Port Hope, ON (July 05, 2017)- At most short track events, starting at the front of the pack would be considered an advantage. Taking the green flag for the 60 lap Organics & Glass Late Model feature run Sunday, July 2 at Peterborough Speedway’s Chase for the Colours event from the outside pole didn’t make any friends with Bryan Mercer. As hard as he tried, the second-generation racer from Port Hope, Ontario, who recently celebrated his 44th birthday, just couldn’t get his car to hook-up on the top side of the track.
From the drop of the green flag, the lower line proved to be the quick way around the venue known as Canada’s Toughest 1/3-Paved Oval. While he kept his focus on the front of the field, with occasional glances in the rear-view mirror, Bryan Mercer was also processing information from his spotter, who was looking for an opening that help the #81 Chevrolet SS get to the preferred racing groove. By the time that opportunity presented itself, he had dropped to fifth place in the running order.
“Dayton Crombie always does a great job,” Mercer said. “Before the race got started, the crew and I talked about where we’d be starting and how to get to where we needed to be. It was a 60-lap race and there was no way to win it on the first lap…or even the 31st. Patience was going to be the key to getting the car to the checkered flag in one piece.”
As if the stress of looking for a spot in the lower groove wasn’t enough, Bryan Mercer had his window net come unfastened on the second lap of the race, forcing him to keep the car under control and drive with just one hand until the show’s first caution flag.
After running a limited schedule over the last couple of years, Mercer says he’s getting comfortable with his return to regular action at Canada’s Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval, where he currently sits in third spot in the Late Model point standings.
“The car has felt great so far and with the right mix of speed and racing luck, I’m pretty sure that our first main event win of the year is just around the corner.”
For the 2017 season, Bryan Mercer’s program is supported by Sine’s Flooring, Durmach Tooling, Beyond Signs & Design, Cressman Tree Service, Glass One Autoglass, Facility Services, National Shunt Services, MASS Environmental, Everwood Property Maintenance, Murray O’Brien – Re/Max, Eric’s Auto Body and Pioneer Gas Bar – Port Hope. Clarke Motorsports Communications provides media and public relations services for the #81 Late Model team.
Bryan Mercer returns to action at the year’s second Summer Toonie Night, with $2.00 spectator grandstand admission and a Fan Appreciation Autograph session – Saturday, July 8th – at Peterborough Speedway. Follow the team behind the scenes and at the track by liking the Mercer Motorsports page at www.facebook.com.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports
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