BRANTFORD, ON – Brantford’s Assumption High School student,15-year-old Riley Mercer’s quest to racing sprint cars is getting closer. Riley has been racing Go Karts on Dirt at local Ohsweken Speedway and other tracks for about 8 years, moving up his divisions from Beginners, to Box Stock and last year full time in the Open Class.
Riley’s sponsors like The Norbruis Group/ Co-Operators Insurance, Strodes BBQ & Deli, Jim Bray Trailers and Anthria Filter have supported him for several years and have watched this young boy progress through the racing fields with confidence and skill.
In his first full year in the Open Class (500 cc motorcycle engines) in which Grand River Cycle Brantford is a Major sponsor, finished the season in the top 5 drivers considering some of the drivers are more than twice his age and more.
He is looking forward to the 2025 race season at Ohsweken, but also has been picked up as a driver to race in the BCW Lumber Series of the Pro 4 Modifieds that run on pavement at several tracks in Ontario like Flamboro, Sauble .and Sunset Speedways.
Jim Bray Trailers of Brantford is his major sponsor, Jim likes this young man’s attitude and driving ability, has watched him for several years and now stands behind him on the racetrack. Riley raced one race at Flamboro last fall, finished middle of the pack, got rained out for final event but has put down several hundred laps in practice and is showing real driving ability on asphalt.
All of those years on dirt have really given him real seat of the pants experience. We look forward to seeing him competing in the Pro 4 Series. I think Riley’s real love is on dirt, but you can see his ability behind the wheel no matter what he is driving. One of his attributes is always to try to be better, you never hear him come off the track upset or complaining, a real gentleman no matter what.
He works with his dad Robert to prep the car or kart and work together at the track to keep it as good as it can be. They are both attention to detail race equipment oriented and know the slightest slip up on equipment set up can cost you a race or wreck. It is not uncommon to see both of these guys double check everything on the car or kart between heats. Riley’s goals are not just to race and win, he knows that takes a lot of hard work and everyone else wants to win too!
It’s not uncommon to see him on the simulator practicing his dirt skills during off season. His dad, Robert says they are in the market for a full-size sprint car to start getting seat time in. Riley seems to be a natural behind the wheel, he is very good at reading the conditions, other drivers and is confident in his driving ability.
He has worked hard to get where he is with the amount of racing he has been involved in and looks forward to the next step with a Crate Dirt Sprint Car at Ohsweken Speedway. He knows that good equipment, properly maintained, set up and real focus are crucial to being successful. He is willing to be part of each aspect to make this goal happen.
Watch for Riley Mercer at Flamboro Speedway or Ohsweken Speedway and make it a point to come over to the pits and say hello!
