BUFFALO TWP — Clayton Kennedy drove a race car at Lernerville Speedway before he was old enough to be allowed in the pits.

The son of longtime Late Model driver Chuck Kennedy is still only 25, but has 10 years of racing experience. He ran an E-Mod for seven years at Pittsburgh Motor Speedway and for three years at Sharon Speedway. He’s finished in the top 10 in points at both tracks and owns a couple of feature wins.

Only now, the Mars resident feels like he’s starting over.

And in a way, he is.

“Dad bought a Late Model and wanted me to drive it,” Clayton said. “He’s missed being a part of Lernerville on a regular basis and wanted to become more involved in racing again.

“I haven’t raced Late Models before this year, but I’m happy to be doing it now. This is all about family for us. If I didn’t drive this car, Dad would probably get behind the wheel himself.”

Chuck Kennedy piled up 103 feature wins during a race career that spanned from 1978 through 2012. He bought the No. 9 Late Model from Rick Heim last fall.

“I wanted to race at Lernerville,” he said. “This track is only a few miles from home. This is where we ought to be.”

Clayton Kennedy picked up his first top-10 finish in a Late Model May 15 at Lernerville. He is 12th in points at the Sarver oval entering Fab Four racing this Friday.

“If I finish in the top 15 in points, I’ll be happy,” Clayton said. “This is going to be a process.”

Clayton’s brother, Andy, 28, is the crew chief for the No. 9 Late Model. He’s dealing with used equipment and that’s not likely to change.

“I’m not expecting to pop a $40,000 motor into this thing anytime soon,” Chuck Kennedy said, smiling.

Andy Kennedy has a lengthy history in the sport himself. He began helping out with his father’s car at age 14 and spent a number of years with Lynn Geisler’s Late Model race team, then Mike Pegher Jr.’s Crate Late Model.

“I was with Lynn Geisler for eight years,” Andy said. “I learned a lot from him. He’s a great teacher.

“I’ve never had the yearning to drive a race car. I love the mechanical stuff, the set-up of the car.”

The Kennedy race team is using a Master Built chassis, a rarity among Late Models here.

“There’s only one other Master Built out here,” Andy said. “You’re on your own in that regard at Lernerville because this is Rocket country. It adds to the challenge for us.

“Clayton is getting to the point where he can tell us what’s going on with the car on the track. That puts us ahead of the game a little bit.”

The No. 9 Late Model is a 2002 car “with pretty much all new updates,” Clayton said. “It can be a competitive car.

“There’s so much racing history in our family. My dad’s Uncle Bob raced in the 1960’s. Dad raced from the 70’s until only a couple of years ago. We want to keep this going.”

Clayton’s sister, 17-year-old Brittany, helps clean the car and puts time into the race team as well.

“She’s had two hip replacements and still helps out because she loves it,” Chuck Kennedy said. “My wife stays involved, too. This is what our family does and this race track is where we belong.”

Lernerville Points Standings

(top 15 through May 22)

Sprints

A.J. Flick 185, Brandon Spithaler 157, Brandon Matus 156, Ed Lynch Jr. 153, Carl Bowser 140, Brent Matus 130, Scott Priester 115, Ralph Spithaler Jr. 103, Dan Kuriger 96, Sye Lynch 93, Zach Morrow 86, Davey Jones 81, Dan Shetler 75, Jack Sodeman Jr. and Jim Morris 66

Late Models

Alex Ferree 172, Jared Miley 167, Mike Pegher Jr. 156, Russ King 141, Michael Norris 134, Kenny Schaltenbrand 125, Gary Lyle 111, John Garvin Jr. 104, Brian Swartzlander 103, Todd Bachman 97, Dan Swartzlander 93, Clayton Kennedy 78, Chuck Sarver 74, Doug Eck 71, John Mollick 65

Modified

Mat Williamson 185, Brian Swartzlander 173, Rex King Jr. 160, Garrett Krummert 148, Dave Murdick 145, Rex King 119, Mike Turner 118, Steve Feder 117, Shawn Fleeger 115, Jeremiah Shingledecker 103, Rick Regalski 92, Tom Winkle and Carl Murdick 84, Jeff Miller 62, Tom Glenn 61

Sportsman Stocks

Corey McPherson 208, Jim Fosnaught 187, Brett McDonald 179, Joe Kelley 175, Wayne Carbo 169, Terry Young 167, Mike Miller 165, Bob Egley 151, Joey Zambotti 151, Aaron Easler 132, Jeff Miller 125, Paul Schreckengost 123, Scott Byers 112, Colin Burke 89, Noah Brunell 79