For the third straight year, a free Ohio Night will admit all residents of the Buckeye State into the grandstands for free general admission. A valid driver's license or identification card is required for adults showing an Ohio city. All accompanying children will be admitted free as well. The promotion is presented by new marketing partner Waffle House.

“Our Welcome Ohio Night is a good way to expose Mercer Raceway Park to those across the border,” explained owner Vicki Emig. “Many people in Ohio simply aren’t aware about Mercer Raceway Park and with it’s close proximity, it’s another good way for us to get new people through the gates that otherwise wouldn’t have come. We’re thrilled to have Waffle House be the presenting sponsor this year as it’s a good fit for them with their four locations in the Youngstown area including Howland, Girard, Hubbard, and Austintown.”

Rod George has been on a tear in the Sprint Cars. George has won two straight at Mercer and five of the last six races in western Pennsylvania giving him 104 for his career. The Kittanning, Pa. driver has yet to finish worse than second this season at Mercer and leads the points by 29 over wingless winner Arnie Kent in search of his second track championships.

Jimmy Holden is coming off his first ever win at Mercer in the Modifieds last Saturday night. Two-time winner Rodney Beltz of Ellwood City, Pa. opened up a 14-point lead over Steve Young and Garrett Krummert, who is still in search of his first career win. Just four points separate second through fifth place in the points.

Brian Booher will look to make it three-in-a-row Saturday night in the Stock Cars. The Sandy Lake, Pa. driver leads the track with six wins in search of his unprecedented third straight championship. Booher leads Rod Laskey by 60 points.

Rod Jones captured his fourth win of the season stealing a win away from Todd Canter on the last lap in the Mod Lites last Saturday night. Two-time winner Mark Marcucci of West Middlesex, Pa. currently leads the points by nine over Canter.

Bill Fuchs became the fifth different Mini Stock winner last Saturday night as the new divisions continues to grow. After starting with one car opening night, there were 15 last Saturday night, and a total of 19 different ones have participated with more on the way. Four-time winner Lucas Sprouse of Elkton, Ohio leads the points by 15 over Leland Haylett.

With practice being rained out on Wednesday, Mercer Raceway Park will be allowing FASTRAK Late Models the opportunity to practice on Saturday night in preparation for next Wednesday’s $5,000 to-win Northeast Touring Series event. One driver that’s excited to get on the track is Stock Car standout Mike Pegher, Jr., who had his car at practice Wednesday before the rains came. The Late Models will be able to practice at the end of the night’s regular hot laps, during intermission, and then after the races.

Pit gates open at 3:30 p.m. and grandstands at 4:30, hot laps are at 6:15, and racing begins at 7. Adult admission is $11. Students 6-15 are $5. Children five and under are always free. The family pass, which admits mom, dad, and up to four kids, is $25. Pit passes are $25.

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 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 or e-mail to webmaster@mercerracewaypark.com. Check out our website at www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.