Mercer Raceway Park FASTRAK Opener to Blair

April 3, 2010 (Mercer, PA)

Defending track champion and 2008 FASTRAK National Weekly Series Champion Max Blair started off the 2010 season right by winning the 20-lap 4 Your Car Connection Late Model feature event. “This is the nicest this track has ever been,” expressed the 20-year-old Centerville, Pa. driver. “It’s gorgeous and smooth. There were a lot of wrecks, but that’s just part of racing. It’s early and everyone’s hungry. This is my sixth year racing and I’ve never won the first race of the season and this is completely 100% for my grandma, who passed away a little over a year ago.”

Making his FASTRAK debut, Kevin Decker jumped out to the early lead. Fifth and sixth starting John Lacki and Blair advanced to second and third on lap two. Blair dove under Lacki on lap four to take the second spot. Blair was right on Decker on lap five and had just made the pass when the caution was displayed for Mike Anderson, Jr.

When racing resumed, Blair and Shane Bambarger both passed Decker for the top two spots. Another E-Mod driver making his FASTRAK debut was Justin Tatlow, who had worked his way from eighth to third and was challenging Bambarger for second when the two tangled on the backstretch with 13 laps completed.

The accident moved 14th starting Kyle Zimmerman to second. The last seven laps went caution-free as Blair raced on to his all-time division leading eighth career win in his #111, which was worth $600 with 23 cars on hand. Zimmerman’s second was his best ever at Mercer. Mike Blose was third. Bud Watson came from the back after an early race accident to place fourth over Decker. Lacki came from the back after an accident on lap seven to finish sixth over 2009 Western PA Rookie-of-the-Year Joe Martin. Jason Fosnaught, Shawn Schaltenbrand, and Bryan Force were seventh through tenth. Topping the heats were Bryan Force, Blair, and Chris Force.

Max Blair’s #111 is sponsored by Bossard’s Sales & Service, Specialty Products, Chelby’s Tanning & Hair Garage, Moody & Son Welding, MWB Graphics & Web Designs, and the Intent.  Product Sponsors include Dano Badass Paints, Simpson Race Products, Genesis Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire, Rocket Chassis, Race-1, and Slavic Custom Shirts & Decals.