He is “hotter than a firecracker” at Lernerville Speedway, winning four out of 10 races. He is the points leader there and even scored a victory at Tyler County Speedway last Saturday.

One might say that Jared Miley is on the roll, but does he have enough magic to win the most prestigious Late Model race at Lernerville, the Sixth Annual Firecracker 100 Saturday, paying $30,000 to win?

He already has a provisional for the event by winning last week’s feature or being the top point leader, but no local driver has ever surfaced in the top 10.

Dave Hess was 11th in the first race in 2007. Dave Satterlee, Matt Lux, and Miley were top local finishers other years, but none higher than Lux’s 13th in 2009.

“I have the confidence to compete, but you have to have all your ducks lined up in a row,” said Miley. “Your car has to be precision perfect, totally efficient, the qualifying process has to be in your favor and Lady Luck has to be on your side.”

Miley has been behind the wheel of a Late Model for seven years and a Limited Late for one previous year. He is employed by Rocket Chassis, working four 12-hour days. It is a total family effort with his father, Jerry Miley, operating Brougher’s Machine Shop. His uncle, Ben Miley, also races Lates. In their spare time the family manages Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.

Miley said, “Although I have a provisional, I would like to qualify on my own and get a better starting spot.”

John Garvin and Copperhead Racing is second highest in points and that has earned him a place in the “big dance.” The race is literally in his backyard.

Garvin said: “To be able to race with the best in the business, and for some very good money, what else can you ask for?”

He too would like to do well in Time Trials and move up in the lineup. Garvin said, “It takes a little bit of pressure off, knowing that you have made the race; the setup has to be just right for the conditions of the track.”

Having run with the Outlaws already, he added, “(Tim) McCreadie and (Daryl) Lanigan are on fire on the WoO Late Model circuit; we just want a solid finish.”

Alex Ferree said, “A local driver might have a better chance of winning the Power Ball.” Then he qualified that with the following: “I think Jared Miley has a good chance of finishing in the top 10; he has been consistent.”

The Ferree-Joe Corrado team has two victories in 2012, but they had to rebuild the whole car after last week’s race where he was involved in a collision.

Ferree said, “One thing in favor of the local drivers is the track has been consistently slick, and we have continually improved our set ups.”

The World of Outlaws Firecracker 100 for Late Models starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. The first two nights showcase $6,000-to-win features and this might be the year that we have a local guy in the top 10. Former $30,000 victors were the following:

Jimmy Mars (2011, 2009), Shane Clanton (2010), Brian Birkhofer (2008) and Scott Bloomquist (2007).

• :One of the pillars of the racing community, David Potts, 87, founder and owner of Marion Center Speedway, passed away on June 13 at his residence. For 46 years Potts was noted for having one of the most well-groomed area tracks. He was a most successful business man along with his late wife, Marybelle, who operated the concession stand. He also owned and operated Dave’s Welding Service. Potts was also a World War II Army veteran who helped engineer and build the Panama Canal. Our sympathy to his two daughters, June and Janet Potts, and a brother, Charles Potts.

“Young lion” Danny Holtgraver is on a hot streak, roaring to Sprint victories at several tracks. Now he has a new deal in place. Holtgraver will team up with Sprint owner Tom Chiapelli. Holtgraver will drive his own equipment for Ohio Speedweek and then climb into the Chiapelli No. 98 at Central PA Speedway that begins July 4.

Former Chiapelli drivers were Chad Kemenah, and Danny Lasoski.

• :Chalk one off the bucket list!

At the beginning of the season, Dean Pearson announced that after 30 years of racing, this would be his last year of competition. Although he had won 11 races at five various tracks, an elusive Lernerville victory had escaped this low-dollar team — that is until June 15.

The poised Pearson collected his first win at the Sarver oval. Pearson’s 2005 TEO Chassis is wrenched by his only pit crew member, his wife.

• Mercer Raceway Park will host Patriot Night/Fireworks. Veterans and Scouts are admitted free. Pennsylvania Motor Speedway will race on Sunday.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.