It all begins with a dream. Just ask Crate Late Model driver Tyler Dietz.

The 19-year-old Knoch graduate is a wheeler-dealer who loves racing. When Dietz was younger, he did odd jobs, saved his money, traded and eventually got a Micro Sprint at the age of 13. His grandfather, Lou Dietz, would help him whenever he could.

After driving it for four years, Tyler sold his Micro and all his parts because he had visions of driving a Crate Late Model. He worked and saved his money, gathering enough to buy a racecar, but he needed an engine.

The Marines were recruiting at the high school and Tyler was thinking about joining. Staff Sgt. Kimball was so impressed with Tyler and his dreams that Kimball decided the Marines should sponsor him.

This season, Tyler was able to get an Ingram Racing engine and now he is competing weekly, with his best finish to date a remarkable fourth.

He is a one-man operation and he could use a pit crew, if there are any volunteers. He is a graduate of a technical school with a degree in mechanical computer aid, drafting, and design. He works part time for S&S Chassis and owner Chris Schneider has become his mentor, teaching him chassis set-ups.

What is Tyler's future goal? He sees himself behind the wheel of a Sprint or Super Late Model.

In other racing news:

n Sharon Speedway will debut its new Hobby Stock class July 1 at the Trumbull (Ohio) County oval.

n Andy Kennedy has opened a racecar fabricating business for Late Models and E-Mods in Cranberry Township.

n Former Lernerville owner Helen Martin had surgery last week at UPMC Passavant Hospital and all went well. She was transferred to Concordia for about a week of rehab. Helen is in the Lund Building Room 2423. I know she would appreciate visitors and cards. Send them to Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Room 2423 Lund Building, 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023.

n Congratulations to 16-year-old Colton Flinner for winning his first feature a few days before his birthday in the Fast Track Late Models at Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Saturday. Flinner is the son of former racer Mark Flinner and nephew of Late Model star John Flinner.

n Lernerville Speedway management invites former competitors from 1968-98 to participate in Nostalgia Night July 10. Call the speedway office at 724-353-1511.

n Former racer Dave Brunell is in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Dave had an accident while helping another sign company do some work at a church in Latrobe. He fell straight back while on a ladder, landed on his head and was placed in an induced coma. He is out of intensive care and is being monitored in a room now.

n Butler native Brian Ellenberger, who is contending for the World of Outlaws Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award, is 12th in points and has one top-five and two top-10 finishes in the Sprints.

n Lernerville had a blood drive in honor Rosalie Bolland and Sandra Winkle, who lost their lives to leukemia. They are the mothers of Modified drivers Kevin Bolland and Tom Winkle. The great racing people donated 16 usable pints of blood.

n Friday is Fan Appreciation Night at Lernerville Speedway Friday. Races with fireworks on #1 Cochran Automotive Night is a popular event.

Carol Gamble is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.