Promising future
BUFFALO TWP — Brandon Spithaler has an open mind when it comes to racing.
“Put me in anything and I'll drive it,” the 22-year-old Evans City resident said.
He's already accomplished quite a bit on a dirt track. Spithaler became the second youngest driver in Lernerville Speedway history to win a Sprint points title last year. Only Danny Holtgraver, who was 20 when he won in 2010, was younger.
The 2014 season has not gone quite as well for Spithaler at Lernerville. He's only gotten three top-five finishes — one second place — at the Sarver oval and is ninth with 250 points.
“We weren't racing for points here this year,” Spithaler quickly pointed out. “The important thing is we've been consistently fast on this track.
“The breaks didn't go our way all the time. That doesn't mean we're not capable.”
An overheated motor, tough pill draws and ill-timed tire problems have hampered Spithaler's efforts at Lernerville. So has a lack of steady help.
“There's been times I was the only guy here and did everything myself,” he said. “Some weeks, my girlfriend (Angela Gant) and I were about it back here (in the pits).
“I've picked up a couple of guys who have been helping me out in the latter part of the season and I appreciate it.”
Scott McClymonds and Rich McConnell joined the Spithaler team of late. Tom Burkey provides the motor for the No. 22 car and Spithaler drives Burkey's wingless Sprint in the Buckeye Outlaw (winless) Sprint Series.
“Without Tom, I'm not racing at all,” Spithaler said.
McClymonds, a New Castle resident, switched over to Spithaler after veteran Sprint driver Andy Priest stopped racing.
McClymonds worked with Priest for 15 years and Rodney Beltz for 10 years prior to that.
“I don't know Brandon that well personally, but he's got a lot of driving ability,” McClymonds said. “He''s not afraid to try a different line on the race track and adjust in midstream if something's not working.
“A lot of drivers won't do that.”
Spithaler showed off his racing ability in the B.O.S.S. wingless race Saturday at Wayne County Speedway in Ohio. He started in the front row and began lapping cars by the eighth lap. He was on the bumper of the second-place car when a caution came out with four laps remaining.
Spithaler cruised to his second B.O.S.S. feature win of the season. The other was July 5 in Clearfield. He stands fourth in points in the series with three races remaining.
“I'm not sure where my career's going to go from here,” Spithaler said. “If someone offers me a ride somewhere along the line, I'll take it.
“It's a lot easier driving somebody else's car. Besides that, we'll keep doing what we're doing.
“I look back at stuff during the winter. Otherwise, I'm always looking toward and preparing for the next race,” he added.
(top 15 through Aug. 15)SprintsCarl Bowser 458*, Brandon Matus 412, Mike Lutz 351, Dan Shetler 299, Brent Matus 298, Jack Sodeman Jr. 291, AJ Flick 262, Billy Dietrich 253, Brandon Spithaler 250, Scott Priester 243, Eric Williams 236, Cory Good 226, Dan Kuriger 181, Jared Zimbardi 123, Danny Holtgraver 112Late ModelsAlex Ferree 471*, Russ King 390, John Garvin Jr. 384, Mike Pegher Jr. 358, Jared Miley 325, Brian Swartzlander 321, Ken Schaltenbrand 304, Michael Norris 281, Chuck Sarver 278, Dave Murdick 258, Gary Lyle 258, Garrett Krummert 222, Tommy Beck 195, Brandon Wearing 168, Dan Swartzlander 157ModifiedsRex King Jr. 462*, Rex King 417, Brian Swartzlander 411, Dave Murdick 400, Tom Winkle 346, Jeremiah Shingledecker 336, Steve Feder 294, Rodney Beltz 263, Bob Warren 258, Rick Regalski 257, Mat Williamson 230, Carl Murdick 207, Jeff Miller 203, Brad Rapp 203, Mike Turner 178Sportsman StocksJim Fosnaught 473, Rob Shook 450, Corey McPherson 436, Terry Young 414, Mark Sanders 391, Aaron Easler 383, Joe Kelley 367, Mike Miller 353, Pat Hanley 353, Joey Zambotti 307, Brett McDonald 298, Paul Schreckengost 253, Brian Stivenson 220, Scott Byers 209, Stan Riggle 208* — clinched points title
