MERCER RACEWAY PARK CROWNS SMITH, KRISTYAK, SCHAFFER, BUCKLEY, DOLICK, & BISH CHAMPIONS AT 2004 Awards Banquet; NUMEROUS SPECIAL AWARDS HANDED OUT

By Mike Leone

January 15, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hermitage, PA…Mercer Raceway Park celebrated the 2004 season in grand style Saturday night, January 15, as the beautiful Normandy Banquet Center in Hermitage, Pa. played host for the second time to the annual awards banquet and dinner.

The top ten drivers in each of the six divisions received their point fund monies and plaques. The following 2004 track champions also received an engraved Mercer Raceway Park championship watch compliments of Kidd’s Jewelry in Greenville, Pa. and an embroidered jacket: Jamie Smith-Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tommy Kristyak-Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds, Jeff Schaffer-Tire Express Sportsman Modifieds, Andy Buckley-Stock Cars, Jason Dolick-Moore CDL Driving Academy 360 Sprint Cars, and Curt Bish, Sr.-Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks.

For the sixth consecutive year, Mercer Raceway Park continued its tradition of honoring special achievements at its banquet. Five of those types of awards were once again given out Saturday night.

The “Legacy” Award honors and remembers the late Bill Emig. It was fitting that Tommy Kristyak would receive the accolades for this year’s award. Emig always respected Kristyak’s driving abilities and this year Kristyak won the Bill Emig Memorial; however, Kristyak received the award for winning his 100th career Mercer feature as well his 50th career Mercer big-block race.

The “Horizon” Award was put in place to recognize drivers whose careers shine as brightly as the horizon. This year, for the first time, the award was handed out to two drivers. Sprint Car racer Jeff Banyas of North Olmsted, Ohio received the first. The Akron University freshman had a breakout year with several near victories while finishing in the top 10 in all but one race- a race that he was leading until tangling with another car.

The second “Horizon” Award was given to Jeremy Paup. Like Banyas, Paup is a college student trying to financial support a race car in a headlining division while attending college. The Reno, Pa. racer showed a dramatic improvement in his second year going from one top 10 and 18th in points in 2003 to six top 10s included a career best fourth and finishing eighth in points this season.

Three “Outstanding Achievement” Awards were handed out. Sportsman Modified racer Jim Rombold, Jr. received the first not for his driving abilities, but rather for building the championship motor the past four seasons for three different drivers. He was part of Steve Young’s dominating seasons in 2001 and 2002. He led Jerry Schaffer to his first title in 2003 and saw Jeff Schaffer, his former driver and 1996 big-block champion, win his first sportsman crown this season.

The second “Outstanding Achievement” Award was doled out for consistency to 2004 Sportsman Modified Champion Jeff Schaffer, who finished in the top 5 all but one night and that was a seventh place on August 14.

The third and final “Outstanding Achievement” Award also was awarded to a Sportsman Modified racer. Gary Smoker had a career year winning 8 times at Mercer, once at Tri-City Speedway, and finished second in the biggest race of the year at Central PA Speedway; however, more importantly Smoker became the division’s all-time winner with 28 victories and ended the year winning the biggest race of his career- the $2,000 “Little Guy Nationals” against 54 small-blocks from all over the Northeast.

The “Majestic” Award honors those that have made grand, noble, and dignified gestures on behalf of Mercer Raceway Park and in general. The husband-wife team of Bob and Carol McClay have been around and worked at Mercer Raceway Park for seemingly forever. Their friendliness and dedication can always be seen with Bob at his typical post at the main grandstand gate and Carol in the grandstand ticket booth.

Living legends are those that will forever be held in high respect by those that enjoyed their excellence. This year’s “Living Legend” Award was bestowed to Keith Morrow. The Mercer racer was unable to attend and instead his award will be presented at the track this season.

Veteran driver Jamie Smith celebrated his fourth track championship in the past nine years by picking up the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Car crown. The Sewickley, Pa. racer recorded five wins included $2,500 wins against the Mid-American Sprint Series and the URC 360 Sprints along with 4 heat race wins, 13 top 5s and 15 top 10s in 17 starts in 410 competition in his American Agip/Alternative Power Sources/NAPA Auto Parts #5.

Rod George had a great year in his first full season at Mercer scoring two wins and runner-up in points. Arnie Kent scored two wins as well and third in points and has finished either second, third, or fourth place for each of the past eight seasons. Jeff Banyas was a career best fourth as was Gary Kriess, Jr. in fifth, who won twice for defending two-time champion Troy Preston. Sixth through tenth in points with wins in parentheses were Jason Dolick, Gary Edwards (1), Scott Bonnell, and Chris Shuttleworth. Other winners were Rob Eyler (2), Ralph Spithaler, Jr., Cameron Dodson, and Chad Blonde.

For the second straight year, Tommy Kristyak was crowned the Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modified Champion in his #26z. What a season it was for the Stoneboro, Pa. racer! His six wins were tops for the division giving him 105 for his career at Mercer. Two of the wins were $1,500 scores and another was the $2,000 “SmackDown!” against the Late Models. His final stats showed five heat race wins, 14 top 5s and 16 top 10s in 19 starts.

Andy Priest chased Kristyak for much of the year, but came up nine points short with three wins. Dave Murdick had another strong, consistent year winning back-to-back races on August 14 and 21 to finish third in points. Carl Weatherby and Rodney Beltz were fourth and fifth. Sixth through tenth with wins in parentheses were Tommy Marshall III, Rick Hall, Jeremy Paup, Andy Paden, and Frank Guidace (1). Other winners were Tim Doran (2), Lonny Riggs, Steve Young, Kevin Bolland, Ron Smoker, and Brian Swartzlander.

In 2003 Jerry Schaffer celebrated his first championship of any kind winning the Tire Express Sportsman Modified title. This past season, it was Jerry’s brother Jeff winning his first ever sportsman crown in a car owned by Jerry and using his 2003 championship motor. Jeff of Fombell, Pa. was a model of consistency with two wins, eight heat race wins, 16 top 5s and 17 top 10s in 17 starts in the Approved Toilet Rentals #14.

Rick Hall had one of his best seasons with four wins and a runner-up in points as did Gary Smoker, who won a division-high six features plus added two more in open 358 events, to finish third. Jerry Schaffer fell to fourth in points while Ron Eperthener, Jr. was fifth for the second straight year despite winning a career high three features. Rounding out the top 10 with wins in parentheses were Kevin Thompson, Steve Toth (1), Jim Rombold, Jr., Jeff Walters, and Mike Anderson. Frank Guidace was the only winner not to place in the top 10.

For the second time in four years, Andy Buckley celebrated his second Stock Car Championship. Buckley joined Kristyak giving Stoneboro, Pa. two championships. Buckley tied for a division-high with five victories (three of which were $600 specials) moving him to second on the all-time Stock Car win list 18, and added seven heat race wins, a dash victory, 14 top 5s and 19 top 10s in 21 starts in his MPR Lumber/Kristyak’s Korner-sponsored #965.

Andy Thompson scored his second career win and finished a career best second in points leading the points and challenging for the title for most of the season. Brian Booher drove Terry Hoover’s #00H to a career best third in points with one win. Doug Iorio was fourth with a victory. Shaun Hooks recorded a personal best and tied for a division-high with 5 wins including the $2,000 “Little Guy Nationals” win to finish fifth in points. Sixth through tenth with wins in parentheses were Gary Norman (1), Terry Kroner (1), Rick Norco (1), John Reiser, and Bobby Whitling (2). Other winners were Jarrot Moore, Mike Pegher, and Rory Reed.

“The Pegasus” 360 Sprint Car Series presented by Moore CDL Driving Academy completed its third season and had a new champion for the third time. Jason Dolick of Coshocton, Ohio made the two and half hour tow pay off winning his first championship as he was the highest finishing 360 against the 410s on five occasions plus finished in the top 10 in all three stand-alone 360 shows driving his Walton’s Vinyl Graphics/Scheetz Marketing-sponsored #70.

Chris Shuttleworth was another driver that made a long tow to compete at Mercer. The Wellsville, Ny. racer made a three-hour plus two every week and finished second in points for the second straight year with five highest finishes. Second year Sprint Car driver Jeremy Cook showed improvement to finish third. Ohio standout racers Doug Stanley and Jamie Martin tied for fourth. Completing the top 10 were Scott Bonnell, rookie Jerry Yoder, Vaughn Nystrom, 2003 champion Chris Matthews, and Aaron Shaffer. Arnie Kent, Jamie Smith, and Dave Ely won the three stand-alone events.

The Strictly Stocks ran 20 events in their inaugural season as their “Redneck Racers Shotgun Series” was presented by Maurer’s Trading Post. Curt Bish, Sr. dominated much of the season winning his first career race on opening night and winning 10 more throughout the season. The Titusville, Pa. driver took home a lot of hardware including a shotgun valued at approximately $1,000. Bish had 18 top 5s and was a perfect 20-for-20 in top 10s in his Deets Sugar House/Gravett Painting/Dennis Baker Construction-sponsored #00.

Curt Bish, Jr. had four scores to finish second just 48 points behind despite missing opening night. Third through tenth with wins in parentheses were Wearne Cook, Ronnie Boyd, 16-year-old Lauren Simmons, Randy Ealy, Joe Blake, Carl Feely, Jr., Jon Mabry, and Bryan Shaffer (1). Robby Switzer ended the year winning the last two races included the paying event during the “Little Guy Nationals”. Travis Norman was also a winner.

Steve Toth, Terry Kroner, and Rick Norco each received a special plaque commemorating their first career wins. Big Daddy Speed Center, Bassett Wheels, and Precision Racing Products awarded certificates varying from $15-$60 for various drivers in each division. Kudos went out to the 26 drivers with perfect attendance as they received a certificate to recognize their dedication to the speedway in 2004. Track announcer Mike Dutko emceed the event and thanked the sponsors, employees, press, drivers, owners, and all of the fans for making 2004 another success.

The New Bedford and Volant Lions were thanked for their help all season long in conducting the benefit raffle, which contributed to the point fund. Special thanks also went out to the Mercer East End and Jefferson and Pine Township Fire Departments along with Mesaros Towing. The 2005 season was previewed with many upcoming special events. The band, “Heavy Weather,” closed out the banquet with live music for everyone’s dancing and listening pleasures.

Watch for upcoming press releases on “Thunder in the Park III” – A Steel Valley Motorsports Gala at the Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh March 17-20, and the upcoming 2005 season. Opening night is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 featuring the ULMS Late Models, 360 Sprints, and open Stock Cars. The complete schedule will be released by March 1.

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 late March through early October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round Monday through Friday after 12:30 p.m. 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.

Final 2004 Mercer Raceway Park Point Standings

Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars: 1. JAMIE SMITH (Sewickley, Pa.) 565 2. Rod George (Kittanning, Pa.) 518 3. Arnie Kent (New Castle, Pa.) 501 4. Jeff Banyas (North Olmsted, Oh.) 480 5. Gary Kriess, Jr. (Butler, Pa.) 456 6. Jason Dolick (Coshocton, Oh.) 445 7. Gary Edwards (Canfield, Oh.) 419 8. Scott Bonnell (Fairview, Pa.) 403 9. Chris Shuttleworth (Wellsville, Ny.) 369 10. Chad Levingston (Bellville, Oh.) 330.

Campbell-Peterson Trail & Turf Big-Block Modifieds: 1. TOMMY KRISTYAK (Stoneboro, Pa.) 534 2. Andy Priest (New Castle, Pa.) 525 3. Dave Murdick (Slippery Rock, Pa.) 507 4. Carl Weatherby (Volant, Pa.) 444 5. Rodney Beltz (Ellwood City, Pa.) 424 6. Tommy Marshall III (Beaver Falls, Pa.) 417 7. Rick Hall (Stoneboro, Pa.) 374 8. Jeremy Paup (Reno, Pa.) 369 9. Andy Paden (Greenville, Pa.) 319 10. Frank Guidace (Mercer, Pa.) 317.

Tire Express Sportsman Modifieds: 1. JEFF SCHAFFER (Fombell, Pa.) 633 2. Rick Hall (Stoneboro, Pa.) 610 3. Gary Smoker (Mercer, Pa.) 592 4. Jerry Schaffer (Ellwood City, Pa.) 539 5. Ron Eperthener, Jr. (Grove City, Pa.) 507 6. Kevin Thompson (Polk, Pa.) 501 7. Steve Toth (New Castle, Pa.) 455 8. Jim Rombold, Jr. (Beaver Falls, Pa.) 428 9. Jeff Walters (Evans City, Pa.) 395 10. Mike Anderson (Harmony, Pa.) 367.

Stock Cars: 1. ANDY BUCKLEY (Stoneboro, Pa.) 563 2. Andy Thompson (Mercer, Pa.) 515 3. Brian Booher (Sandy Lake, Pa.) 514 4. Doug Iorio (Kennerdell, Pa.) 504 5. Shaun Hooks (New Castle, Pa.) 499 6. Gary Norman (New Castle, Pa.) 471 7. Terry Kroner (Portersville, Pa.) 468 8. Rick Norco (New Castle, Pa.) 449 9. John Reiser (Sandy Lake, Pa.) 419 10. Bobby Whitling (Franklin, Pa.) 370.

Moore CDL Driving Academy 360 Sprint Cars: 1. JASON DOLICK (Coshocton, Oh.) 598 2. Chris Shuttleworth (Wellsville, Ny.) 474 3. Jeremy Cook (Grove City, Pa.) 360 4. Jamie Martin (Wooster, Oh.) & Doug Stanley (North Benton, Oh.) 293 6. Scott Bonnell (Fairview, Pa.) 242 7. Jerry Yoder (Hubbard, Oh.) 192 8. Vaughn Nystrom (Kane, Pa.) 164 9. Chris Matthews (Kennerdell, Pa.) 138 10. Aaron Shaffer (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 122.

Maurer’s Trading Post Strictly Stocks: 1. CURT BISH, SR. (Titusville, Pa.) 747 2. Curt Bish, Jr. (Oil City, Pa.) 699 3. Wearne Cook (Cooperstown, Pa.) 593 4. Ronnie Boyd (Fredonia, Pa.) 441 5. Lauren Simmons (Cortland, Oh.) 435 6. Randy Ealy (Jackson Center, Pa.) 421 7. Joe Blake (Titusville, Pa.) 363 8. Carl Feely, Jr. (Titusville, Pa.) 296 9. Jon Mabry (Greenville, Pa.) 290 10. Bryan Shaffer (New Castle, Pa.) 261.

Special Award Winners:

“Living Legend”: Keith Morrow

“Legacy”: Tommy Kristyak

“Horizon”: Jeff Banyas & Jeremy Paup

“Outstanding Achievement”: Gary Smoker, Jeff Schaffer, CJ Rombold Engine Builders

“Legacy”: Bob & Carol McClay