At this year’s Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo in Toronto, one young racer quietly captured a lot of attention. Standing beside a striking red‑and‑white No. 88R sprint car, 16‑year‑old Riley Mercer spoke confidently with showgoers of all ages about sprint‑car racing – his sponsors, his racing journey, and what it feels like to climb into one of the sport’s most demanding machines.
Mercer, a student at Assumption College School in Brantford, is set to begin his first full season of Crate Sprint Car racing at Ohsweken Speedway this spring. Slight in build but strong in determination, he has been chasing this moment for a decade.
Riley’s racing career began at age six in the beginner class of dirt karts on Thursday nights at Ohsweken’s go‑kart track. From there, he advanced through Box Stock and eventually to the Open class, piloting karts powered by 500cc motorcycle engines. The goal was always clear – sprint cars on the big track.
That goal became reality late last season, when Mercer made his sprint‑car debut, competing in the final few races of 2025 at Ohsweken Speedway.
Over the winter, Riley and his father, Robert, worked steadily to prepare their new sprint car for competition. The No. 88R received a fresh engine and detailed preparation that exceeded required standards, with sponsorship secured and the car race‑ready for the season‑opening practice sessions.
With support from Jim Bray Trailers of Brantford – one of Riley’s key sponsors – the No. 88R was proudly displayed at the Jim Bray Trailers booth during Motorama, helping promote sprint‑car racing at Ohsweken alongside Riley’s growing list of dedicated partners.
Throughout the weekend, Mercer patiently explained the sport to veteran fans and newcomers alike, highlighting Ohsweken Speedway’s facilities, well‑run race nights, and fan‑friendly atmosphere. He spoke enthusiastically about the trams that bring fans through the pits, the variety of food options, the ultra‑clean grounds, and the meticulous track preparation.
When asked about his background, Riley explained his karting roots and spoke highly of working with personal trainer Lucas Smith, who helps him stay focused and fit on race nights. He also noted the strong camaraderie in the sport, with many of his current competitors having raced alongside him in the karting ranks.
During an interview at the show, Mercer stated that one of his goals for the 2026 season is to win a race. Yet even before the green flag drops, many would already consider him a winner. His soft‑spoken demeanor, maturity, and respect for others – on and off the track – reflect well on both his family and the racing community.
For fans who have experienced sprint‑car racing, the appeal is instantly understood – wide‑open racing, cars drifting through corners at breathtaking speed, and constant side‑by‑side competition. For those who have not, dirt‑track racing offers an edge‑of‑your‑seat thrill that few forms of motorsport can match.
When asked what driving a sprint car feels like, Riley summed it up simply: “It’s like driving wide open on ice.”
Last season, during a national event at Ohsweken Speedway, Mercer pitted beside an American race team. Like many grassroots racing encounters, friendships formed quickly, built on shared passion. Riley learned that the team’s family had been involved in racing for more than 100 years. After speaking with the driver’s father, one longtime fan realized he had watched that same racer compete in Pennsylvania during the 1980s.
Racing is very much a family affair for the Mercers. On race nights, Robert oversees the pit operations, while Riley’s mother and sister help wherever needed, including keeping the crew fed. Friends hustle to make setup changes and adjustments, and grandparents watch with pride as a dream continues to take shape.
Riley is quick to credit his sponsors for helping turn that dream into reality. He extends thanks to Ryan; The Norbruis Group; Brian from Strodes; Blackweld Welding and Fabrication; Mathaven Contracting; Callaway Water; Jim Bray Trailers; HearingLife; Brandis Kitchen; and BCW Lumber and Kitchens – all of Brantford – along with, of course, Mom and Dad.
In a world where headlines are often filled with negativity, Motorama offered something refreshing – people young and old coming together over a shared love of automobiles, racing, and craftsmanship, with that passion being passed from one generation to the next.
And despite now racing sprint cars, Riley Mercer has not forgotten where it all began. In closing, he said he hopes to continue attending Thursday‑night kart races at Ohsweken Speedway, volunteering his time to help new drivers get started.
For a young racer with big dreams, the love of racing – and the racing community – is clearly already paying dividends.
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