MODIFIED TOUR DISTRIBUTES RECORD BOUNTY, NEW PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED
The BRP/Hoosier Tires Modified Tour closed out the 2009 season if fine style Saturday, January 30, at Big Daddy’s Speed Center in Grove City, PA. The Modified Tour distributed over $42,000, a record amount in cash and contingency awards, to the top 25 racers participating in the regional series. In addition, Ray Baselj, Modified Tour President, publicly announced a transition in the leadership of the non-profit sanctioning body.
Rex King, Sr., claimed the largest share of the loot for his third Modified Tour point championship. Coming off season-ending surgery, few would have predicted that the veteran from Bristolville, OH would enjoy as much success as he did in 2009. However, King Sr. blasted from ninth to a heat race win on opening night at Mercer Raceway Park and it was Game ON! He cruised to an easy feature win that night, his first of two on the season. However, he had to overcome some gremlins in the engine room midseason and fight back to regain the points lead. Runner-up Del Rougeux, Jr. and third place Dave Murdick each took their turns leading the points chase while King Sr. had his slump. However, King Sr. scored a fifth place finish in the finale at Lernerville Speedway to nail down the title by a mere five points.
BANQUET PLANS CONFIRMED; SCHEDULE IN PROGRESS
The Board of the Modified Tour, Inc. met Wednesday to finalize plans for the 2009 Banquet and Awards Ceremonies and to discuss the schedule for the 2010 season.
The BRP/Hoosier Tire Modified Tour will close the books on the 2009 season on Jnauary 30. The Banquet and Award Ceremonies will be held at Big Daddy’s Speed Center, 139 Gasper Road, Grove City, PA. Once again, the event will be a covered dish social, and guests are asked to bring an entre and a side dish or desert. “It will be a festive affair, as usual,” said President Ray Baselj. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to 724-458-6465 to ensure that sufficient tables and seating are in place. The fun will start at 6:00 p.m.
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BENEFIT DINNER TO BE HELD FOR BILL & JUDY BECK FEBRUARY 6 AT NORMANDY BANQUET CENTER
By Mike Leone
December 30, 2009
Mercer, PA…A benefit spaghetti dinner will be held for Bill and Judy Beck on Saturday, February 6 at the Normandy Banquet Center/Hickory VFW in Hermitage, Pa. The $10 dinner will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with proceeds benefiting the Beck Family. (This date replaces the previously announced January 30 date due to a couple conflicts.)
Throughout the fall and early winter, Judy Beck has been hospitalized at Sharon General Hospital with back surgery then recently with additional complications. Her husband Bill has been at her bedside throughout this time. Bill has been the longtime welder and chaplain at Mercer Raceway Park and has recently been part of the Motor Racing Outreach Ministries through which he serves the western Pa./eastern Ohio racing community.
“Bill has certainly been an important part of the racing family at not only Mercer, but several other surrounding speedways including Lernerville, Tri-City, and Sharon Speedways,” stated Mercer owner Vicki Emig. “As we all know he has been there for all of us throughout our personal struggles and I know that there are hundreds of people out there who would want to support him during this difficult time. This will be a great way to bring everyone together to help him with the astronomical costs that they have incurred during Judy’s illness.”
Advance tickets are now available by sending a check or money order for $10 per meal to Mercer Raceway Park at 4368 US 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. There will be a January 26 deadline for ticket orders. Note: A cash bar will also be available.
Anyone wishing to help organize this event is asked to contact the Mercer Raceway Park office at 724-964-9300 or e-mail to webmaster@mercerracewaypark.com. A Chinese Auction will also take place and a minimum of six volunteers for this project is also needed. If anyone would like to donate an item to the auction, they can also contact the Mercer office. Donations for desserts (pies, cookies, cakes, etc.) are also needed.
The Normandy Banquet Center, which is also the Hickory VFW Post 6166, is located on Route 62 just two miles east of Route 18 at 5550 East State Street, Hermitage, Pa.
Mercer Raceway Park is a 3/8-mile dirt track 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 weekly late March through October. The office in New Bedford, Pa. is open year-round late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. Go to www.twitter.com/mercerraceway or Mercer Raceway Park on facebook.com to stay up to date. Text the word “MERCER” to 29222 for race event and special family and discounted promotions.