Rain and oppressive summer heat have been wreaking havoc on local speedways, but recently Mother Nature met her match at Lernerville Speedway's premier three-day Firecracker Fest.

Rain delayed racing June 27 and required constant track preparation, but credit goes to the track crew, management, owners, drivers and fans who refused to let the weather win.

Their patience paid off.

The result was one of the most memorable Firecracker 100s in recent history. In a thrilling battle that had fans on their feet, Devin Moran emerged victorious after an unforgettable duel with Brandon Sheppard over the final 20 laps to capture the 20th annual Firecracker 100.

Related Article: Firecracker 100: Moran rallies late to take checkered flag

Moran earned the $50,000 prize after taking the lead for the final time on Lap 92 of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series crown jewel event. The victory made him the 14th different winner in Firecracker 100 history.

"I just love this place," Moran said following the win.

Sheppard, who led 80 laps, settled for second, while championship points leader Hudson O'Neal completed the podium in third. Local favorite Mike Norris was the highest-finishing Lernerville regular in seventh. Current Lernerville points leader Alex Ferree charged from 23rd to finish 11th.

In the Pro Stock division, Saxonburg's Jake Dietz is still pursuing the one accomplishment missing from his racing résumé: a Lernerville Speedway track championship. Entering the stretch run, Dietz sits just two points behind Brett Hutira, who is also seeking his first title.

Over the past eight seasons, Dietz has developed into one of the division's top drivers after taking over the Charlie Neely-owned No. 27 from his older brother, Tyler. Tyler now pilots a Late Model for the Husston brothers and has collected four feature victories. He also occasionally competes in his own Pro Stock and a Big Block Modified.

The brothers own and build their own chassis through Tyler's business, Dietz Fabrication and Powder Coating, in Worthington.

Jake credited much of his recent success to a change under the hood.

"We changed engine builders and are now dealing with Jason Ora at 955 Automotive in Erie," Dietz said. “It makes a world of difference."

Dietz has collected eight feature wins during his career. His crew includes Wes Goettler, John Peterman, Brook Warren, Tyler Dietz and Charlie Neely.

With six Pro Stock races remaining, the battle for the 2026 championship promises to be one of the season's most exciting storylines.

The inaugural Liberty Classic featuring the ULMS Late Model Series was held last week at Mercer Raceway on a scorching Wednesday evening. A strong field of 29 Super Late Models from six states filled the pit area.

The $6,000 top prize went to 21-year-old Drake Troutman, who was driving Colton Flinner's backup Late Model and making his first Mercer appearance. Troutman, who departed the G.R. Smith Motorsports team June 23, outran Mike Marlar, Dave Hess Jr., and Flinner for the victory.

The crowd turnout was outstanding despite the heat, and fans were handed free bottles of water.

Del Rougex was also making his first Late Model start at Mercer, although he had previously competed there in Big Block Modified competition.

Longtime racer and car owner Jerry Schaffer said he is retiring — again. Schaffer, who has been involved in racing since the early 1980s, currently has three Crate Modifieds for sale. His portable toilet rental business keeps him busy these days, making retirement seem a little more realistic this time around.

Joey Zambardi recently made his first Lernerville appearance of the season with his Pro Stock car. Much of his attention has shifted to serving as crew chief for his two sons, who compete at Blanket Hill Speedway, in Kittanning. Joey Jr. races a Junior Micro Sprint, while his younger son competes in a Bandit.

Finally, the local racing community lost one of its longtime supporters with the passing of David A. Norris Sr., 83, of Tarentum, on July 1. Norris was the owner of D & D Auto Salvage and a key member of the Mike Norris Racing Team at Lernerville Speedway. For many years, he was also a dominant force at area drag strips behind the wheel of his Hemi-powered Dodges.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Norris family during this difficult time.

Carol Gamble is a racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.