Jacob Mercer Looks to Build on his First Runner-up Finish of 2023
Local weekly racing can be a pressure-packed environment. Teams are showcasing their talents in front of an audience comprised of family and friends, while looking for the consistency that can only come through preparation and strong finishes.
After scoring a solid 2nd place finish Saturday, July 1st, Jacob Mercer is looking forward to getting back to the track in his No. 81 Late Model ride at Peterborough Speedway. The 16-year-old 3rd generation racer from Port Hope, Ontario – who was 2nd in the final 2022 Late Model point standings – is confident that his equipment will be ready to roll whenever the green flag waves.
“With a crash on opening night after getting caught-up in someone else’s mess, followed by broken caliper bracket and issues with shocks, the season didn’t start the way our team had hoped. I think we’ve turned the corner and there will be better days ahead,” said the talented youngster, who had some excellent finishes during his rookie stock car season. “There are always things to learn about the way the car handles and changing track conditions. This year’s field has been very competitive and the crew is working hard to get best out of our piece.”
After a pair of 2023 starts, Jacob Mercer sits 7th in the point standings and is 31 markers out of the top spot in the Peterborough Speedway Late Model division. With a reputation of being a quiet, confident racer the driver is looking forward to some solid outings in the half-dozen dates that remain on this year’s schedule. The team would like to thank crew members, including Glen Pearce, Scott Robinson, Phil Winter, Dayton Crombie, Zander Turuk, Sue Dennis, along with the driver’s parents and grandmother for their ongoing support and encouragement behind the scenes and at the track.
Jacob Mercer’s 2023 season is proudly supported by Sine’s Flooring, Durmach Precision Tooling, Courtice Septic, Facility Services, Beyond Signs & Design, Mediavandals, Highland Designs by Tracy Pattison, Kawartha Metals, Richter Law, Press Any Key Solutions, Lynch Rutherford Tozer Accountants, Cressman Tree Maintenance, BJ Tackle, Wilson Niblett Performance, Ross Funeral Chapel, K9ine Security, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Cliffshore Excavating and Clarke Motorsports Communications.
Look for Jacob Mercer and the No. 81 Late Model in action at Peterborough Speedway and selected special events during the 2023 season. Follow the team at the track, through its Facebook and Twitter social media homes and at 81mercermotorsports.com.