Dreams do come true — just ask Eric McDonald.

When McDonald and 2007 Lernerville Pure Stock Champion Mike Pegher were graduated from Seneca Valley High School together, they shared a love for racing.

For 10 years, Eric's goal and dream was to have a Modified racer. Over the years, he saved all the money possible from odd jobs that he performed.

Now, his Modified is done, and McDonald is ready for his maiden voyage. His grandfather, Butch Bower, raced coupes and his number was 29, so McDonald is using that number and adding an "E" for Eric.

His dad, Don, helped to refurbish the engine and now all systems are go for the 22- year-old when the season begins Friday at Lernerville.

Mercer, Motordrome, and Pennsylvania Motor Speedway also are slated to open their 2008 seasons.

In other racing news:

• Jim Bickerstaff, who was a legend in the Penn-Ohio Late Models racing series died March 21 at the age of 76. He dominated asphalt Late Model racing in this area from the late '60s to the early '80s. Bickerstaff was the all-time top pavement Late Model winner at both the famed Heidelberg Raceway in Pittsburgh and Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio. Although Bickerstaff started on dirt, he was equally successful driving on either surface.

• Where is the 1980 Lernerville Sprint Champ Mark Cassella, now that he has retired from racing? Instead of shuffling through the pack on the racing surface, the effervescent "West Virginia Wild Thing" now shuffles the deck as a card dealer at a West Virginia casino.

• NASCAR driver and Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart made a pit stop in Cranberry Township last week. Throngs of fans stood in line to get their hero's autograph at the Home Depot.

• Six-time Lernerville Pure Stock Champion Joe Kelley will return full time to the Sarver track in 2008. Owners Terry and Carol Bank will run their No. 66 Monte Carlo one day a week.

• The number 6A Late Model driven by Chuck Kennedy is ready to go. Crew chief Wes Osmer had a few health issues and is hoping to get on the list for a kidney transplant. Racing is a force that energizes this lovely family.

• Bob Wearing Jr is planning to race his Late Model weekly this season. Butler's Gary Henry will build his engines and the tires will be provided by Hoosier. Once his father, Bob Wearing Sr., leaves the golf greens of South Carolina, he will crew for his son. Occasionally, the elder Wearing will drive the Brent Nulph's Late Model at Marion Center.

• When the season opens, Mike Blose won't be behind the wheel of his No. 5 Late Model. Allen Dellinger will be the substitute driver. Blose has just been released from the hospital after a seven-day stay. because of a bone infection in his shoulder and will not be able to handle the driving chores for at least a month.

• Mercer Raceway Park and Big Daddy's Speed Center have announced plans for the Ray Baselj Benefit Barbeque Dinner to be held at the track in conjunction with the inaugural Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic May 26. Ray was recently diagnosed with throat cancer

• Two-time Lernerville Sprint Champion Kevin Shaffer will have a new little fan in his camper. Aiden James was born in February.

Carol Gamble is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.