For those who love fantasy football, a spinoff has now reached racing. Lernerville Speedway public relations director Eric Westendorf has teamed up with FantasyDirtRacing.com to bring a Lernerville Fab Four Fantasy Racing League to the track.

Fantasy sports is a multibillion dollar industry that engages millions of sports fans. About 250 Lernerville fans already have signed up and you have until noon Friday to join them.

The free league will consist of your favorite drivers competing in 16 Fab Four events. You will pick four drivers during registration, one from each of the four divisions, and these drivers will be the core of your team. You then pick a fifth, wild-card driver from a pool of area track pilots.

One point will be awarded for each of your winning Fab Four drivers who places first and two points if it is the wild- card driver.

The bonus driver can be changed after two weeks. Prizes will be provided by Lernerville Speedway and Stivason Photos.

In other racing news:

• The champ returned to Lernerville and racing is still active in his family. Dave Thompson won the first Lernerville Late Model title in 1968. He recently celebrated his 71st birthday at the track. From his wheelchair, he watched Mike Miller drive a Pure Stock car owned by his son, Ron. Thirty-three years ago, his daughter, Bonnie, married Chuck Sarver and his Late Model also raced that evening. He marveled at the fire suits, trailers, quality of equipment, and advanced technology. Long time columnist Walt Wimer recognized him and chatted about old times and that made him feel good. "This is the best birthday present, and I am so proud that my family has continued the legacy that I started," Dave said.

• Remember the name Gene Kirila, nephew of Sharon Speedway owner Ron Kirila. The 16-year-old driver, who pilots a Modified 007 in the area, signed with NASCAR's David Stremme to be a new driver of his Late Model team.

• Sprint driver Jack Sodeman recently had a nasty crash at Mercer Raceway. He credited his Hans Device and full seat for coming away unscathed.

• Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway usually features Late Models as its top class, but as part of Monstermodmania May 23, the BRP Modified Tour will share the top billing as it makes its first appearance at DIRT's Monster Half Mile. Replacing the Semi-Dirt Late Models in June 1987, the Modifieds remained on the schedule through 1988. Bob Wearing Sr. won 13 of the 31 Big Block Modified races at PPMS. In 1990, Scott Gurdak won the only race presented that season.

• Miley Motor Sports has announced that "The Pittsburgher" will return to superstar status in 2009 with a total winners' payoff of $20,000. The prestigious event will once again be part of the UFo Series.

• In honor of Mother's Day, many tracks are offering specials this weekend. On Friday, Raceway 7 has a tribute to Mother's Day, with all moms admitted for just $5, plus a powder puff race for the ladies. Roaring Knob has its season opener with gifts for many lucky moms, as well as the popular weekly candy toss for the youngsters. General admission is $10. Racing is at 7 p.m. Mercer Raceway is having "Hey, Neighbor, C'mon Over" Night. All residents of Shenango Valley will be admitted free.

Carol Gamble is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.