From Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA – Eager race fans and teams will hope that the third time is a charm this weekend for Mercer Raceway Park’s season opener, featuring an all-new Saturday Night Live lineup in 2011. The track battled Mother Nature and lost to rain and freezing temperatures for its first two events on March 26 and April 2.
Saturday, April 9 will be the first opportunity for area fans to see the six divisions of racing incorporated into this year’s Saturday Night Live program. Loyal partners Luxaire Heating & Cooling and Approved Toilet Rentals have returned once again to sponsor the track’s headline divisions: the 410 Sprints and the 358 Modifieds, respectively.
Sprint car fans will be thrilled this season with the addition of the Outlaw Sprint Warriors, sponsored by ti22 Performance. These full-sized winged warriors will sport the same look as a 410 Sprint Car while utilizing an economical sealed motor package.
After a brief hiatus, the Mod Lites will return with Big Daddy’s Speed Center on the sponsor card this season. The Stock Cars and Mini Stocks will also return with new marketing partners Precise Racing Products and Big Dog R/C Indoor Racing and Hobby.
As scheduled, points will start for all divisions. Bob Felmlee, Jimmy Holden, Steve D’Apolito and Wally Stearns will look to defend their 2010 Point Championships in the 410 Sprints, 358 Modifieds, Stock Cars and Mini Stocks respectively. Drivers will compete for the inaugural Outlaw Sprint Warrior Points Championship as the Mod Lite Division will look to crown the first champion since Mark Marcucci garnered the title in 2009.
Grandstands and pit gates will open at 4:00pm with hot laps beginning at 6:15pm and the green flag dropping at 7:00pm. Ticket prices are: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors 60+, $5 Students 9-15, Free for Kids 8 and under, and $25 Family Pass for Mom and/or Dad and up to four kids. Pit admission is $25. The rain date is Sunday, April 10.