2012 was a busy year for area race car drivers
It has been a busy year for area race car drivers, crews and sponsors. In my last column I focused on the Fastrack folks and young Michael Lake. Since then, I have spoken with J.T. Baird, who won the final feature race for the Fort Necessity Garage Chargers this year at Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex in Markleysburg. Racing veteran, Bob Arsenberger sponsored the $300 to win the contest. It was the 17-year-old’s fourth win this year, and sixth in his driving career.
He started at age 14. His cousin, Russell Baird, drove No. 17 Fastrack Late Models. Although the young Baird drove Russell’s car in two races, finishing 15th in one, he always drives for the Chargers.
“My car is in good shape. I will be right back in the Chargers division next year, looking for the championship,” he said.
The Chargers 2012 championship went to Kenny Burkholder, division points leader. Baird was the youngest driver in his class for a long time, but he is gaining. He is third on this year’s points leader board following Kyle Burkholder’s second position.
“We work on the car, me and my dad. It is a family event. When they take a photo in victory lane, you can’t even see your car, because the family is gathered around it,” he laughed.
“I am in it to win it,” Baird said. He has driven at Roaring Knob exclusively, and visited Lernerville Speedway. “I may try new tracks next year.”
Baird feels fortunate to be involved in car racing, saying, “If you are lucky enough to have the chance to get into it, do it. It is fun, enjoyable and keeps you out of trouble. I get all my speed out on the track. In the beginning you have to learn to respect the track to see how fast you can go. I have learned sportsmanship, cooperation, and patience. I like to work on things, that’s who I am.”
More results for Oct. 21 were: Street Stocks: Joe Kelley; Roadrunners: Randy Murphy; and Tim Senic, Super Late Models. Over the winter, I hope to interview each of these men for this column.
I have enjoyed interviewing race car and motorcycle drivers and enthusiasts very much. My interest was sparked in 1993 by Jim Boyd when he entrusted me with his Summit Mountain Hill Climb and Uniontown Speedway board track photographs, news clippings, and programs. Twenty years later, this has evolved into books, columns, screenplays, articles, a trailer and the very real prospect of producing the Speed Kings feature film and an area racing documentary.
Each driver I have interviewed praised their fans and family, who support the sport that keeps on the track. We are lucky to have Roaring Knob so close at hand. Through the April-October season, an array of people get involved there, sponsoring the weekly children’s candy toss, and special evenings like honoring our veteran’s and fallen drivers. Like Baird said, “It is a family event.”
On Saturday evening, Jan. 19, 2013, the annual racing banquet will take place at the Addison Volunteer Fire Department, just a few miles east of Roaring Knob. Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check for $35 per ticket, and a self addressed stamped envelope, to: Oval Track Promotions, 304 Green Street, Westminister, Md. 21157. Street Stock and Charger drivers can now find new 2013 rules on the Team Info page at www.roaringknob.com.
Do you have racing news? What’s happening in your garage? Contact McGuinness to keep YOUR column racing on: 724-710-2919 and shorepublications@yahoo.com.