One of the nicest Big Block Modified drivers you'll ever meet at the race track is Butler's Dave Murdick.

After nearly five decades behind the wheel of his familiar No. 61, the veteran racer has announced this will be his final season as a car owner.

Murdick, who began racing in 1979, plans to finish out the year before stepping away from ownership.

"I would still drive for someone else in almost any division except Sprint Cars," Murdick said. “Racing has become so expensive. It's a Catch-22. Racing is fun, but you can't hope to make ends meet, and track owners can only pay so much if they're going to keep their speedways open. Years ago, we built our own chassis and engines."

Racing has always been part of the Murdick family.

His father, Carl, retired from Modified competition only a few years ago but still travels north from Florida each summer to help Dave in the pits. His sister, Sheila Rankin, and brother-in-law, Gary, formerly raced Sprint Cars and now enjoy camping. His niece, Jo, is married to Garrett Krummert, who currently sits second in Lernerville's Modified point standings. Dave's uncle, Ira, owns Murdick Auto Parts.

"Racing is in my heart," Murdick said. "If I'm not driving, I'd like to work at a race track so I can stay involved.

With his smooth speaking voice, he could easily fit behind a microphone as a track announcer, and he has also considered writing about the sport.

A devoted racing historian, Murdick has collected more than 300 vintage coupe racing photos on his phone. He credits veterans Harry Hein and Eddie Murphy as two of the drivers who helped him most when he was starting out.

Three years ago, Murdick found another way to give back by creating the Western Pennsylvania Racing School. Sponsored by VP Racing Fuels, the free spring program is open to young racers competing in Modifieds, Limited Modifieds, Crate Modifieds, Four Cylinders and other entry-level divisions. Its goal is to shorten the learning curve for new competitors.

"My dad helped me when I started," Murdick said. "Some people don't have that privilege or opportunity."

Throughout his career, Murdick has built more than just race cars — he has built lasting friendships.

"I've met so many wonderful people through racing," he said. "One year I blew up several engines. Don Martin came over and handed me money to help build another one. That's something you never forget."

On race nights, Murdick carries a four-leaf clover in his pocket.

"You have to make your own luck, and that starts in the garage," he said, laughing. "Although I could use a little help in the pill draw. Last week I drew No. 50 out of 50."

Whether this is truly the final chapter behind the wheel or the beginning of a new role in the sport, one thing seems certain: Dave Murdick still has plenty to offer racing. Any speedway fortunate enough to add him to its staff would gain a knowledgeable ambassador with a lifetime of experience and an even greater passion for the sport.

Corey McPherson captured his 53rd Lernerville Pro Stock feature victory Friday, breaking Joe Kelley's long-standing record to become the division's all-time winningest driver.

"I worked so hard for this, "an emotional McPherson said in victory lane.

Kelley, ever the sportsman, congratulated the new record holder with a smile. "I had my day in the sun," Kelley said, "and now someone else has a turn to shine."

Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway scored a major success with its inaugural FAST Three Rivers Throwdown Sprint Invitational. Nearly 40 cars entered the unsanctioned event, which paid $10,000 to winner Parker Price-Miller of Kokomo, Ind., and an impressive $1,000 just to start the feature.

By operating independently of the World of Outlaws and High Limit Sprint organizations, the speedway avoided hefty sanctioning fees while attracting an outstanding field of primarily regional competitors.

General manager Tyler Harris and owner Blair Cress deserve credit for taking the risk.

"It was a success, and we hope to make this an annual event," Harris said.

Local favorite Brandon Spithaler led the first 20 laps before his car began to loosen up in the closing stages. Price-Miller capitalized with five laps remaining to take the lead and the victory.

Dan Dietrich finished second, John Jerich crossed the line third and Spithaler settled for fourth. Spithaler still had plenty to celebrate after being voted the event's Most Popular Driver while also earning honors for Best Appearing Car.

Lernerville Speedway manager Greg Geibel has announced another exciting addition to the 2026 schedule. The inaugural Yinzer 100, an unsanctioned Super Late Model event, will be held Sept. 1, paying $15,000 to win and $1,500 to start.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.