around and being able to compete for a championship eventually hooked the veteran driver.
 
"We've had a great three or four seasons here in a row," said Mercer.  "We've won a lot of races and won the last two championships at Hickory.  Our success there doesn't leave a whole lot of goals left, so we started taking a look at other options for 2011.  Once the UARA put out their schedule, we knew that this was the best option for us and we began working with sponsors to make it happen."
 
With backing from Steele Rubber Company for the third straight year, Mercer is eyeing the prize of becoming a UARA-STARS Series champion in just what will technically be his rookie season on the tour.  Mercer, however won't be able to contend for the Rookie of the Year honors due to his Hickory success.  Mercer will however face new challenges of seeing different race tracks every week and not competing for a track title.
 
"This is going to be different, but we're pretty excited about this opportunity," continued Mercer.  "After racing every weekend at the same track, I'm looking forward to racing somewhere new almost every weekend."
 
Most drivers who would be stepping up to a touring series from racing weekly at one track would be facing a huge up hill battle, but Mercer has a secret weapon which shortens his learning curve.  Mercer's brother and crew chief, David Mercer has been working with other drivers at various tracks throughout the region and brings a wealth of setup knowledge to the table.
 
"David's(Mercer) been working with drivers for a while on the tour and at many of the weekly tracks that the UARA goes to.  He's already got setups for many of the tracks and he's had a lot of success around the region working with many different drivers.  We'll have a great baseline setup and will be able to tweak the setups to my driving style once we get to the track."
 
Another advantage for Mercer will be that the UARA-STARS Series opens their 2011 season at his home track of Hickory Motor Speedway.  Mercer will certainly have a great setup heading into the season opening race and will be able to get his season started off on the right foot.
 
"I'm excited about starting off at Hickory," concluded Mercer.  "We've definitely got a great setup there and I think we'll be able to get our season off to a solid start."
 
Mercer Racing is supported by Steele Rubber Products, LP Gear, Reliable Fire and Safety, Mercer Race Car Engineering, Phantom Racing Products, WP Racing Shocks, Harrington Race Engines, Draco Springs, RACE22.com, Dirt Wrap, Continental Cabinents Inc., Race Com, Five Star Race Car Bodies, and Ultra-Pro Synthetics.
 
Mercer will be testing in the next few weeks at Hickory in anticipation of the March 12, 2011 season opening race as he makes his UARA-STARS Series debut.  To stay up to date with Mercer Racing please visit their website at www.MercerRacing.com or contact RACE22.com Driver Management at (276) 613-4208.
 
About Steele Rubber Products
Steele Rubber Products is located in Denver, North Carolina. Our company manufactures and provides only the highest quality rubber parts and weatherstripping for classic cars, trucks and street rods. Steele was founded on a simple philosophy; it is less costly to “do it right the first time” than to buy inferior products that won’t stand up over time or meet our customer’s high expectations. For more visit www.steelerubber.com or www.springrubber.com
 
About Reliable Fire & Safety
Based in Gastonia, NC, Reliable Fire & Safety offers fire extinguisher sales and sevice, restaurant and industrial fire suppression systems, as well as emergency light testing and repair. View the full line of safety supplies and services at www.ReliableFireandSafety.com