BUFFALO TWP — Dave Thompson was part of a racing family.

He's a part of racing history at Lernerville Speedway as well — and his legacy will be honored Friday night during the Late Model feature at the Sarver oval.

Thompson, who died in 2014, was Lernerville's first ever Late Model track champion in 1968. As part of Lernerville's 50th anniversary, Friday's Late Model feature race will be known as the Dave Thompson Memorial.

“This is our best way to pay tribute to him,” said Bonnie Sarver, Thompson's daughter. “My husband and I decided to put $1,000 into the race's purse that night. We thought that would be the end of it.

“But other family members, friends and race sponsors came forward and wanted to be a part of this, too.”

A total of $3,600 was raised to add to the purse for the Thompson Memorial. The feature winner will receiver an extra $1,600 while the other $2,000 will be spread out among the remaining field of drivers.

Sarver's husband, Chuck Sarver, raced for 40 years before retiring in 2016. Her brother, Ron Thompson, owns the No. 81 Late Model driven by Mike Miller.

The Sarvers reside in West Sunbury.

Dave Thompson raced from 1959 through 1974 and won more than 70 features in his career. He drove the No. 00 car — owned by Ron Montag and Don Oesterling — to the track championsship at Lernerville in 1968.

“Dad never owned his own race car,” Sarver said. “He always drove for other people.”

Thompson also won a track championship at Butler Speedway in 1960. He drove a 6-cylinder coupe owned by Dennis Mock and Ray Volmer to track titles at Mercer and Blanket Hill in 1967.

Another big Late Model race is taking place at Dog Hollow Friday night, but the Sarvers decided to stick with that night for the Thompson Memorial.

“This way, we'll be rewarding the local guys who show up at Lernerville every Friday night,” Sarver said.

In tribute to Thompson, the No. 81 car will don the green and white colors of his winning No. 00 car from 50 years ago.

“We're excited about this. It will be a big night for our family,” Sarver said.