Butler County Sports Hall of Fame 2025 inductees, front row, from left: Melissa Sopher-Williams, Joella Baker, Art Monteleone. Back row: Scott Stoner, Larry Dillon, Joe Lewandowski and Tom Phillips. Derek Pyda/Butler Eagle

Tom Phillips, a respected figure in both local circle track racing and volleyball, was elected to the 2025 Butler County Sports Hall of Fame two weeks ago.

Phillips, known recently for a 24-year career coaching Freeport girls volleyball to a 421-42 record, seven WPIAL titles and two PIAA championships, had a successful racing career in a prior life.

Known for his sleek No. 7 race car, he clinched three Lernerville Limited Late Model points championships, earning recognition for both his driving skill and dedication to the sport.

Meanwhile, major changes are unfolding at Sharon Speedway, now entering its 96th anniversary season. NASCAR star Ryan Blaney, his father, Dave Blaney, and businessman Will Thomas III have taken ownership. Thomas, who owns Colonial Metal Products, continues the racing legacy of his late father Bill Thomas. Dave Willoughby will remain as general manager for his 16th season, ensuring continuity in operations.

The new ownership marks the end of an era. Since 2002, Sharon Speedway had been operated by Dave Blaney, Jim Weller Sr., and Bill and Ron Kirila. Following the recent deaths of Weller Sr. in January and Ron Kirila in April, the speedway enters a new chapter.

Elsewhere, Hummingbird Speedway’s Lou Caltagarone, now 96, remains at the helm despite health challenges. The promoter planned a simpler schedule in 2025, focused on regular shows and eliminating sanctioned events.

Samantha “Sambo” Priest, 14, daughter of veteran driver Andy Priest, recently debuted in a full-size RUSH Sprint at Mercer Raceway. Her performance impressed her father, who hinted at moving her up to 305 or even 410 Sprints — possibly prompting his own retirement.

Colton Walters, a BRP Modified Tour driver, plans to return to the tour in 2025. Though he won't chase points, Walters is exploring the Crown Vic class, thanks to several old vehicles stored in his family's junkyard. He might even build one for his father, Jeff, or grandfather, Larry.

In national news with local ties, Tim Shaffer, known as the “Steel City Outlaw,” joins the Michael Dutcher 17GP Sprint team after Landon Crawley’s departure. Shaffer is set to run 90-100 races this season, including World of Outlaws and High Limit events.

The 2023-24 Cavalcade Championship point standings are finalized, with Walt Wimer, known as the “walking encyclopedia” of circle track racing, continuing to oversee the points system. Drivers earn points based on podium finishes at Western Pennsylvania tracks.

In the Sprint division, A.J. Flick dominated again, earning 85 points and 11 wins, securing his fifth consecutive Cavalcade title. He was followed by Brandon Spithaler (40 points, six wins) and Mark Smith (26 points, four wins).

Late Model honors went to Dave Hess Jr. with 83 points and 12 wins. Max Blair and Bobby Pierce followed closely, while Michael Norris earned 51 points with 11 wins, dominating at Lernerville Speedway.

In Big Block Modifieds, Rex King Jr. narrowly edged out Erick Rudolph (74 to 73 points), continuing a 12-year streak in the top three. Garrett Krummert took third with 63 points.

The Pro Stock crown went to Chris Schneider, who earned 87 points and 10 wins, with 24 podium finishes. Christian Schneider, not related to Chris, placed second (54 points, nine wins) while Brandon Connor rounded out the top three with 47 points and 12 wins, dominating at Hidden Valley and Marion Center Speedways.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle