Gamble: Schneider trio dominating Lernerville Speedway Pro Stock division
The Lernerville Speedway Pro Stock division is one of the most competitive racing divisions at the track.
However, it has become a source of confusion and excitement for fans, thanks to the presence of three drivers sharing the same last name: Schneider. These drivers — Chris, Christian and Tyler — are not all related but have created a buzz on and off the track.
Chris Schneider, sporting the No. 55 car, is a notable figure in the division. He not only races but also owns S&S Chassis, where he builds race car frames. Chris has showcased his expertise by winning four feature races this season.
Christian Schneider, driving the No. 56 car, works as an employee at S&S Chassis. Despite sharing the same last name, Christian is not related to Chris. His performance on the track speaks for itself, though, having scored five main events wins this year.
Adding to the Schneider dynamic is Tyler Schneider, Chris' brother, a landscaper who drives the No. 155 S&S Chassis.
Christian leads the point standings with 405; Chris is second with 392; Tyler is in fourth with 290, behind third-place Cody Koteles with 302. Brett McDonald rounds up the top five with 285.
The combination of skill, teamwork and shared last names has certainly kept fans on their toes, eagerly following the thrilling races and the achievements of the Schneider trio.
The Jones family racing history is inextricably linked to the very roots of Mercer Raceway Park, dating back to 1951. Over the decades, four generations have left their mark on the dirt track, showcasing a legacy of speed, skill, and passion for racing.
Rod Jones, a retired third-generation driver, boasts an impressive record with a 410 Sprint win and 29 Mod Lite feature victories. Recently, Rod made headlines once again by stepping into his son Roman's Racesaver-305 Sprint car for a feature race. In a display of his enduring talent, Rod led from flag to flag, clinching his first victory in the Racesaver-305 class.
The Jones family's storied history at Mercer Raceway is a testament to their dedication and love for the sport, inspiring future generations of racers.
Lernerville Speedway, renowned for its rich history and legendary drivers, may be on the cusp of witnessing a changing of the guard. Some long-standing records held by veteran drivers are being challenged by a new surge of young talent eager to rewrite the track’s history books.
Ed Lynch Jr. is at the top of the 410 Sprint all-time win list with 111 victories. He is followed by Johnny Beaber with 55, Lou Blaney’s 49, Ralph Quarterson with 47 and Rod George’s 45.
Among the rising stars is the young talented A.J. Flick, who has recorded 40 Sprint feature wins and is sixth all-time. His fearless driving style has captivated fans and competitors alike.
Bob Wearing Sr. leads the all-time Super Late Model win list with 117. Lynn Geisler is in second with 109. Mike Norris has checkered seven main events in 2024 and is now in third with 46. John Flinner is fourth with 43. Alex Ferree is still competing and has 41. Sixth-place Jared Miley (35), passed his retired Uncle Ben Miley (34) and is looking for more.
Joe Kelley has been at the helm of the all-time Pro Stock win list for years with 52 features. Corey McPherson is back racing again and has 50. Chris Schneider’s recent four feature wins places him in third with 37. Tyler Dietz just tied Scott Bochek’s record of 29. Bruce Milbert is fifth with 27 main events, and sixth-place Butch Lambert has 22.
“This new generation of drivers is incredibly talented,” said Lynn Geisler, a veteran driver who holds multiple records at Lernerville. “They bring a level of energy and determination that’s inspiring to see. It’s going to be exciting to watch how they progress and whether they can break some of these records.”
The 2024 Lernerville Point Championships will be determined in two weeks. Norris leads the Super Late Models division with 334 points over Colton Flinner’s 286.
Flick, who is looking for his eighth Sprint crown, is leading with 342 points over Carl Bowser’s 311.
Garrett Krummert is hoping to capture his second Big Block Modified championship with 353 points over Rex King Jr., who has 327.
Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle