10 replies to this topic

[3799]

Mercer, PA (June 11, 2103): Mercer Raceway Park will play host to the fourth annual Auto Racers for Kids Charity event. Each year, the racing community anxiously awaits this unique program when the speedway partners with the foundation that benefits children and youth in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. The 2013 edition is also made possible by Bonnell’s Collision Center. The 410 Sprint Cars will be the headline attraction, paying $3,000 to the winner of the 30 lap feature. All of the track’s regular classes will also be in action, and they will be racing for additional prize money. However, there will be no points on the line for any of the classes, so the rankings are already locked in for the June 22 Mid-season Championships! And, without any registration fees or handicapping rules in effect, the pit gates will be wide open for any new racers that want to come in to challenge the tough competitors that appear weekly at the Park. Auto Racers for Kids, Inc. was founded in 2007. With the help and generosity of the racing community, the foundation has raised over $150,000 for numerous groups and programs. Donations have been given to the following: Court Appointed Special Advocates, St. Martin’s Center, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-a-Wish, Sarah Reed Children’s Center, Hunters Hope, Kiwanis of Erie, Achievement Center, Shriner’s Hospital, Newspapers in Education, Operation Warm, Butterflies for Kids, Junior Achievement, SafeNet, Erie Home for Children and Adults, and Community Shelter Services. Once again, the proceeds of this special event will directly benefit such deserving organizations. In 2010, there were three Sprint Car races conducted under the Auto Racers for Kids banner. Daryn Pittman, now the points leader with the World of Outlaws, and Danny Mumaw took the checkers at other speedways in the region. Jack Sodeman, Jr. turned the trick at Mercer. His win was especially noteworthy, as he donated all of his winnings to the cause. In 2011, Brian Ellenberger took the only Sprint Car victory. Danny Holtgraver scored the win in 2012, barely edging out Rob Chaney in a slam-bang finish that ranks as one of the most exciting in the history of Mercer Raceway Park. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for sale during the event. The black shirts have a Sprint on the front and a Late Model on the back, as another Auto Racers for Kids Charity event will be held in July for the full-fendered set at Eriez Speedway. The admission for this special program will be $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60+), and $7 for students (ages 9-18). Children ages 8 and under are always free at Mercer Raceway Park. As usual, the Family Pass will be available for $32, and that will be good for two adults and up to four minors of any age. Pit passes will be $35. The gates will open at 4 p.m. and qualification races will begin at 7 p.m. Come out early to get your favorite seats, as a large crowd is expected for the event. If you cannot make it to the Auto Racers for Kids Charity event, remember that the Mid-season Championships will be held the very next week. Double points will be on the line on June 22, so positions could change in the standings. This is Scott's race. The track does not make any money off the admission price to this race. Every dime goes to Auto Racers For Kids Charity. Track employees are donating their time Saturday working free. Please honor one of the best sprint car drivers ever from this area and support this very worthwhile charity on Saturday.

[3799]

Up

[3799]

Supposed to be great weather tomorrow. Come on out and support Scott Bonnell and Auto Racers for Kids Charity.

[Hot Dog]

Don't take this as a bash or anything, but why did Mercer do almost zero promotion of this race until a few days ago? I follow the schedules pretty closely to see what race is happening where and had no clue that there was gonna be an increased purse until this week. I'm just curious if this was done intentionally to keep invaders away or if there wasn't really a reason other then a lack of a good PR person?

Edited by Hot Dog, 15 June 2013 - 03:46 PM.

[T. Palmer]

Hot Dog, I do not know where you live but there was a 1/4 page add in the Sharon Herald sports page every day from last Saturday thru today. That's more coverage than all the tracks have had in combined for the year.

[Walt Wimer]

Mercer puts out a very nice full color schedule every year and the race is shown on there this year at least twice (both sides) and under their special events it says the race is $3,000 to win plus a full Saturday night program.

[spike]

Don't take this as a bash or anything, but why did Mercer do almost zero promotion of this race until a few days ago? I follow the schedules pretty closely to see what race is happening where and had no clue that there was gonna be an increased purse until this week. I'm just curious if this was done intentionally to keep invaders away or if there wasn't really a reason other then a lack of a good PR person?

There just has to be a conspiracy.

[3799]

This wasn't Mercer's race. Bill Altman gave the track to Scott Bonnell for the Auto Racers For Kids Charity race. Scott Bonnell put over $3,00 in advertising into the show including the local papers and several radio stations. Scott spent more money promoting this show than any other promoter will spend for any show this year. The race has always been an increased purse show. Every year it says that on the schedules. Thanks to the drivers (in all divisions) and the fans who supported Auto Racers For Charity.

Edited by 3799, 15 June 2013 - 11:56 PM.

[232forever]

hats off to scott bonnell and bill altman was a great show,and congrats to all the winners ast night

[Hot Dog]

It was a good show, just didn't seem to be much hoopla for it this year. No conspiracy, just being curious.

[Lumpycoyote]

Family rented a VIP box has a Father's Day gift for me. Was very impressed that Frank Benic and Bill Altman both came in and said Hello and made sure we didn't need anything. Had family members that were at the races for the first time and they were impressed with it and all had a very enjoyable time. I have been a regular visitor to Mercer Raceway Park for many years , since the 60's, and look forward to it every Saturday. The racing was very competative has always. Anyone wanting to see some of the best in local racing action will not be disappointed with a trip to Mercer Raceway Park. Thanks to Frank Benic for providing g a great track week after week and Bill Altman for providing great facililty to enjoy our favorite sport. Lumpycoyote