Ryder Memorial for BRP Modifieds next for Michaels Mercer Raceway
3 min read
By Jim Balentine
(Mercer,Pa)
After three cancellations for the year..Michaels mercer raceway will try for season opener number 4 with the Rick and Bob Ryder memorial for big/small block modifieds paying $4018 to win and $418 to start plus many contingencies making the total amount over $27,000!!!
The Racesaver 305 sprints, FASTRAK crate modifieds, and the mini stocks will also be on the card for their first point night.
Rick Ryder was a former modified driver that raced in all modified classes at Michaels Mercer Raceway. He had scored two feature wins in his career before retiring and becoming a car owner. The cars that he helped and owned, went on to win multiple features and a track championship at his favorite track, Michaels Mercer, Raceway. In May of 2022 Rick passed away from heart complications, and 8 months later his son “Big” Bob Ryder was lost to heart complications. Both were always available to lend a hand in the pits to other drivers, or to give insights on ways to improve their racing
A group decided that the best way to keep their memories alive and their passion for racing and the modifieds is to have the biggest race in the area in their honor so Shayne Izzo and Nathan Roddy sat down and discussed the way to honor these two fine men, and the Ryder memorial was created. Last year
“Money” Matt Williamson won a thriller over Eric Gabany who came from 7th to finish 2nd. Garrett Krummert, Rex King Jr. and Will Thomas rounded out the top 5. Williamson said in Victory Lane how anytime he turns down onto I 79, He knows he’s going to have fun because of the camaraderie of the Western Pennsylvania big block modified circuit and how many friends he has here.
The format and modified rule book will follow the BRP Tour/Michaels Mercer Raceway rules. After a pill draw for the heats the top qualifying cars will redraw for the starting positions in the feature. A dash will be run to set the next batch of cars for the feature for 13th-20th place. The remainder of the field is to be determined on the amount of cars present.
All drivers must have raceivers working and use the red ambit transponder system. Every driver must complete a registration form for every car and bring that with them with the fee to the pit shack when they sign in. The form is available online.
Hot laps 6 pm
racing at 7 pm
pits open 4pm
grandstands 5pm.
Concessions will be open but outside food and drink are permitted inside. Coolers must fit between the bleachers with no glass. Alcohol is permitted. Lawn chair seating is permitted in the grassy area by the fence. We are a cash or credit card facility at all ticket booths and concessions.
For more information on Mercer please visit our Facebook page or our website: www.MichaelsMercerracewaydotcom You can also contact the track at 724-662-1310 or on Facebook messenger.
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