Susquehanna 500 mini-Indy begins today

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Opening ceremonies begin shortly after noon today for the 12th annual Susquehanna 500 Mini Indy, with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross and its many programs, a key race organizer said.

Volunteers have spent two days and nights preparing the race course through tree-lined Brandon Park, so the 21-sponsored race teams can compete for bragging rights, trophies and raise money that goes directly for programs provided by the North Central Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"Where else can you bring your family, support the Red Cross, spend a day in the park and it not cost a dime unless you eat?" asked Kathy Stine, the deputy director of the chapter, who was setting up tires Friday afternoon to create the course perimeter. Opening ceremonies begin at the start-finish line at the parking lot near the bandshell, but spectators may view the racing from any vantage point along the course, she said.

In opening ceremonies, fans can expect to hear a presentation of the Star Spangled Banner followed by a prayer of invocation to ask for safety of drivers and spectators by Redemption Racing.

The actual racing heats begin about 1:45 p.m., she said. The teams arrive earlier in the morning and begin practice runs after meeting for a final time with race official volunteers. Practice is expected to take about 20 minutes for each group.

Racing heats for the stock and modified divisions are each 20 laps.

"It should be a nice afternoon of racing," Stine said.

Temperatures both days are expected to be in the 70s, according to the National Weather Service in State College. After fog burns off in the morning, the racing conditions should not cause drivers or those viewing them any problems.

On Sunday, the racing begins about 9:30 a.m., with stock and modified features. Once again, drivers will be racing 20 laps, Stine said.

At noon, the consolation race takes place for those teams that do not qualify for the championship. Then, the stock championship begins followed by the modified car championship and the hardship race, for teams that had an unexpected mechanical failure or accident causing them to not be able to continue, Stine said.

The awards ceremony is slated to begin at 2:30 p.m. or shortly afterward, she said.

Spectators may view the races from wherever they choose, Stine said. The city is providing some bleachers and it is suggested that race fans bring lawn chairs.

"We appreciate everyone's support," she said.

The following are the 21 teams to compete in the Susquehanna 500 Mini Indy as provided by the American Red Cross:

Stock Division:

AM Metal Specialties

Alan Cable

D.L. Thompson LOCAL

Schon Brothers

Susquehanna Bank

Woodland Bank

Schon Brothers (separate entry)

Winner Carpet One

Williamsport School District

Burger King

M&T Bank

Jersey Shore State Bank,

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Professional Petroleum Professional Petroleum

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.

PMF Industries

Redemption Racing

Modified Division:

AM Metal Specialities

Alcan Cable

Parente Randolph

Last year's winners:

First Place: AM Metal Specialties

Second Place: Burger King/Price Optical

Third Place: Professional Petroleum Services Company

Fourth Place: McDonald's

Second Place: Penn College

Third Place: Primus Technologies

Fourth Place: Alcan Cable

Consolation Race:

First Place: D.L. Thompson LLC

Second Place: Redemption Racing

Third Place: Penndot Racing Team

Fourth Place: Schon Brothers Hardware

Hardship Race:

First Place: Williamsport School District

Second Place: Schon Brothers/ Susquehanna Bank

Third Place: Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.

Fourth Place: Pennsylvania College of Technology Mexican Team