He may have started a little later than the rest of the field, but Bryan Mercer has shown no ill effects from his brief sabbatical. The 42 year old second generation racer from Port Hope, Ontario has logged some excellent runs in the Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model division at Canada’s Toughest 3^rd of a Mile Paved Oval.

“I haven’t been able to get out as often as I would’ve liked over the past couple of seasons,” admitted Mercer, who has been coaching his son’s go kart racing efforts. “The goal is to finish the current agenda, then get everything together during the winter to run a full schedule in 2016.”

Even with a limited schedule, Bryan Mercer’s #81 Chevrolet SS picked-up a second and third place finish in the night’s qualifying heats and took the feature race checkered flag in 7^th spot during the Saturday, August 15^th program. At the Chase for the Colours Pole qualifier – Saturday, August 22^nd – the team won the night’s first qualifier and finished 3^rd in the next preliminary round. Coming from 6^th in the 50 lap main event, Mercer – who works as a Service Advisor at Quantrill Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac – scored a solid second place effort. Although he was behind the wheel, the driver is quick to praise the team effort that has helped produce the overall results.

“The car was tight during the practice sessions, but the crew said we were actually quicker on the watch than we’d been the week before,” said Mercer. “We were able to make a few adjustments before the night’s first green flag and they really paid off. The car was fast and although it wasn’t perfect, we were able to put together a solid run. I had to restart on the outside line a couple of times during the feature, but managed to find a spot to get back to the bottom groove. There were a few battle scars, like you’d expect any time you’re running 50 laps in close quarters, but it was a great night and a real boost of confidence for what we’re working toward.”

Bryan Mercer’s 2015 schedule continues Saturday, August 29^th and Saturday, September 5^th. The team will also participate in the 23^rd Annual Autumn Colours Classic – October 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th – at Peterborough Speedway. For his late season charge, Mercer is pleased to have the support of long-time sponsors Sine’s Flooring, Durmach Tooling, Cressman Tree Maintenance, Beyond Signs & Design and UAP Napa Auto Parts -Port Hope back in the fold. The team has also welcomed new marketing partners Facility Services and Wakely Disposal. Team media and publicity services are provided by Clarke Motorsports Communications.