In a bid to revitalize local racing scenes, two prominent dirt racetracks in our area have geared up for a change in leadership. With fresh faces at the helm, enthusiasts anticipate a thrilling season ahead.

At Tomson’s Lernervillle Speedway, Greg Geibel steps into the role of manager, injecting new energy into the venue and creating an aggressive schedule for the fans to enjoy! Geibel went to the Florida RPM Promoters Workshop in February.

“I learned a lot there. It was a different atmosphere to have 100 people from various tracks across the United States exchange some great ideas. Lernerville is well known and respected across the US,” he said.

Over the winter, Geibel made a few changes to the grounds and his crew installed a humongous billboard back of turn three.

“It is 44 ½ ft X 19 ½ ft. and 20 ft off ground so you can see it from all over the track. Our great sponsor, Thrower Concrete, has 60 tons of concrete at the base of it,” Geibel said.

They began installing a mezzanine above the chute where the cars enter the race track. Three different boxes will be created for the pit crews to celebrate special occasions. Water barrels used as safer barriers have been installed to the right of turn three as drivers exit the track to the pits.

The Overdrive Monster Truck Show will invade Lernerville on May 25. Eleven trucks will provide entertainment. There will be a pit party for driver autographs and Monster truck rides. School bus and monster truck jumps promise to thrill the audience.

The Firecracker Fest will be a five-day event. It will kick off June 19 with a concert featuring country artist Drew Baldridge. The next day, SEBRA Extreme-Bull Riders and Barrels takes center stage. Firecracker 100 is sanctioned by Big River Steel/ Lucas Oil Late Models and will compete for two $25,000 to win shows plus the RUSH Crate Late Models Thursday and Friday. Saturday- Big River Steel/ Lucas Oil Late Models will clash for a whopping $50,000 to win show. The RUSH Crate Late Models Bill Emig Memorial feature is paying $20,000 to win.

There will be three sanctioned High Limit Sprint races, that is owned by NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson and his brother-in-law, 5-time Champion, Brad Sweet. July 23 is the $25,000-to-win Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup Sprint show. The Commonwealth Clash will be a two-day event — Sept.13 will pay $10,000 to win, Sept 14, the victor will get $50,000.

A new major event will be the Castrol Flo Racing night in America for Late Models on Aug.t 21. WoO Late Models and Lucas Oil Lates will come together for the first time in PA. The best of the best will be contending for $20,000.

At the end of the “Stampede”, Oct. 13 will be a Geibel-Fest Day of Destruction. Geibel also runs DIRT TV that covers the races.

“I enjoy what I am doing. I’ve worked with World Racing Group on their events team and then came to Lernerville during COVID when they had the privilege to re-open and have done several jobs here. I like working with a three-night show. I thrive on that. It gets my adrenaline up!,” he said.

At Blair Kress’ Pennsylvania Motor Speedwa,y Tyler Harris steps into the role of Operation’s Manager. Formerly, Harris was a machinist making parts for SpaceX that designs and launches advance rockets. He brings with him the experience of having a family race team, the Golden Goblet #33. Harris has been an announcer at both Lernerville and currently PA Motor Speedway. His vision is to continue their strong program, enhancing it through innovative events, promotions, and social media.

They also want to foster a sense of community among racers and fans alike. Recently, Harris and the track were commended on TV for their Flood Relief program. They took a week to collect a dump truck load of items from area friends for the Oakdale residents that were flooded by the latest rains.

They have widened pit road, landscaped the area, replaced bleacher boards, improved plumbing and upgraded the electric.

The main show at the end of the season, “The Pittsburgher” will once again be a two-day full event, October 4-5. Big River Steel will be the sponsor of the Lucas Oil DIRT Late Model Series. Saturday will pay $50,000 to win, the highest amount ever. The RUSH Crate Lates Bill Hendren Memorial winner will get $10,000.

Harris said, “It is such an honor and privilege to host an event of this magnitude.”

The BRP Modifieds, United E-Mods and FAST Sprints will be on the schedule this season.

Harris also manages Kress’ Tree and Landscaping Service, that may equal two full time jobs.

He says, “It been a blast working with someone who believes in you, trusts you, and knows the value you bring to the table. We have a mutual respect. Kress, (who is new to racing) is so hard working, so goal oriented, always working, never stops, and has a never quit attitude. It makes you go to work and want to give your all. Working with Kress has taught me a lot and I have been lucky enough to teach him a few things about racing. It’s been very mutually beneficial and I am thankful to work with him!”

Congratulations to our Sports Editor, John Enrietto, who received a standing ovation, when being inducted into The Butler County Sports Hall of Fame, earning the Lifetime Achievment Award.

After graduation from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism, he has spent 44 years as a respected sports journalist. We thank him for his coverage of automobile racing with so many stories of human interest, history, and results.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle