Auto racing may predominantly be a man's world, but some talented young women are making their mark at Lernerville Speedway.

Macey Adamik, a 17-year-old who will be a senior at Kiski Area High School this fall, is already proving she belongs in the highly competitive Big Block Modified division.

For years, Macey watched her father, Jeremy, race Crate Late Models. When she was just 5 years old, he introduced her to go-kart racing, where she quickly found success. From there, she advanced to Junior Sprints, becoming the first female driver in 15 years to win a feature in that division at Blanket Hill Speedway. Her next stop was Mod-Lites, where she won both feature events she entered.

At age 15, Jeremy decided Macey had gained enough experience to move into Big Block Modified competition.

"I was a little intimidated at first," Macey said. "My dad reminded me to be patient. Most of the drivers had been racing longer than I'd been alive. Everyone has to start somewhere."

Her crew includes her uncle, Jeff Hanford, and Brandon Lott.

Race-day routines are important to every driver. Before putting on her fire suit, Macey always drinks a blue Gatorade. Otherwise, she doesn't eat until after the races.

Two racers Macey especially admires are 20-year-old DIRTcar standout Alex Payne, who regularly competes against the best in the Super DIRTcar Modified Series, and fellow Modified driver Chelsy Gallagher.

Away from the racetrack, Macey is active in cheerleading, student council and key club, where she volunteers in her community.

Her immediate goals are simple: win a major race and someday attend law school.

Then there’s 15-year-old Samantha Priest, who is following in the tire tracks of her father, Andy Priest, one of the region's best-known Sprint Car racers. After 45 years behind the wheel, Andy now serves as Samantha's mentor.

When Samantha was 12, her father introduced her to go-kart racing. Just two years later, she moved into the RUSH Wingless Sprint division.

"My dad believes this is the first step toward getting adjusted to a 410 Sprint Car," she said.

The family effort continues in the pits, where both Andy and Samantha's mother, Lisa, help prepare the car each week.

Before every race, Samantha says a prayer and carries a cross in the left pocket of her fire suit.

"My dad never pressures me about where I finish," she said. "He just tells me if I'm having fun on the racetrack, he's happy."

Her favorite drivers are Logan McCandless and Sheldon Haudenschild, and her favorite track is Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway.

Samantha attends Grove City High School, where she also plays volleyball.

"It may be a man's world," she said, “but there really isn't much difference for a girl to race. I hope to compete full-time in a 410 Sprint Car and then attend the University of Northwestern Ohio to major in motorsports management.”

Lernerville's alternate victory lane has become a huge hit with fans. Located near Turn 4, it allows spectators to meet feature winners and have their pictures taken.

Recently, after Eric Rudolph captured a feature victory, a young boy and his mother came to congratulate him. Rudolph handed the youngster his winner's trophy and hat. The boy's face lit up with joy as he stood there smiling in disbelief — a moment neither he nor those watching will soon forget.

PA Motor Speedway hosted the Big Rig Racing Truck Series event last weekend. After working there for 30 years, I can honestly say this may have been the largest crowd for any event.

For the second consecutive year, Dale Blaney captured the Lou Blaney Memorial Sprint Car race title at Sharon Speedway, defeating A.J. Flick to collect $12,000.

At 62 years old, Dale became the oldest driver ever to win the prestigious event. The former professional basketball player now serves as an assistant basketball coach at Westminster College.

Lernerville Speedway is down to its final two Fab4 point races, with Friday featuring the Ken Schaltenbrand Sr. Memorial for Super Lates, followed by Championship Night on Aug. 14.

While the weekly points season is winding down, fans still have plenty to look forward to, including the Sprint Car Spectacular, the inaugural Yinzer 100 for Lates, the Commonwealth Clash, Geibel Fest Day of Destruction and the Steel City Stampede.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.