MOTORSPORTS Mercer hosts national event today

The biggest dirt midget car event in the East is set to begin at 7 p.m.
MERCER, Pa -- Mercer Raceway Park will host a national event today.
The North American Auto Racing Series, Inc. (NAMARS) and the American Racing Drivers Club, Inc. (ARDC) will co-sanction the biggest dirt Midget Car auto racing event in the East, titled the Northern States Midget Classic.
Joining the wingless Midget Cars will be the wingless Sprint Cars, creating an open-wheel doubleheader dubbed "Wingless -- The Return/Part III."
The New Castle School of Trades Sportsman Modifieds and Butterfield's Pub Stock Cars will also be on the card. Chevron East is the title sponsor of the event for the second consecutive year.
NAMARS, the largest Championship Midget Car sanctioning body in the world, and ARDC, America's oldest Championship Midget Car sanction at 63 years strong, will come together with their signature series for their only clash event of the season. The event will be a national points event for both organizations, ensuring a large field of midgets.
The Luxaire Heating & amp; Cooling Sprint Cars will take off their wings for the only time in 2002. Their 30-lap feature will pay $2,000 to-win, $200 to-start as well and will be a points event. The 360 bonus monies and point system will also be in effect.
A special autograph session has been organized by ARDC's Tammy Rae Benscoter and will take place shortly after the gates open.
Autograph session
Confirmed drivers that will be signing autographs include defending three-time champion Ray Bull, 1997 champion Ed Stimely, Jr., 2001 rookie-of-the-year Marc Dailey, Mark Freeland, the father and son duo of Randy and Duane Mausteller, Brian Suchy, 2001 most improved driver Kathy Kurtz, Fred Schell, Scott Zipp, Gary Halteman, Walt Stearly and rookie Scott Lawrence. Jennifer Weaver, the 2002 Ms. Motorsports, will also be on hand to sign autographs throughout the night.
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. There will be no time trials, as heat races will begin at 7 p.m.
Adult admission is $13. Students 6-15 are $5. The family pass, which admits mom, dad and up to four kids, is $30. Children five and under are free. The pit pass is $25.
For more information, call (724) 964-9300 during the week and (724) 662-1310 on race day. Check out www.mercerracewaypark.com for the latest.