Chris Schneider could be known as the “Racing Artist”.

He probably has designed half of the current cars running in the Pro Stock division at Lernerville Speedway. His passion is creating things and driving a race car. His philosophy is always stay humble and be smooth.

Matchbox cars fascinated him as a little boy and he continuously played with them. His dad, Oscar, took him to the races at Lernerville, where he enjoyed watching Bob Wearing Sr. and Jr., Bob Felmlee, Jimmy Hawley, Blackie Watt and “Mr. Excitement”, John Flinner.

In 1998, Schneider decided to race for half a season in what was then called the Pure Stock division. His number 55 was from his football playing days. The next year was his first complete one and he won his first feature. He was eighth in the point standings.

Schneider said: “I had a lot of respect for drivers like Bruce Milbert, Scott Bochek, Joe Kelley and the late Glenn Noland.

“I let my faith guide me in racing. I want to represent my creator on the track and let the talent shine ... do good in whatever you do.”

Schneider is a smooth racer who can read the track and whenever needed, uses the high, middle or low groove to his advantage. He appears to have a sixth sense when preparing the chassis for different kinds of tracks.

After winning several races, Schneider decided to become a race car builder and S&S Chassis was born in 2005. His first two customers were Jason Fosnaught and Mike Pegher, who both were very successful. His motto is to provide safety and performance in the cars.

Over the years, Schneider has built close to 60 racers. He is currently designing a few E-Mod race cars.

Several years ago, one of his most memorable moments was competing with five-time champion Cory McPherson. The lead changed between them about 8-10 times, never touching, before Schneider nipped him at the checkered flag. McPherson also pilots an S&S Chassis.

Schneider said: “I don't like to dominate and smoke the field. I like a good race that provides a challenge.”

At the speedway, he helps any driver who has a question. Last week, he defeated McPherson once again for his 27th track victory. His crew consists of his dad, mother Debbie, brother Tyler, Tyler Igo, Chuck Crawford and Neil Tristani.

Schneider appreciates others that support him, Total Luxury Landscaping, Butler Truck Parts, BT Truck and Auto and The Hot Dog Guys.

He is a member of the Pittsburgh Circle Track Hall of Fame and admires NASCAR driver Kyle Larson's ability to drive numerous divisions on asphalt or dirt successfully.

Overall, what represents a good night at a speedway? “I just like being there and enjoying,” Schneider said.

Last week, Brett MacDonald finished third in the Lernerville Pro Stock feature, but his dad, Larry, wasn't turning the wrenches. Instead, he was watching from his car parked in the newly designed lot above turn one and two. Best wishes for a speedy recovery after his recent procedure.

Nostalgia Night at Lernerville was a complete success. It was great to see drivers and friends who pioneered the sport in the region!Former pit steward and Modified driver Jimmy Magill made the journey from Florida. Legendary Hall of Famers Bob Wearing Sr. and Jr. were in attendance along with Dick Swartzlander and Deek Scott (who is still racing legends) to name a few.I wondered what these former drivers did to prepare for race day or did they have any superstitions or lucky charms?The following is what they shared.Late Model driver Lynn Geisler joked and said: “Stay out of bars, keep the helmet clean and show up!”Bud Kunkel's wife, Connie, said: “At 3 p.m., he took a nap or kind of meditated for an hour and wore the same uniform.”Late model chauffeur Bob Puz always wore his Goodyear hat and listened to music by Metallica on the way to the track so that the tunes kept running in his head during the race.Deek Scott said his dad, Herb, didn't want to have anything green around on race day.Dave Meloy didn't eat until after the races and always wore cowboy boots.Chuck Kennedy didn't want to see anything green or any peanuts on race day.John Rudolph had to wash his car on race day.Augie Sandman once had a green wire removed that was under his dash.Dick Swartzlander said nothing bothered him.“I just needed to get to the track, put the pedal to the metal and turn left,” he said.Robyn said her dad, Bob Wearing Sr., didn't permit peanuts around, nothing green or the number 13.Carl Bitner said he ate after the races and was not superstitious about the color green.“I even raced a green car!,” he exclaimed.

Incidentally, Brandon Wearing debuted his new Late Model with dad, Bob, and mom, Linda, in attendance.

Last week, four out of the five Late Model feature winners at Lernerville were from Butler County. Alex Ferree won his first 2021 Lernerville feature and was followed by Ken Schaltenbrand, Colton Flinner, Jared Miley (Allegheny County) and Tyler Dietz.It was the Art Osmer Memorial Race with a thousand dollars awarded in lap money. The popular Osmer was a former car owner and driver in the Six Cylinder, Modified, and Late Model divisions.The signature color scheme was orange with the number six. Art's grandson, Dash, competes in a Micro Sprint at Blanket Hill Speedway with his brother, Wesley, as his crew chief.

Rick Regalski has built a two-seater, ride-along Modified. He plans on selling ride tickets and the proceeds will go to a charity.

Two Sprint drivers were missing from local competition last week. Sye Lynch is at Knoxville preparing himself for the Nationals and Carl Bowser was running with the World of Outlaws at Ransomville, where he finished 18th.Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.