(Stafford Springs, CT)---For Pro-4 Modified driver Stan Mertz, 2012 was supposed to be a season of retirement from racing.  But Mertz’s plans for retirement haven’t quite panned out the way he had planned as he has remained busy driving in the Pro-4 Modified ranks as well as fund raising for the CARQUEST Champions For Charities race that will take place this Saturday at Stafford.

In addition to his fund raising duties to benefit the Connecticut chapter of Autism Speaks, Mertz will be behind the wheel of the #40 Pro-4 Modified that is owned by Mark Charette.

“I planned on retiring from racing and being a fan this year, but it hasn’t quite worked out yet,” said Mertz.  “I’ve gone camping once this summer so far, the rest of the time has been spent racing.  I’ve ran two races in the #34 car owned by Mark Giordano and Mark Charette asked me if I would get in his car for this weekend at Stafford.  One thing for sure is I’m having a lot more fun racing for others than I was having as an owner/driver.”

While Mertz has enjoyed top-7 finishes in both of his Pro-4 Modified starts this season, he says that he doesn’t expect to extend his top-7 finish streak at Stafford.

“The 40 car is an older Pro-4 Modified, so it’s a bit underpowered compared to the rest of the field,” said Mertz.  “I’m probably looking at a mid-pack finish, but that isn’t as important to me as going out and having a lot of fun.”

Racing hasn’t been the only thing keeping Mertz busy this year.  As part of the CARQUEST Champions For Charities field, Mertz has been busy coming up with unique ideas to raise money for his selected charity, the Connecticut chapter of Autism Speaks.  Mertz created a coloring book as well as a koozie that he has been selling at Stafford with all proceeds going towards his donation total for Autism Speaks.  Mertz will be at Stafford again this Friday night with his coloring books and koozies on offer, as well as an oil painting of Jimmie Johnson provided by Lisa Berard that Mertz will be auctioning off to the highest bidder.  Fans can see a photo of the painting on Mertz’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/stan.mertz.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as we can in the last few remaining minutes,” said Mertz.  “I’ll be bringing all the remaining coloring books that we have left along with the koozies we had made up to the track this Friday.  We’ll also have a Jimmie Johnson oil painting up for auction, and the painting is really beautiful, the photo on my Facebook page really doesn’t do it justice.  I’ve also been overwhelmed with the response I’ve gotten from weekly racers who want to help with my fund raising.  Derek Robbie Motorsports, the #27 Pro-4 Modified team, has been contributing, and Kris Fluckiger has been donating his DARE Stock winnings to help me raise money for Autism Speaks.  I told Kris that I would match whatever his winnings are this Friday to double his contribution.”

In addition to his fund raising efforts, Mertz has also been busy losing weight in preparation for his stint in the 15-lap Senior Outlaw Wild Thing Kart race.

“I’ve lost about 30 pounds since the end of February, so hopefully I’ll be able to fit a little better into the kart, and the weight difference will definitely make a difference in the handling and speed of the kart,” said Mertz.

Tickets for CARQUEST Super Saturday are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office and are priced at $33.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.  Reserved seating is priced at $35.00 for all ages.  All ticket prices include 10% CT Admission Tax.  As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information, or to order tickets to the 9th Annual CARQUEST Super Saturday event, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

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