BUFFALO TWP — No end-of-the-year trophy is coming Dave Murdick's way at Lernerville Speedway this season.

No problem.

The 31-year dirt track racing veteran and Slippery Rock resident has picked up plenty of hardware at the Sarver oval.

Despite sitting in fifth-place, 40 points behind points leader Kevin Bolland, Murdick has grabbed the checkered flag in his No. 61 Modified a career-high four times at Lernerville in 2010. No other Modified driver can claim that distinction.

"We had a few other nights where things didn't go so well," said Murdick, 47, said. "It's been kind of a nutty season."

But it's been a good one.

Since Murdick broke out his new car, he's found victory lane five times in eight tries — three times at Lernerville, twice at Tri-City.

"It's newer stuff and we've learned the setup," Modified crew chief Steve Slater said. "We're always trying to better ourselves and our race team has gained more experience in getting the car ready."

That's because Murdick doesn't spend as much time on prepping his car. He's busy driving the No. 1J Late Model for car owner and crew chief Dan Peiffer.

This is Murdick's second full season behind the wheel of that car and he's produced four top-five finishes, including a second-place finish.

"Those guys deserve a win," Murdick said. "The car's good enough. I just have to get it done."

Murdick is ninth in Late Model points.

"While we've stepped up our (Modified) program this year, Dave's put more responsibility on the crew, too," Slater said. "He tells us how he wants the car and we have to get it there.

"This deal has benefitted everybody. We've become more knowledgeable and Davey's as good as ever."

And that's saying something.

Besides his 19 career Modified wins at Lernerville, Murdick has won points titles there, at Sharon Speedway and at Sportsman Speedway. He's also won a BRP Tour points championship.

So when Peiffer needed a driver, he knew where to look.

"Davey was my No. 1 choice," Peiffer said. "I'd take him over any driver anywhere. He knows how to handle a car, races clean and he's easy to work with.

"We've had some bad luck this year, had some motor issues, but all of us are very confident a win is coming soon," he added.

Murdick has no problem driving in both divisions, even though they run back-to-back on most Friday nights.

"I'd jump into a car and race a third division here if somebody wanted me," Murdick said, grinning.

He was serious.

"This is what we do," he said.