Just as with the major stick and ball sports, a local weekly racer’s statistics are governed by their performance. Under the watchful eye of his race team and crew members, 15-year-old freshman Late Model stock car driver Jacob Mercer had recorded back-to-back 4th place finishes in the first two feature events of his career. Saturday, July 2nd, the talented youngster took his game up a couple of notches, finishing 2nd in the 20 lap headliner at Peterborough Speedway.

Earlier in the night, Mercer added another accomplishment to his debut season, after claiming the win in the night’s first Late Model qualifying event. After working to develop his talents and experience in race traffic but starting at the rear of the field, the driver of the No. 81 machine is now taking the green flag from his draw position. He admits there is still a lot to learn but says he’s starting to understand more and more about the car.

“Feedback has always been an important aspect about this sport,” said Jacob Mercer. “Dad and the crew make changes based on what they think the car is doing but I’m the one who has to let them know what I’m feeling from the driver’s seat and how it has responded to what they’re doing. I’m a rookie at this level, so I’m lucky to have so many people help me out when we’re at the track.”

The driver says another part of the feedback he’s been experiencing is the comments and messages the team has been receiving. Many of the sponsors on the car backed his father during his career and he’s proud to continue that partnership. He’s also excited about the support he’s receiving in the community. Friends of his parents have posted positive comments on the team’s social media site and offered encouragement at the track. A recent post about the team on the Port Hope Canada Facebook page was liked by 165 people and shared 43 times.

The team will be part of the Peterborough Speedway weekly racing program Saturday, July 9th and Saturday, July 16th. Family, friends and fans can follow the team by liking the 81 Mercer Motorsports page at www.facebook.com or look to www.81mercermotorsports.com.

Port Hope, Ontario’s Jacob Mercer recorded his first qualifying heat race win and a career best runner-up finish in the Late Model feature event – Saturday, July 2nd – at Peterborough Speedway.

Source/Photo: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media