Story By: JIM CLARKE / MERCER MOTORSPORTS – PORT HOPE, ONT – Local racers are a dedicated, hard-working group. With family and friends volunteering their time to help behind the scenes, teams do everything possible to make sure they’re ready for next night of action.
Heading into his 3rd schedule in the Late Model division at Peterborough Speedway, Jacob Mercer has his sights set on a strong 2024 season.
In his first start of the year – Saturday, May 18th – the Port Hope, Ontario high schooler picked-up a 3rd place effort in his opening round of qualifying and scored a win in the next preliminary round. That showing would put the driver of the No. 81 machine on the outside of the front row for the 25-lap feature event.
“The crew and I were able to come up with a decent set-up after running the pre-race practice sessions,” explained the young, 3rd generation speedster. “We’re up against some competition every week and the team never stops working to make sure the car is ready for battle every time we hit the track.”
Peterborough Speedway’s outside groove has a reputation as one of the toughest racing lines in the business and at the drop of the green flag, Jacob Mercer logged some consistent laps while waiting for an opening in the lower lane. Once there, he set-off in pursuit of the race leaders using a strong car that had turned some of the fastest laps of the night in practice and his heat races.
Close to the end of the main event, the 3 cars at the front of the field came together as they exited the 2nd turn. Mercer steered clear of the incident and would restart as the leader in a green, white checkered showdown. The car broke loose coming back up to speed, dropping him to the runner up spot at the checkered flag.
Next on the schedule for the team is Saturday, June 1st.