Release Prepared by: RACE22.com
Photo by: Lori Hopper/MyTrackPhotos.com

Gastonia, NC(April 13, 2010) -- Two weeks removed from being collected in a big wreck on the back stretch at Hickory Motor Speedway, Andy Mercer and his team hustled to get a car that hasn't been raced since last season's finale at Tri-County back race ready and took that particular Pistone LTO Chassis to victory lane for the 23rd time.

The day started with a return to form for Mercer as he clicked off a 15.175 second lap in qualifying to secure the pole position with the fastest lap of the season. But, misfortune reared its head once again as the team found a break in the power steering line and rushed to get it fixed before the race.

At the start of the race, Mercer was beat for the lead by outside pole sitter Kyle Mansch but it only took five laps for Mercer to pull underneath Mansch and challenge him for the top spot. The two then proceeded to drive side by side for 35 laps all the while putting distance between themselves and the rest of the field.

Mercer laid sole claim to the lead with 10 laps to go in the race and proceeded to charge to almost a full straightaway distance over second place Mansch. Mercer then cruised on for the remaining laps of the caution free 50 lap Late Model Stock feature.

"The car was very fast, just a little free, but fast," said Mercer. "It was a fun race, Kyle(Mansch) made me work for it he kept me pinched down but it was a clean race." Mercer went on to say, "We have had bad luck this year not of our doing but we got it turned around on Saturday."