06/13/2025
Carol Gamble’s Butler Eagle's Race Column, June 12, 2025a
Western Pennsylvania Racing Faces Stormy Start to 2025 Season
Western Pennsylvania’s racing season has been riddled with rain, with showers and thunderstorms washing out numerous events across the region. Lernerville Speedway in Sarver has been especially hard-hit, but track manager Greg Geibel remains hopeful. “Mother Nature is getting all the rain out of her system now so that the track can have one of the biggest and best ‘Firecracker Late Model Week’ ever,” said Geibel, referring to the marquee event scheduled for June 17–21.
Ironically, this year is reminiscent of 1979 when Don Martin’s Lernerville held just 12 races due to persistent rain. That season saw a rare feat as “Mister Invitational” Bob Wearing Sr. swept all the Super Late Model events.
Despite a soggy start, the Mid-Season Championships are slated for this Friday, the 13th rare occasion given Lernerville has only managed two Friday night shows so far in 2025.
Super Late Models: A Wild Opening
Only one Super Late Model feature has been completed, and it was a barnburner. Six-time champion Alex Ferree and Logan Zarin appeared headed for a showdown before contact with Michael Norris dashed Ferree’s hopes. Zarin and Norris then banged wheels to the checkered flag, allowing veteran Ken Schaltenbrand to sneak by both on the inside for the win. Schaltenbrand leads the standings by two points over Zarin and five over Jared Miley, now driving for Joe Corrado.
Sprint Standouts Shine Early
National star Parker-Price Miller and 2024 FAST Sprint Champion Brandon Spithaler have picked up wins, but consistency crowns champions. Veteran Carl Bowser leads the point standings by four over defending eight-time champ AJ Flick and 13 over 17-year-old Jacob Begenwald of Freeport High School. Begenwald’s rapid rise has caught the attention of fans and fellow drivers alike.
Modified Madness and Tight Points
The Big Block Modifieds have run twice. Canadian ace Mat Williamson claimed victories on both a Friday and a Sunday, while Rex King Jr. secured the opener. King holds a one-point edge over reigning champ Garrett Krummert, with seasoned racer Dave Murdick three points behind in third.
Pro-Stock Parity
In Pro-Stock action, Curt J. Bish and Tyler Schneider have each found the victory lane. With 2024 champ Christian Schneider moving to Crate Late Models, the title chase is wide open. Cody Koteles leads the division by seven points over Schneider and by ten over Chris Schneider, setting up a close three-way race.
All-Time Division Records
Notable single-season win records include:
Sprints: Ralph Quarterson – 13 (1969), Lou Blaney – 10 (1977), Ed Lynch Jr. – 10 (2004)
Big Block Modifieds: Blackie Watt – 14 (1974), Bob Wearing Sr. – 10 (1987)
Super Late Models: Bob Wearing Sr. – 13 (1981)
Pure/Street Stocks: Rick Strong – 12 (1980), Bruce Milbert – 11 (1997)
Semi-Lates: Tom Phillips – 11 (1983), Terry Rosenberger – 10 (1988)
Six-Cylinder Modifieds: Tommy Kristyak – 15 (1981), Lou Gentile – 13 (1987)
Sharon Speedway Escapes the Storm
Sharon Speedway managed to run last Saturday despite threatening weather. Teen phenom Jacob Begenwald set fast time among 22 Sprint Cars but finished second to 61-year-old veteran Dale Blaney, who is piloting a car for his brother, former NASCAR driver Dave Blaney.
The night took a frightening turn on lap 22 when Carl Bowser and Ricky Peterson collided on the front stretch while fighting for fifth. Brandon Matus, with nowhere to go, slammed into Bowser’s car, which was left facing the infield. Fortunately, all drivers walked away. “This was the hardest hit I ever had,” Bowser later said.
Track News and Notes:
Knox Speedway remains up for sale, listed at $450,000, and will operate on an abbreviated schedule.
Eldora Speedway hosted its 31st Lucas Oil Super Late Model Dream last weekend. Jonathan Davenport won the $100,000 payday over Bobby Pierce, marking his fourth Dream victory and third straight. Davenport is entered in Lernerville’s Firecracker 100. He trails Ricky Thornton Jr., the 2024 Lernerville Firecracker winner, by 15 points in the standings.
The Future Has Arrived: Logan Lockhart At just 14 years old, Logan Lockhart is already making waves on dirt tracks. While not yet eligible for a driver’s license, he’s taken on Crate Late Models, debuting at Eriez Speedway in a RUSH Touring event. Although he missed the feature, he rebounded by winning the non-qualifiers race.
Logan’s father, Joe Lockhart, owns the cars, while veteran Russ King prepares both the Crate Late Model and Crate Modified. Logan has also tested a RUSH Sprint and a 410 Sprint at Mercer Raceway. He continues to compete in Go-Karts at the family-owned Lockhart Raceway, building what already looks like a promising racing résumé.
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Up Next: Lernerville Speedway's Mid-Season Championships this Friday and the highly anticipated Firecracker Late Model Week starting June 17. Despite the rain, the region’s racing scene is heating up.
