After finishing the race car Friday, Pat Hanley is happy to be back to dirt! He returned to Lernerville Speedway last week in the DIRTcar Sportsman division.

During the 2010 season, driving for Viglione Motorsports, Hanley raced a Modified on asphalt at Motordrome Speedway.

“I had a successful season, but at Lernerville, I feel like it is home,” Hanley said.

“It is such a friendly atmosphere here; even the people in the concession stands are so friendly.”

Photographer struck

Three weeks ago, photographer Howie Balis was in the infield at Thunder Valley Raceway, waiting to take a picture of the winner as he crossed the line. Opposite the flag stand, a racer accidentally struck Balis.

He was rushed to Conemaugh Hospital where it was established that he had fractured one leg and injured the other.

His friends report that he has remained in intensive care and a series of misfortunes developed. A staph infection set in, he developed renal failure and was on a ventilator.

This past week Balis, who remains on his back, was moved to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he is closer to home. Cards can be sent to Mercy Hospital, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15122.

Graduating with honors

DIRTcar Sportsman driver A. J. Flick graduated with honors from Kiski Area High School this week.

In the fall, he will be attending Penn State, New Kensington campus for two years where he will be majoring in mechanical engineering. Flick, who is in his second year of racing, recently took his first trip to PA Motor Speedway. The team plans to visit other tracks this season.

Norris wins first

Congratulations to 19-year-old Mike Norris who earned a career first DIRTcar Super Late Model feature at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway last Friday.

The young lion beat a group of veterans that included Mike Davis, Steve Baker, and Mike Johnson.

Mike Pegher scored in the Fastrak High Roller 30 Crate Late Model feature. Upcoming at PPMS on Saturday is the UFO PENNational Twin 28 Lap UFO Super Late Model Special, $4,000 to win ($2,000 to win each leg)! $550 to win Crates, $450 to win E-Mod.

Costly fire

A blaze destroyed the haulern (toter home) of Robyn and Butch Lambert, driver of the FASTRAK late model No. 27 car, after they returned home from Sharon Speedway last Saturday.

A neighbor called Lambert and 911 to alert them of the fire. The good news was that the trailer that housed the race car was unharmed. The hauler was a complete loss and Butch also lost his drivers uniform, shoes, etc.

The Lamberts are on a tight budget and this is a big setback for them. They are not sure when they will be able to go racing again.

Janet Powell, owner of the #100 FASTRAK car, is heading up an effort to help the Lamberts. Contributions can be sent to: Janet U. Powell, 5748 Orchard Rd., Huntingdon, Pa., 16652.

Appreciation night

Friday, Lernerville Speedway hosts its famous Holiday Races with fireworks. It is #1 Cochran Automotive Fan Appreciation Night.

Dave Murdick won the Modified feature and dedicated it to his father Carl for his 74th birthday. Carl is Western PA’s senior member of the Modified division and is still doing a great job.

Dick Swartzlander was in the pits Friday. He was giving his son Dan Late Model advice.

The senior Swartzlander said, “I always give him advice but he doesn’t always listen.”

Late Model diver Ken Schaltenbrand is wondering when he will get a break. It seems that he keeps finding the 43 pill for starting position.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle