He’s the leader of the pack.

To be in front in a race all of the time is practically impossible , but not this guy. Barry Lucas is the pace truck driver at Lernerville Speedway and guides the field of cars every Friday night.

He loves racing and is a dedicated, dependable, responsible and friendly employee who does whatever he can to enhance auto racing. At the recent Lernerville Banquet, Lucas received the Golden Award for his efforts.

Lucas was introduced to racing by his neighbor, Al Stivenson, who first took him to the PRA races at the old Monduke Speedway, Heidelberg and Mercer at the age of ten. He was immediately “hooked” and his favorite driver became Dick Swartzlander. It was utopia for Lucas when Lernerville Speedway was built, so close to home.

After marriage, his wife Shirley and their three children also developed the passion for racing. When the children, Barry Jr., was seven, Jammie five and Steve three, Lucas’ wife was tragically killed in a automobile accident.

Lucas said: “Sometimes life deals you a tough hand, but you have to play the cards your dealt.”

His faith helped to sustain him through the difficult times.

He became “Mr. Mom,” working at Allegheny Ludlum, coming home to do the cooking, laundry, yard work and everything else that is needed to raise children. His buddy, Sprint owner Dwayne George, told him to keep the kids involved.

The boys had go-carts and later micro sprints and they all went racing at Blanket Hill and Challenger Raceway.

Barry Lucas Jr. eventually became Gary Risch Jr’s crew chief and ran Risch’s Modified and back-up car once in awhile. For the 2011 season, Steve Lucas has bought a 305 Sprint and plans to debut it at Mercer in the new division.

Now Lucas’ grandchildren, Parker and Brock Lucas, and Cody and Dawson Contrael are racing go-carts.

One of Lucas’ favorite racing stories happened one night at a local Dairy Queen. His buddy Carl Bigley and he were coming back from an Indiana Mall car show and stopped for ice cream. Don and Helen Martin were also there.

Carl went up to Don and said, “I don’t go to the races every week but I just love your race track.” Don took out a pencil and paper and wrote, one free race jacket.

Martin said: “Now the next time you come to the track, go to the souvenir stand and give this to the lady there.” Shortly after, Don Martin passed away.

To this day Carl has never picked up the jacket. He said. “This piece of paper with his name on it is more precious to me.”

Delayed opener

Weather permitting, Lernerville will open Friday, and Mercer on Saturday. Pennsylvania Motor Speedway has scheduled a track test open practice for Saturday.

Chasing 100

Celebrating 25 years of racing, Mike Lutz has a goal this season. He wants to reach the century mark in victories.

He has 87 wins and will drive his own 305 Sprint, as well as Jim Chappell’s 410 Sprint. Lutz will also be behind the wheel of Glen Hinkle’s Modified at some of the tracks.

Ready to defend

Sprint champion Dan Holtgraver announced that he will defend his title at Lernerville this season. Some people speculated that he might join a traveling group.

Permits still needed

Neupert Raceway Park has not received its final two permits needed to start construction. NRP was hoping to break ground in March.

They anticipate having final determination from DEP and the Conservation District by June of 2011. As soon as the permits are given, construction will go full steam ahead.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.