Wausau, WI - This Thursday State Park Speedway hosts the Budweiser/Baer's Beverage Flip Merwin Memorial 52-25 presented by Rib Mountain Liquor and Tobacco and Ciggy Shack. The race, in honor of the late snowmobile racer Flip Merwin, has grown in to a great tradition at the Wausau racetrack. "Each year since we've owned the track the Flip Merwin Memorial Race has been one of the biggest events of the year," says Owner Ron Wimmer, "Flip was a friend of our family and a great guy and it's been awesome to see the people that continue to come out to this race and remember him."

Much of the night will be surrounded by Merwin's old snowmobile number, 525. The C-Tech Super Late Model feature will consist of a 52-lap segment followed by a 25-lap segment, fans can buy two 16oz Budweiser beverages for $5.25, and the winner of the C-Tech Super Late Model feature will go home with $2,525. "Flip was one of my best friends growing up," says Owner Scott Wimmer, "It's a very special night for his family and my family and I'm just happy we've been able to make this race so great. When you can walk around the track and see 525 everywhere it's a special feeling."

Thanks to River Valley State Bank and other State Park Speedway supporters the purse for the driver's has been sweetened for this week. River Valley came on board offering a $500 bonus to the C-Tech Super Late Model Winner and to double the winnings of the support division feature drivers.

After River Valley's generosity, a few other supports came on board; DeLisle Construction, Bartelt Insurance, ESPN Radio, and Curt Keene, to make the 77-lap Super Late Model Feature $2,525 to win.

"This just goes to show the awesome sponsors and supports we have out at State Park Speedway," says Scott Wimmer, "To have companies like River Valley that want to get so involved is amazing and for us to be able to give a little more to all the drivers definitely helps out."

Fan gates open at 4:30om, Fred Mueller qualifying takes place at 6:30pm, and racing begins at 7:30pm.

COURTESY STATE PARK SPEEDWAY