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Young driver continues to impress

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To say Riley Mercer dominated his division this season at Little Middleton Speedway in Courtland would be an understatement.

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Winning the beginner division, the 10-year-old Brantford cart driver was almost unbeatable.

“In the 10 season races, he won eight features and, in the other two, he got second place,” said Riley’s grandfather, Ken Mercer.

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“One thing that he did this year, he really listened well to the advice of senior drivers. We got him involved with some of the senior drivers in the next class up.

“It really changed his focus.”

Riley was coming off a great season a year ago when he won a division championship at Ohsweken Speedway. His plan this season was to run at both Ohsweken and Little Middleton but the former track had no events this season because of COVID-19.

Leading into this season, a lot of work was done to get Riley’s ride ready.

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“Every year we rebuild the carts,” said Ken, who works on the cart with Riley’s dad, Bob, while Riley’s mom, Krystal, attends races to offer support.

“The engines are spec engines. They have to be torn apart and certified that there’s (no) displacement.”

With his success from a year ago, Riley went into the season with five sponsors – Norbruis Group, Hagersville Auction Centre, BCW Lumber, Strodes BBQ and Deli and Hutch’s on the Beach. up from three last year.

Ken said the first race at Little Middleton was in May and there were 11 races, including a season-ending Dash for Cash. In the one of the regular races, Riley was able to put another highlight on his resume.

“About three-quarters of the way through the season, he set a new track record,” Ken said of Riley’s clocked time of 12.417 seconds for one-eighth of a kilometre, which set a record for the beginner’s division.

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“That’s one of the neat things that happened over the year. The track has been running quite a few years so that’s quite a feat.”

Ken said Little Middleton did a good job of dealing with the safety protocols due the COVID pandemic. Except for racers, pit crews and parents, no spectators were allowed, he said.

“Any race night, it wasn’t uncommon to see 70 karts with drivers and dads and moms. Everybody respected the social distancing. I was really impressed with that.”

For the final race of the season, the Dash for Cash, there was extra incentive.

“They put money up and they didn’t know how much it was going to be for the little guys,” Ken said.

“It was only one 40-lap race. There had to have been at least six or seven cautions and (Riley) missed all of them. He was so focused and he won the Dash for Cash.

“He picked up two $100 bills and he thought that was pretty cool.”

Ken said Riley continues to improve as a driver.

“One of the reasons we stayed in the class that we were in is we wanted Riley’s driving ability to improve,” he said.

“His driving ability improved and his mental attitude changed. It was really neat to see. He was focused.”

Ken said Riley will move up a class next year. As for what happens further down the road, that will be up to Riley.

“Were going to chase him wherever he wants to go,” Ken said.

“He definitely has some seat-of-the-pants talent and some smarts with it.”

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