One might say Brad Rapp multitasks like the comic-strip legend “Superman.”

He is a big block Modified driver Fridays at Lernerville and almost a doctor the rest of the week. Having graduated from Slippery Rock with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, he entered Gannon University and is halfway through his doctorate degree in physical therapy. Brad was working at Butler Hospital as an aide in physical therapy, but his schooling requires that he now do an internship. In between, he and his car owner dad, Harold “Butch” Rapp, work on the race car.

Brad is driven to be the best at whatever he does. In high school he was a sports enthusiast, lifting weights for football, wrestling and track. He enjoyed analyzing muscles groups to work on enhancing his body. Brad grew up watching his father’s powerful Dirt Modified team race throughout the east coast.

Butch began his racing history as a fan during the 70s, and also worked as a pit-crew member for Walter Hepfl. Butch soon became a Modified owner and developed his Dirt Modified team, hiring drivers such as Scott Gurdak, Billy Van Pelt, Kevin Hoffman, Mark Rossey and Brian Swartzlander. Now his son Brad has had much success with Rapp Racing. Brad said, “I grew up watching these guys race for my father and now it is special to be driving with them.”

At the age of 12, Brad started racing karts, winning numerous track titles and recording 40 wins throughout a three-year span. By the time he was 15, Brad was anxious to get behind the wheel of his family’s well-known orange No. 11R Modified to make a name for himself. Now just after his 7th season in a full size car, he has won two big block features and scored wins in seven small block main events. This year he has cut back on his racing activities and is only racing for points at Lernerville. Brad is looking for his first feature win there and is currently 11th in the points chase.

Brad likes the camaraderie of the race teams. “If you need a part there is someone there that will lend you one,” he further added, “I feel that you should never hold a grudge forever. It is important to talk things out.”

Brad’s girlfriend is Ashley Swartzlander, niece of Brian Swartzlander. Ashley already enjoys racing and complements the team. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

• Jackie and Liz Matus, Kayla Duncan and an army of volunteers facilitated an incredible Chinese and silent auction for the “Cowboy” Brian Steinman Benefit Fund at Lernerville. Last month at the track, Sprint driver Steinman was injured in a horrifying front-straight wreck that evolved into a fire. He continues to make progress at UPMC Mercy hospital in Pittsburgh. The wonderful race fans have generously donated almost $10,000 to the Steinman fund. Get well wishes can be sent to Brian Steinman, 1772 Huefner Spings Road, Lucinda, Pa., 16235.

• Friday is Pittsburgh Circle Track Night at Lernerville. Saturday, Mercer Raceway will admit cancer survivors free and there will be “Kids” Bike Races. Pennsylvania Motor Speedway will feature Wacky Wheels Figure eights plus the regular show.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.