Our beliefs can create the kind of world we live in.

Just ask Jim Fosnaught who is having a “dream season” in the Sportsman division at Lernerville Speedway. In his ninth season, he has matured as a driver and sits on top of the Point Challenge by 28 markers over Rob Shook.

Fosnaught, of Bairdford, has been a model of consistency in one of the most competitive divisions. He has recorded five feature victories, which is more than anyone has in all divisions. He has four heat victories, 11 top-five feature finishes and 12 top-tens.

“I have changed my attitude and temperament this season. I have become a positive person. If I win, I win and if I don’t, I am having fun and that is what matters,” said Fosnaught.

In the past, his rambunctious spirit sometimes veiled his natural talent. He was a “hot” driver with a “hot” temper and this negative mind-set got him in trouble not only with drivers, but also with family and friends.

He doesn’t think much about points. Fosnaught said, “My concern is to race as good as possible.” He can’t afford new tires, so he buys used tires from drivers in the higher paying divisions.

Fosnaught’s uncle, Robert McCall. raced a Stock Car. In 2002 and 2003, he decided to drive in the Micro-sprint division at the age of 22. He bought a wrecked Stock car in Ohio in 2004, rebuilt it, and patterned it after his brother Jason’s Chris Schneider Chassis. He drove this car for six years, but never got that illusive first feature win.

Fosnaught bought his first Schneider Chassis in 2010 and in 2012 he won his first feature, and added five more this year with his Mike Ingram engine. He went to school with Schneider, who is considered to be the “Guru of Stock cars.”

Fosnaught said, “Schneider is the reason that the DIRTcar Sportsman division is so competitive. He probably helps half of the field with advice, including me.”

The two go to church together. On restarts, Fosnaught recalled, ”I used to get anxious and nervous, but now I say a few prayers so that everyone will be safe.” He also credits his girlfriend Jackie Nichols with helping him transform his attitude into a positive one.

“When I am in victory lane, I am only a small part of the success,” remarked Fosnaught. “Credit has to be shared with Chris Schneider, my pit crew, engine builder, my parents, my son and my girlfriend that all figure into this win.”

His crew consists of his parents, Gary and Mary Beth Fosnaught, brother, Jason, Crystal Fosnaught, Ron Argenas, Levi Maskal, Chrisy McCall, Courtney Hieber and his eight year-old son Haydon.

In his spare time, Fosnaught is the baseball coach for Haydon’s team and also helps coach his wrestling team. Haydon rides a dirt bike.

Fosnaught chose to run No. 20 for several reasons. One, his brother’s football number was 19, so he added one more digit. He liked Sprint driver Danny Lasoski and NASCAR’S Tony Stewart, who both ran a 20 on the side of their cars.

Fosnaught reflected, “Racing and its people have helped me become a better person, better friend, and appreciate family more. It brings everyone together.”

He wants to give back to life and lead by example. He now realizes that the only person that he can change is himself. He added, “I want to keep humble, set good examples for others, and enjoy life. Maybe by the examples that I set, others will want to change for the better like I did.”

Triple duty

Colton Flinner, pulled triple duty last Saturday at PA Motor Speedway. He won the ¾ Late Model event, placed eighth in the Super Late Model feature and finished fifth in the Rush Crate Late Model main.

Regional series ceased

John Kennedy and the National Dirt Racing League ceased operating the regional Late Model and E-Mod series last month, leaving a void for a region.

The NDRL was signed on to lease Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway for the 26th annual Pittsburgher. Miley Motorsports contacted several National Series looking for a partner, but did not succeed at this late date.

The bottom line is the Super Late Model Specials are back in house at PA Motor Speedway. The Pittsburgher 26 will be held September 13 and pay $5,000 to win for 50 laps.

Smethport native Chris Zuver, founded the ULMS Racing Series in November of 1999 and the series operated until the end of October last year, sanctioning events in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The National Dirt Racing League absorbed the series.

Zuver commented, “After the announcement by NDRL President, John Kennedy that he was folding the NDRL series, I immediately started to think about the old ULMS series and had racers and fans asking me if there would be a return. Mr. Kennedy and I negotiated and I am pleased and excited to bring back the series to the fans and racers.”

Get well wishes

One of the favorite ladies in the Lernerville pit booth, Candy Binkert, needs some get-well wishes.

She is in Allegheny General Hospital recovering from extensive surgery. The address is 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle