“Drivers, start your engines” … just got a little bit easier for a few “low dollar” race teams thanks to two generous local businessmen.

Sylvan Easler and Tim Thoma went to the University of Pittsburgh in the 1980s. As a matter of fact, they were fraternity brothers, one a freshman and the other a senior.

After graduation, they went their separate ways. Both guys had fathers and grandfathers who loved racing and took them to speedways when they were young. They cherished the three-generation memories they made together.

Easler became a partner in Alternative Power Sources in Gibsonia and Thoma joined his family business, Thoma Meat Market, in Saxonburg.

After racing motor cross and go-carts, Easler’s sons Aaron and Ben gave their dad a proposal to build a stock car and race at Lernerville. He accepted and they began to compete three years ago. Aaron won the 2014 Rookie of the Year with Ben turning the wrenches.

Thoma went to Lernerville as a fan and Late Model racer Ken Schaltenbrand caught his eye. He said “Schaltenbrand is such a skilled driver. If he were in a top-notch car, Ken would win a lot of races.”

Thoma talked to Ken and his sister Tammy Yetter, and decided to help him.

Thoma said, “The guy upstairs has been good to me and I want to share when I can.”

Thoma became a chaplain with Motor Racing Outreach and serves at Lernerville with Pastor Bill Beck. In addition to Schaltenbrand, Thoma now helps Modified drivers Dave Murdick, and rookie Damon Doudt, Sprint pilots, Dan Kuriger, Sadie Siegel, rookie Alan Free, and Pro Stock drivers Tyler Dietz, John Hartman and Brett McDonald.

Easler’s nickname is “Champ” and there are many people who will validate that.

Easler said, “It is so much fun working at the track with friends and family; we might rub fenders on the track, but if that person gets a flat tire, we are there to help him in the pits.”

While his son Aaron was getting seat time in his stock car, Sylvan was networking with the drivers. He saw the needs of many of them.

If something is lying around in his shop and someone needs it, Sylvan gives it away. He is connected with several race teams in addition to Aaron. Others are Sprint drivers A.J. Flick, Sadie Siegel, and Danny Holtgraver; Pro Stock chauffeurs, Jim Fosnaught, Chase Lambert, Brandon Wearing, Tyler Dietz, John Hartman, Noah Brunell, Jake Dietz, Trevor Herr, Chris Schneider, Bob Swartzmiller, and Ricky Steigerwald as well as Crate Late Model Mike Pegher.

At the recent Pittsburgh Circle Track Racing Banquet, Sylvan received the Glade and Ruth Neal Award. This personified a person who was an ambassador in racing and one who also reaches out to give a helping hand to others.

At the Lernerville Banquet, Sylvan was presented the coveted Sportsmanship Award for his unwavering assistance to drivers.

It is ironic that Easler and Thoma first met at Pitt and while doing simultaneous work in the Lernerville pit area, they saw each other one day, realized who each other was and reconnected 35 years later.

Easler said, “We were guided.”

Congrats, graduate

Congratulations to Pro Stock driver Noah Brunell, who graduates from Derry High School today. He hopes to pursue a career in welding.

Sweet 16th

Bobby Lake was excited about his 16th birthday. He has been piloting a Late Model since he was 12, and has already won four features this year.

So what was the big deal?

He now can drive the hauler to the track.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.