By Jim Balentine (Mercer, PA)
After a long absence since 2017 the high powered Jay’s Automotive ULMS Super Late Models Presented By United Appliances of Pittsburgh will make their highly anticipated return to Michaels Mercer Raceway Park as part of a special mid-week show on WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026 called the “Liberty Classic” paying $6,000 to win and $500 to start.
This will be the highest paying late model race in the 75 year history of the speedway. The last midweek late model show that Mercer had was the All-Star circuit of champion late models in June 1982 where the late great Hall of Famer Jim Dunn was the victor.
The high horsepower full bodied machines have always put on a great show at the tricky Mercer oval with 3 abreast racing and with the red clay drivers will be racing top to bottom all around the speedway…and with no “home track advantage” it should be an exciting show to see who can be victorious in the event. A lot of buzz has already generated regarding this event with drivers showing interest from Stateline , Eriez, Hummingbird, Marion Center, Wayne county, Attica and some outside the area drivers as well.
The ULMS late models will have a busy week over the Fourth of July as they will be competing in numerous high paying events and a star studded field is expected to come to Mercer. And with it being a midweek show, it may be the largest field of late models ever in Mercer history.
Jon Lee was the winner of last years unsanctioned “Chiller Thriller” and Dave Hess Jr. won the last ULMS super lm feature in April of 2017. Russell King took the win in 2016. Gregg Satterlee-‘14, Rob Blair-‘13, and Mike Knight have been the more recent winners.
Other Late Model drivers capturing wins at Mercer since 1994 are Dave Scott-3; Keith Barbara -2; Alan Dellinger -2; Dick Barton -1; John mollick -1; Nick Jones-1. The division also ran weekly for one season in 1974 when both Canfield and Butler Speedway closed with Ralph Quarterson the lone champion.
Liberty Classic Purse: July 1, 2026
[1.] $6,000.00 [2.] $2,000.00 [3.] $1,500.00 [4.] $1,200.00 [5.] $1,150.00 [6.] $1,100.00 [7.] $1,075.00 [8.] $1,050.00 [9.] $1,025.00[10.] $1,000.00 [11.] $700.00 [12.] $650.00 [13.] $600.00 [14.] $550.00 [15-17.] $525.00 [18-24.] $500.00
Tow Money: $100.00
2026 United Late Model Series Tire Rule:
Hoosier Racing Tire:
LF. RF, LR: 90.00/11.00-15 NLMT 2, NLMT 3
RR: 92.00/11.00-15 NLMT 2.25 , NLMT 3, NLMT 4
American Racer Tire:
LF, RF, LR: 88.00/11.00-15BT SD44 , SD48
RR: 92.00/11.00-15BT SD48, Pro2, Pro4
For more information on Mercer or potential sponsorship opportunities please visit our new 75TH anniversary Facebook page or our website: www.MichaelsMercerraceway.com. You can also contact our promoter Mike Mathieson at (724) 977-9956 or on Facebook messenger.
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