They say all's fair in love and war, and most of the time that also applies to racing.

However, whether people love or hate John Flinner, they rallied around him during his recent personal tragedy.

Fans continued to show their support Friday at Lernerville Speedway, where Flinner made his first appearance since his daughter's death.

As he drove onto the track, the crowd gave Flinner a standing ovation. Flinner showed his appreciation by putting a decal that read "THANKS" on his rear spoiler.

In other racing news:

• It's a celebration of life and you're invited! Nearly a year ago, Ron Thompson didn't know if he would live to see another day. He took a gamble and received a heart transplant. One year later, Ron will hit the half century mark on his birthday. Despite his illness, he prepared a DIRTcar Sportsman racer and his driver, Mike Miller, who finished in the top 20. His family and friends are having a party for Ron at the Lernerville pavilion at 1 p.m. Oct. 4. In lieu of gifts, bring a covered dish and enjoy this festive occasion with him.

• After numerous second-place finishes at Lernerville and Roaring Knob, Doug Horton finally broke down the door and entered victory lane recently at Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex by winning the 25-lap feature.

• Rob Curtis won his first Modified Championship at Sharon Speedway. "This victory is for Lou Blaney," said an emotional Curtis. My sympathy goes out to the Blaneys after Lou's sister, Maryann Blaney Bates, died this weekend.

• Walt Wimer reports that the #1 Cochran CAVALCADE point leaders are as follows: Sprints: Rod George leads Ed Lynch Jr. by 9 points; Late Models: Robbie Blair has a slim margin of four points over Jared Miley; Modifieds: It is Kevin Bolland over Jeremiah Shingledecker by 3.

• In a mutual decision between Sharon Speedway general manager Larry Mattingly and track owners Dave Blaney, Ron Kirila and Jim Weller Sr., it has been decided to eliminate the speedway's top management position. "This is strictly a financial decision on our part and has no reflection on the job that Larry did for us this season," said Weller. No one will be named to replace Mattingly, as the ownership group will take a more active role in the day-to-day operation of the speedway.

• Lernerville will host a two-day show this weekend. Friday will feature the Super DIRTcar Series BRP Modifieds and Mod Lites and Saturday will include the Sportsman Stock Spectacular and 100-lap Enduro with a start time of 6 p.m.

• The King of the Knob will take place at Roaring Knob Saturday. The UFO Race Super Late Model race will pay $6,000 to the victor for 51 laps. The Fastrak Late Models, Street Stocks and Chargers also will be on the racing card.

• The Little Guys Nationals will be held at Mercer Raceway Park Saturday. This year, the Big-Block Modifieds will join the Western Pennsylvania Sprint Championship, the Fastrak Late Model Series and the Mini-Stocks.

• A regular show with final points night will take place at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Allegheny County residents will be admitted free.

Carol Gamble is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.