Jacob Mercer Finishes 4th in His Peterborough Speedway Late Model Debut
There is a bright, new star in the headline Late Model division at Peterborough Speedway. 15-year-old Jacob Mercer is a 3rd generation racer at the popular venue known Canada’s Toughest 3rd Mile Oval.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Ron and his father Bryan, the talented youngster has advanced from the karting ranks and taken over the controls of the family-owned No. 81 Late Model for the 2022 schedule. Saturday, June 4th he made his first-ever stock car racing start and after starting at the tail-end of the field, finished 4th in the night’s 25-lap main event. The Port Hope High School student says he appreciates the opportunity he’s been given but understands there is still a lot he has to learn.
“This an incredible experience and I can’t wait until our next race,” explained Jacob Mercer. “Being in the racecar is quite an adjustment from the kart. I can’t believe how warm it gets in the car but like everything else, I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”
Mercer – who works part-time at Sine’s Flooring and Port Hope Rent-All Centre – says he welcomes the support and encouragement he receives from his Mom and Dad and crew members Scott Robinson, Phil Winter, Glen Pearce, Dave Elziuk, Sue Dennis and his Grammie. While he hasn’t set any immediate goals for his transition from go karts to racing the family owned Late Model machine.
“I know it might take me a while to get up to speed. That’s why I’m starting at the back of the pack for now,” said the young driver. “Everyone associated with our team has been so patient with me. As I get more comfortable with the car and gain some additional knowledge on its speed and handling, I’ll be a little more relaxed behind the wheel.”
Jacob Mercer’s No. 81 Peterborough Speedway Late Model is proudly supported by Sine’s Flooring, Durmach Precision Tooling, Facility Services, Courtice Septic, Kawartha Metals, Office Line, Cressman Tree Maintenance, Beyond Signs & Design, Mediavandals, Lynch, Rutherford, Tozer Certified Accountants, Richter Law, Press Any Key Computer Solutions, Quantrill Chev Buick GMC Cadillac, Ross Funeral Home, M&M Food Market – Port Hope, Doner Custom Carpentry, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Cliffshore Excavating and Clarke Motorsports Communications.
Family, friends and fans can see Jacob Mercer in his next scheduled start – Saturday, June 25th – at Peterborough Speedway.
