Spring is here, and for many of us that means racing season is upon us.

First up this Saturday, Michaels Mercer Raceway will feature FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint cars. A great field of cars is expected as two regional tracks will not be racing Sprints to allow Mercer a great field of cars. Support divisions will include 305 Sprints, crate modifieds and mini stocks. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7.

Next up, “The Grand Old Lady of Racing” Sharon Speedway will swing open the gates on Saturday, May 11. Since 1931, the Hartford oval has hosted auto racing. The season kicks off the 95th anniversary with Super Series for 410 Sprints paying a minimum of $4,000 to win and 400 to start . RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, Pro Stocks and Econ Mods will join the program. Gates open at 5 with racing at 7.

Then the following Saturday, May 18, the World of Outlaws tour will be riding into town for $12,000 to win the”Greatest Show on Dirt.” Pro Stocks will also be on hand. Gates open at 4 p.m. with racing at 7:30. Why isn’t this place on the NationalHistorical Society registry? With 95 years of racing, it’s one of the oldest tracks in the country.

Lernerville Speedway, the action track located just south of Butler, Pa., on state route 356 races every Friday night and is one of the only tracks in the country to feature the top three divisions of dirt racing weekly. Sprint cars, Late Models and Big Block Mods have already gotten races in this year. Many special events will take place throughout the season. Racing starts at 7:30.

Tri-City Raceway Park, a big half-mile dirt oval located in Franklin, Pa., on Rt. 417, has new owners. Josh and Kyrsten are the new owners. A lot of improvements have been done, and owners say you will see new things each and every time you visit the track. Opening day is this Sunday for the FAST on Dirt 410 Sprint cars for the Sunday Thunder program.

These are just four of the many speedways in our region. Racing on TV can be very good, but not as good as live. Feel the power, the grandstands shake, the smell of racing fuel and the excitement in the air. Grassroots racing is bigger than ever. Come support your local race track.