68 replies to this topic

[dirtL8MdlFan21&11]

It appears Mercer has decided to screw the very drivers that support them by adding the stock car division to the show this Saturday, ONTOP of the biggest race of the year, the Ed Laboon Memorial.  They are adding it as a points race so people who do not support it will lose points for that weekend.  This is completely opposite of what it means to "help the racers" because this does nothing but hurt them economically, and also forces teams that want to race for a great cause and a huge race to not be able to do so for some meaningless mid season race.

 

I know Vince  has done more planning for this race so that he did not step on any toes and could get the maximum car count and participation as he could and for Mercer to do this is ridiculous.  Everyone wants to point fingers to different reasons why racing is falling apart, well here is one HUGE reason, greed and stupid decisions.

[Racer17L]

Still can't figure this one out. Even the drivers are calling me asking for help. All I can say is call Frank and have him rethink this disappointing decision. It's only hurting the racers. Thanks.

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Edited by Racer17L, 07 July 2015 - 07:49 AM.

[The Legend]

If all the racers skip mercer they put it right back in his a&&

[Hot Dog]

I'm gonna be the one to say it, who gives a shit about points at a local track? If you wanna race somewhere else, go. With most tracks now requiring a banquet appearance to collect point money, it most likely ends up a wash or a loss anyways.

[LM RACING]

If all the racers skip mercer they put it right back in his a&&

guys dont stick together anymore. the days of that are over. There will be a few guys to try to steal an easy win and a couple points, and then act like they didn't know. And the track will believe that racing against a big show is justified.

[Racer17L]

Well a driver called Frank and he said he "had to do it" for the back gate support.  He then said he might add a support class that would normally race at Sharon but is off for the Lou Blaney Memorial (2 barrel emods) if enough people complained about him adding Stocks.  But there would have to be enough b!tching today I assume to convince him to make a change.  So if you care, call him to complain.  I guess it doesn't pay to play nice with other tracks schedules and rules after all.  Lesson learned.

[2930]

That place is becoming more and more Political as the years go by. Constantly screwing the people and race teams who try to support them. Count the 29 team out at mercer this weekend, we will be at the Laboon race in Pittsburgh. The other stock car drivers should boycott Mercer this weekend. This is total BS and is uncalled for on Frank's part as a "track Manager". Where is the loyalty. Vince looked at schedules for other tracks and this is the date that had no conflicts and would benefit the racers. He has put tons of effort into this race and mercer screws him and the racers by scheduling the stock cars. Consider this crap move as you plan your weekend racers.

Edited by 2930, 07 July 2015 - 09:55 AM.

[BaconBits]

Normally, having a weekly points race scheduled up against a special isn't a big deal. Happens all the time. Tracks are in business to make money, not friends.

 

But adding a points race that wasn't on the schedule to begin with last minute is pretty bush league. Not surprising at all for Mercer. The management there has a tendency to be extremely bush league all of the time.

[dirtL8MdlFan21&11]

I agree having one scheduled is one thing and not much you can do about that, but Vince did all he could to work around all these schedule conflicts, so this is definitely a bush league move.

[Racer17L]

This was their last press release- Thursday at 5 PM.  Have to love the irony as they added Stocks to their program in direct conflict with the Ed Laboon Memorial the Monday afternoon before Saturday's race.  But like he said he likes to work to avoid "conflicts for the racers and race fans" .....

 

 

"There has been a schedule change for July 11. The Patriot Sprint Tour will NOT be part of the program. Rather, the open wheel fanatics will enjoy the ARDC Midgets and the Bonnell's Rod Shop Outlaw Sprint Warriors. The Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds, Rock Concrete Modified Lites, and the Eperthener's Auto Wrecking and Ray's Racing Collectibles Mini Stocks will also compete on July 11.

 

"We regret the inconvenience to all brought about by these schedule changes," said track manager Frank Benic. "It is difficult to find make-up dates that do not create schedule conflicts for the racers and the race fans when you have so many postponements, but we are working hard with the series officials and our sponsors to find a new date that works for all interested parties and we hope to have an announcement soon," he added.

[Racer17L]

I agree having one scheduled is one thing and not much you can do about that, but Vince did all he could to work around all these schedule conflicts, so this is definitely a bush league move.

 

Ed Laboon Memorial rain date was confirmed May 30th at 2 PM.  Stocks were added July 6th at 3PM, and a point show.  Do the math....

[dirtL8MdlFan21&11]

Oh I was responding to Josh, not sticking up for this move if that's what you thought I meant there Vince lol.... I am completely on your side if I haven't made that known

[Racer17L]

Oh I know man just was listing the timelines to back you up!

[4FUN]

Vince,

 

I'm not taking sides on this one.... but I think  you need to look at the bigger picture .

For the last 3 years other tracks have worked with you and either not scheduled or had no points when you have originally scheduled this race.

If memory serves, Mercer is a track that waived points for the division when you put together the 1st race.

Unfortunatly, this years original date rained out and that's why things are where they are today. Racers are all able to make thier own decisions.

If you want to come on this board and bash Mercer at this point, I hope you are ready for the lack of cooperation you may come across in years to come if you are able to continue .

With Sharon not running stocks, I think Mercer could pull a decent car count without making it a point race, but thats my opinion.

[Racer17L]

Actually Bill I chose dates after their schedules were out and not the other way around. Sharon was the track who made it a non points race. And I have not bashed Mercer or told anyone not to attend their track that weekend. I'm going to have 40+ cars no matter what they do. I was looking out for the racers who have been calling me upset about this change. They are the ones getting screwed. If you really think it's good business and fair to ADD a class less than 5 days ahead of a huge race just to pad your back gate then there's nothing I can say to convince you otherwise.

[dirtL8MdlFan21&11]

Just for the record 4fun I was not told to post this by Vince or anything in that matter, I felt like it needed to be out in the open how lame of a move this was on Mercers part.  And they will be t he ones losing out no matter how the cookie crumbles.  The Ed Laboon is and will be here to stay as the top race for these cars.

[sundance]

These kind of decisions are why Mercer finds themselves in the shape they are in . Yes it is bad for the PPMS show and the loyal Mercer racers but it is even worse for Mercer. They will get little support, and will lose money doing this kind of stupid stuff. Then be the first to complain next time they want cooperation from other tracks. It's a shame everyone can see it but their management team.

[Ricky Steigerwald]

there is plenty of other smaller classes out there they could bring in instead of the stocks. All the sportsman drivers should just screw them and not show up!

[TEAM29]

Sharon stock cars are not going to go to Mercer...they had no stocks there at Sharon this Saturday(truck/tractor pulls) and none of them showed up at Mercer...anyone who is a real stock car racer will be down at PPMS...end of story....

[old man d]

Hang in there Vince you will get a good car count and support. An no you were not BASHING Mercer, you took the time to plan the race so it would not hurt other tracks. The way i look at it you are the one who showed RESPECT. JMO.