Mercer Raceway Park’s signature $25 Family Pass, which admits mom, dad, and up to four kids, 15 and under will remain intact. Increasing only $2 since its inception in 1999, The Park’s “Family Pass” set a precedent and paved the way for other regional speedways’ discounted family offers. This year, the positioning statement around the Family Pass will be “Bring your kids for just a buck!”
Three exceptional cost savings Family Pass nights will be featured on the schedule. On May 8, June 12, and July 24, a $10 bill will allow the entire family to enjoy a full night of racing along with a full slate of quality “Kidzilla” activities.
New this year will be a “Kids Eat Free Night” on May 15. On this night, all little ones 12 and under will receive a hot dog, Herr’s potato chips, and drink on the house!
“Free County Nights” have become hugely popular and are sure to increase attendance dramatically. These include Butler, which is presented by McClymonds Supply & Transit, Crawford, and Venango Counties. These nights have proven to be a tremendous way to introduce and promote racing to a new audience. Give the general public a complimentary taste of mudslinging, fender-rubbing Saturday night racing excitement and how could they not return!?
Sister promotions, “Hey Neighbor C’mon Over” invites Shenango Valley and New Castle residents free on two different nights and will be presented by Flynn’s Tire and Auto Service and Fat Jimmys BBQ respectively, and “Welcome Ohio Night” will also fill the schedule.
Deuces wild best describes another new cost-busting promo as “2 for $20” debuts on April 24 and then returns on June 5. Two adult admissions for just $20- a savings of $4! Bring a buddy, make a date, or just grab someone standing all alone at the gate, but make sure you pair up when you hit The Park!
If somehow we missed you in all of the above, watch for free general admission for veterans and scouts on the ever popular “American Patriot Night,” the well received “Racing for a Cure” with cancer survivors admitted free, an “Automotive Service Industry Night” with discounted admission prices for those employed in the automotive/truck field, and free club nights for Twin-State Auto Racing Club and the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club.
The overwhelmingly successful “Mystery City” program will return, but don’t be wary as the darkly cloaked figure disembarks from the Mercer Raceway Park pace truck to disperse 500 general admission tickets throughout your fine town. Last year, a 60% return rate was realized on “Mystery City” tickets and proved to be another unique way to bring new fans to The Park!
“SPEEDPASS” is perhaps one of the most original Mercer Raceway Park promotions in years, and allows fans in the general admission area to update their tickets for a full access pit pass for just $5 for an individual or $10 for an entire family at intermission. This program allowed hundreds of people, many with their families, the opportunity to experience an up close and personal, behind the scenes look at racing at an affordable cost.
“I hope that the fans of Mercer Raceway Park will take advantage of all the great cost saving events we have put in place for the upcoming season,” stated Emig. “Couple those with the awesome schedule of special race events and family events that are planned, and we look forward to the Park remaining the region’s leader in affordable family entertainment. Plus parking and children five and under are always free!”
The 2010 season will get underway on Saturday, March 27 with the “Chiller Thriller” featuring the first ever appearance by the UFo Super Late Models along with the United E-Mod Series, Open Stock Cars, and Mini Stocks.
Mercer Raceway Park will showcase the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rental Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy’s Speed Center Stock Cars, and the M&D Paving Mini Stocks on a regular basis beginning April 3 pending the completion of the “Chiller Thriller”. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with warm-ups at 6:15 and racing at 7.
Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track 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 October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. Go to www.twitter.com/mercerraceway or Mercer Raceway Park on facebook.com to stay up to date. Text the word “MERCER” to 29222 for race event and special family and discounted promotions.