Race fans always admire championship drivers but most of them couldn’t compete without their sponsors and crew members.

Sportsman driver Joe Kelley has won seven championship (1998, ‘99, 2000, ‘01, ‘03, ‘04, and ‘10).

Only one other driver has accomplished this feat and that is Brian Swartzlander in the Modifieds.

Kelley has a big smile on his face on race day.

“My crew chief is back,” said Kelley.

Seven years ago, John Monteparte and Joe Kelley were one of the most successful teams around.

“I loved it,” said Monteparte. “It was so great; we won races traveled together everywhere.”

Then a tragedy happened, Monteparte’s ex-wife, Sherry, died of cancer, which left him full custody of his two children, Anthony, 10, and Luke, 8.

Monteparte said: “I wanted to be a full time dad and both boys had an avid interest in sports, so I gave up racing.”

He further added: “I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.”

In the fall, his son, Anthony, will attend Geneva College on a baseball scholarship and major in Mechanical Engineering. Monteparte’s other son, Luke, is a junior at Latrobe High School where he is a fullback on the varsity team.

“I am so proud of those boys,” he said.

Now the three of them are helping Kelley and can be found in the pits every Friday working on the Number 66.

• Congratulation to Mike Pegher Jr., who recently garnered his 100th feature win. It was at Hagerstown speedway. Then he promptly collected 101 at Roaring Knob. He has driven in the Sportsman, Crate Late Model, and Late Model class.

• The Buckeye Outlaw Wingless Sprint Series (BOSS) will appear at Lernerville Speedway this week. Tony Beaber recently won a career first in this show at PA Motor Speedway. He and his dad, Johnny, join father-son tandem drivers Ed Lynch Sr. and Jr., and Jack Sodeman Sr. and Jr., all who have won feature events at the “Monster” half mile.

In victory lane, young Beaber said, “It has been a long time coming.”

His dad is un-retired and also runs this series with him.

• There is a good report on the health of Late Model driver Nick Jones. With treatment, his tumors are shrinking. He has such a positive attitude despite the circumstances and would appreciate continued prayers.

• When asked about marriage, Alex Ferree would always say, “It will be a cold day in hell when that happens.”

After winning his first 2013 Lernerville Late Model feature, Ferree was in victory lane giving thanks to those who made his win possible. He included his fiancé of one day, Brenda McCandless. A puzzled announcer, Dow Carnahan said, “How did this happen?”

Ferree looked up and said, “It must have been a cold day in hell.”

He also won the following night at PA Motor Speedway, so it sounds like a good omen.

• Talk about a small world. NASCAR’s Chip Ganassi, who lives in Fox Chapel, is building an elaborate office complex in RIDC Park. He hired Sprint driver Ed Lynch Jr. as the construction manager for this extensive project. Lynch Jr. called a landscaping company to design the exterior. It just happened to be owned by former Late Model driver Bob Puz, who recently moved back to Pittsburgh from his home in Florida.

• It’s all in the racing family.

Our condolences are extended to the Lee Aiken family. Lee passed away two weeks ago. He was the former line-up man at Lernerville and a weigh master at both Mercer and Sharon Speedway.

Dog Hollow Speedway has closed its gates for the remainder of the season.

Jim Michny sited the following, “Due to the economy, I understand that things are difficult and unfortunately dirt track racing in rural Pa. is losing its place on the list of things to do. Unfortunately this season has seen a slow economy met with a decline in attendance and drivers. It is with deep regrets that I am closing the doors effective immediately.”

• Congratulations to 25-year old Josh Richards for his awesome display of total domination in the Lernerville WoO Late Model Firecracker 3-day event.

The talented 25 year-old driver took $48,000 back to Shinnston, W.Va.

• Hats off to 28-year old Gregg Satterlee’s fourth-place finish in the show, which is the highest local driver completion ever.

Russ King was the victor of the Uncle Sam 30 and a special shout goes to Todd Bachman’s fifth-place and Herman Bertolini’s eighth-place finish in that event.

• Rookie Late Model chauffeur Dan Angeliccio did make one of the main events.

Friday, Lernerville Speedway features the BOSS Wingless Sprints, RUSH Crate Late Models and Sportsman class.

PA Motor Speedway will have Driver Autograph Night plus the Wacky Wheels Figure Eight Mania, in addition to the regular Saturday show.

Mercer showcases the UNOH All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars and Pizza Joe’s will present a firework spectacular as well. All veterans with identification and scouts in uniform will be admitted free.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.