In the heart of Sarver, engines are roaring and excitement is in the air as the 2024 season of dirt track auto racing has kicked off Fridays at Lernerville.

With anticipation reaching a fever pitch, local racing enthusiasts are eager to see which drivers will dominate the track this season. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming talents, the competition promises to be fiercer than ever before.

Lernerville 2023 Late Model Champion and new father Mike Norris checkered his first feature of the season over Alex Ferree. Norris will be driving his family’s car #72 mainly at Lernerville and the Todd Cerrenza owned 02 in special events. He will also be chauffeuring the Nicco Dabecco #10 in various Crate Late races. Norris and #10 Late Model owner Joe Corrado have parted ways in 2024. Two- time Late Model Champion John Garvin Jr. will be his new pilot!

The “Jet” Jared Miley is back in the Late Model class. He is driving the #75 owned by Sam Deller.

Kenny Schaltenbrand was at a recent practice session and encountered motor problems. He has put a small motor in his racer since he had sold his back-up car and motor to newcomer Seneca High School senior Kodi Checketts. After being a member of Schaltenbrand’s crew, there is a string of other drivers that have followed him into racing. Nephew Levi Yetter won the 2023 Marion Center Late Model title, beating his Uncle Kenny.

Levi’s mom, Tammy Schaltenbrand Yetter said, “I knew I was coming home a winner that last night either way!” Levi is a senior at Knoch High this year, playing both golf and lacrosse. He will be at Lernerville Fridays and Marion Center Saturday. Levi’s Knoch High School long-time friend Ethen Thompson raced Go-Carts at Blairsville with him. Late last season, Thompson and his father purchased a Late Model and ran a few times at the end of the season and is now waiting for his motor to be ready for 2024. Another former Schaltenbrand crew member, Josh Powell, is prepared for the Late Model division, Friday.

Brandon Spithaler won the season’s first Lernerville Sprint feature; however, the winningest local Sprint car driver and seven-time Lernerville titlist A J Flick was in his wake, finishing second. Spithaler is planning to run the Fast Sprint Series and will otherwise compete at local tracks this year. Flick will be at the area tracks and enter the big money WoO Sprints and High Limit Sprint shows that are nearby.

"Turnpike fees to Port Royal are $150 and tires for a weekend are ranging close to $1,200," said Flick.

Darin Gallagher does not have a current ride in a Sprint.

Brian Swartzlander, who tops the Lernerville Modified Win-List with102 features, has sold all his equipment and will not be racing unless he is offered a ride. That leaves the door wide open for Garrett Krummert. who garnered the season’s first feature last Friday over 2023 defending champion Rex King Jr., who finished second.

Corey MacPherson is be back in the Pro Stocks after a two-year year hiatus. MacPherson has seven Lernerville titles and has won 50 features. Last week’s big winner was Christian Schneider. Add Chris Schneider and defending four-time Lernerville Champ Tyler Dietz to the mix and this might be one of the most competitive divisions ever.

Tri-City Raceway will have new owners as soon as all papers and permits are signed. It is reported that Lernerville’s Dan Bauman will be supervising the track preparation.

So, grab your local racing gear, buckle up, and get ready for a season of high-speed thrills and unforgettable moments.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle