Firecracker 100 Lernerville

[Raceready]

Mike Marler has cleaned house the first 2 nights. Do you think he can win the big race tonight ?

[bleedblue55]

Yes, he's been able to get traction coming out of turn 2 which is notorious for being slick and slow. I've been to races at Lernerville were the cars look to be in slow motion in turn 2. Haven't seen anyone match him for speed in that area.

[Josh Bayko]

I don’t see how he doesn’t win tonight. Not only does he get off 2 better, he’s able to make his car work where others can’t in traffic. Unless they do something radically different to the track itself, they might as well write the check now.

[Pennsboro32]

Write the check it seems. His car looks great unless he breaks or gets into an accident.

[zer018]

Write the check it seems. His car looks great unless he breaks or gets into an accident.

100 laps is a long way. I like Marlar’s chances but I wouldn’t write his name quite yet!

[buster83]

Well said zer018 there some really good cars there.

[TerryM]

There’s a huge difference in a 30 lapper and a 100 lapper.

[Raceready]

Garret Alberson has been running well there.

[dirtMAN007]

I like Marlar as well but to write the check would be absurd !

[SLIDING SIDEWAYS]

TMAC is good on the 100 lappers. Let's see if he has anything for the 157!🤞

[Raceready]

I like Marlar as well but to write the check would be absurd !Right on ! ! I seem to recall that people were saying the same thing about Brandon Overton. They said to already put his name on the MILLION check at Eldora. They said he would never get beat again there after how good he was last year. We all seen how that went ! !

[TerryM]

TMAC is good on the 100 lappers. Let's see if he has anything for the 157!爛
Overton, Davenport, TMac, BShepp, etc … lots of 100-lap specialists there. Should be a good one.

[Pennsboro32]

Right on ! ! I seem to recall that people were saying the same thing about Brandon Overton. They said to already put his name on the MILLION check at Eldora. They said he would never get beat again there after how good he was last year. We all seen how that went ! !

Nobody said that.

[Raceready]

Right on ! ! I seem to recall that people were saying the same thing about Brandon Overton. They said to already put his name on the MILLION check at Eldora. They said he would never get beat again there after how good he was last year. We all seen how that went ! !They were going to put the car up on blocks and only run it at Eldora because they thought it would never be beat again ! !

[Raceready]

I like Marlar as well but to write the check would be absurd !We picked that right, SHURE ENUFF ! !

[SLIDING SIDEWAYS]

Congratulations to TMAC & PAYLOR MOTORSPORTS!👏

[Minny Lakes]

When Longhorns sweep the podium you know the track was slick and the race was boring AF.

[Mod Runner]

Sounds like Rocketshepp gave the Longhorns a good run with the Rocket, especially early in the race.

[bleedblue55]

I will give a tip of the hat to Lernerville for track prep. With 0% chance of rain all weekend they did keep the track in decent shape. Dodging thunderstorms is usually the norm for Firecracker weekend. They probably slung more water this weekend than they have all year.

[Rajflyboy]

I will give a tip of the hat to Lernerville for track prep. With 0% chance of rain all weekend they did keep the track in decent shape. Dodging thunderstorms is usually the norm for Firecracker weekend. They probably slung more water this weekend than they have all year.Good point although the feature last night was a bit late.

[TerryM]

Sounds like Rocketshepp gave the Longhorns a good run with the Rocket, especially early in the race.
Overton and BShepp raced for position for about 50 laps, til Overton finally took the spot. I’m sure they both used their stuff up a little while TMac was cruising out front. Overton still almost got him at the end though. Another lap or two and the 76 is probably in victory lane. He’s won a bunch of them that way.

[Rajflyboy]

Too bad Chris Madden wasn’t there but I’m glad he was able to spend a weekend with his family

[Highside Hustler25]

The Overton/Sheppard battle was the highlight of the event.

[YeetIt]

Thornton made a mid race charge to 6th that was also pretty fun to watch. The fact that the super and crate race were both lead wire to wire didnt pass me though.

[GEAR_HEAD]

Thornton made a mid race charge to 6th that was also pretty fun to watch. The fact that the super and crate race were both lead wire to wire didnt pass me though.

That's what happens with these terrible formats. Especially with the dash for the crates. The more you filter and sort the cars by speed, the less passing there is going to be. But these drivers don't want to have to pass anybody anymore.

[EDERDS]

A lapped car (Eckert) raced Overton a lot harder than a lapped car should. That gave TMac a pretty big cushion that Overton had to make back up. If you’re not fast enough to race for the lead, don’t hinder the drivers that are fast enough.

[Highside Hustler25]

^
You have got to be kidding

[EDERDS]

I can see racing the leader hard to keep from going a lap down, but TMac had already gone by Eckert. Eckert wasn’t racing anybody for position, if he lets Overton and Marler go by, it doesn’t effect him at all.

[Dlmfan123]

Rick schwallie said it was likely the largest crowd to ever see a Lucas oil race Saturday night

[Hoosier_Dirt]

Out of curiosity, how many people can Lernerville hold? It looked like a massive crowd.

[Spanky44]

Rick schwallie said it was likely the largest crowd to ever see a Lucas oil race Saturday night

For that race I believe, not history.

[foxfire2dirtracing]

I was there-and I believe James Essex announced over 12k were there.
It was a full house and enthusiastic crowd- good racing atmosphere. Facilities (not the track) would compare with Florence and Portsmouth.
The only negative aspect to Lernerville- more seating capacity than parking capacity for vehicles. They announced over 600 campers were there-so I’m sure that depleted some parking area. Nonetheless-I will be back next year!
Purse increase for the 3 days-40k
Twin 5k races on Thursday/Friday
50k to win on Saturday.
My first time to Lernerville-probably be an annual trip now.

[Dlmfan123]

For that race I believe, not history.https://www.dirtondirt.com/dirtwire.php That’s not what it says here

[Pennsboro32]

Would be hard to believe there were more at Lernerville than the 2010 hillbilly 100 at WVMS. As packed as I have ever seen a place, lawn chairs two deep on the hillside, elbows to asses. Entire back stretch was jam packed as well.

[Highside Hustler25]

Lernerville's Firecracker weekend rivals the PDC when it comes to camping. Maybe bigger. Was there back when Bloomer had Tommy Hicks and the pea green car. Folks were tent camping on some of the most unlevel ground I've ever seen. Looked like a wild time. Most campers I had ever seen up to that point and time. I stayed at a hotel.

[Josh Bayko]

Out of curiosity, how many people can Lernerville hold? It looked like a massive crowd.

12k in the bleachers.

[Josh Bayko]

Lernerville's Firecracker weekend rivals the PDC when it comes to camping. Maybe bigger. Was there back when Bloomer had Tommy Hicks and the pea green car. Folks were tent camping on some of the most unlevel ground I've ever seen. Looked like a wild time. Most campers I had ever seen up to that point and time. I stayed at a hotel.

There were over 600 campgrounds.

[bleedblue55]

Some of the claims being made about this years Lernerville race are unbelievable. Was it the biggest crowd during the Thomson ownership, absolutely, but that was a norm for this race 10 yrs. ago. Seems alot of people forget that WOO and WRG took over this track and kept it afloat before it was bought by the Thomson's. Did they lose about 1/4 of their campers and crowd when they implemented paid camping, yes they did. Was a bump expected this year with a new series, drivers and increase in purse (Thanks Big River Steel), yes again. Glad to see new life injected into this race as it has been one of the bigger events in western Pa. Comparing it to Portsmouth is laughable. Portsmouth is a dusty, dingy $hithole.

[foxfire2dirtracing]

Bleedblue
Reread my post! #32
I said facilities (not track) compared to Portsmouth & Florence. Meaning type of bleachers, restrooms, concession stands.
As far as dust- Lernerville was dusty both Friday & Saturday. Saturday was the worst- but also the hottest and most racing laps put on the track.
After only 1 visit at Lernerville - I will take the racing there over Portsmouth- but all track conditions are subject to change.
For example: never dreamed I would witness a total pathetic track at Eldora as we did for the Castrol/Flo race.

[Snake X3]

That's what happens with these terrible formats. Especially with the dash for the crates. The more you filter and sort the cars by speed, the less passing there is going to be. But these drivers don't want to have to pass anybody anymore.

So penalizing the fastest drivers that earned their spot at the front of the field is what you'd like? So if there is zero passing, the fastest cars don't win, but the cars that win a lottery draw win instead is fair or a "better show"? It's silly to say drivers don't want to pass anyone anymore. Of course they do, but they need rules and a track that allows them to race.

I'm glad so many people had a good time at the show. I know it's a big race in that area, but it was boring to watch on Mav and Rocket has been reduced to a joke except for the house car. It will really suck if Rocket is the next big name chassis to fade into oblivion because there ain't no other competition left for Longhorn after that. What were there like 8 of the top 9 Longhorns or was it 9 of 10? It would be cool if Bloomer produced more cars. They seem to give Longhorn a run for their money.

The sport is changing and the more it changes, the more it stays the same.

[Rajflyboy]

I didn’t get to watch any of this. Was the track prep ok and could you make passes on it?

[Pennsboro32]

So penalizing the fastest drivers that earned their spot at the front of the field is what you'd like? So if there is zero passing, the fastest cars don't win, but the cars that win a lottery draw win instead is fair or a "better show"? It's silly to say drivers don't want to pass anyone anymore. Of course they do, but they need rules and a track that allows them to race.

I'm glad so many people had a good time at the show. I know it's a big race in that area, but it was boring to watch on Mav and Rocket has been reduced to a joke except for the house car. It will really suck if Rocket is the next big name chassis to fade into oblivion because there ain't no other competition left for Longhorn after that. What were there like 8 of the top 9 Longhorns or was it 9 of 10? It would be cool if Bloomer produced more cars. They seem to give Longhorn a run for their money.

The sport is changing and the more it changes, the more it stays the same.

Longhorns are definitely the faster cars on the national stage right now, but you do realize Dennis Erb swept I-55 in a rocket, Sheppard won Jacksonville in a rocket, Jacob Hawkins won $10k at Atomic in a rocket just this past weekend. Rocket isn't going anywhere.

Oh, and 1 of the top 2 drivers in the country is also in a rocket.

[Highside Hustler25]

So Chris Madden has been reduced to a joke.
The stuff you read on here makes you shake your head and think WTF.

[Snake X3]

So Chris Madden has been reduced to a joke.
The stuff you read on here makes you shake your head and think WTF.

Yeah. That was a pretty stupid comment on my part.

[Snake X3]

Longhorns are definitely the faster cars on the national stage right now, but you do realize Dennis Erb swept I-55 in a rocket, Sheppard won Jacksonville in a rocket, Jacob Hawkins won $10k at Atomic in a rocket just this past weekend. Rocket isn't going anywhere.

Oh, and 1 of the top 2 drivers in the country is also in a rocket.

How many Longhorns were at I-55? Feger and......

Yes. I completely forgot about Madden. I know. I know. The point is the same though. Whether it's Sheppard and Madden or just Sheppard, Rocket is suffering right now and I'd hate to see Rocket go the way of the dinosaur. Sure...that is very unlikely, but I'm hoping it doesn't happen. I enjoy watching a variety of chassis compete and the number has been dwindling compared to 7-8 years ago.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

So penalizing the fastest drivers that earned their spot at the front of the field is what you'd like? So if there is zero passing, the fastest cars don't win, but the cars that win a lottery draw win instead is fair or a "better show"? It's silly to say drivers don't want to pass anyone anymore. Of course they do, but they need rules and a track that allows them to race.

I'm glad so many people had a good time at the show. I know it's a big race in that area, but it was boring to watch on Mav and Rocket has been reduced to a joke except for the house car. It will really suck if Rocket is the next big name chassis to fade into oblivion because there ain't no other competition left for Longhorn after that. What were there like 8 of the top 9 Longhorns or was it 9 of 10? It would be cool if Bloomer produced more cars. They seem to give Longhorn a run for their money.

The sport is changing and the more it changes, the more it stays the same.

I disagree. They don't want to pass. They want a straight up format. Sure, the cars have a hard time passing with the current aero issues, but rewind the bodies and guys are still going to cry at Florence with the pill draw format at the North South.

[Dlmfan123]

The top 10 at lernerville was 6 longhorns, 3 rockets and a black diamond

[Snake X3]

I disagree. They don't want to pass. They want a straight up format. Sure, the cars have a hard time passing with the current aero issues, but rewind the bodies and guys are still going to cry at Florence with the pill draw format at the North South.

I don't understand what you mean. Of course the top drivers want a straight up format and don't want to be put behind cars that ran slower in qualifying and heats. They already beat them. And with cars being so equal, if a track does not provide multi-groove racing, that is a significant advantage being awarded to drivers that didn't earn it. No other major sports handicap their contests.

I'm not certain what you are disagreeing with. Not trying to be a d1ck. I'm just unclear on the point you are trying to make. Is it that you believe pill draws are a good thing because.....why? It's not a big deal in 100 lappers on tracks with multi-groove racing, but at tracks where passing is at a premium, it's just rewarding failure.

[Snake X3]

The top 10 at lernerville was 6 longhorns, 3 rockets and a black diamond

Yeah, but the 5 Longhorns were in the top 6. I think there were only 3 or 4 other Longhorns entered outside of the top 10.

The Million: Top 4 - Longhorn
Historic 100: Podium - Longhorn, as well as 7 of the top 8 and 8 of the top 10.

Do I really have to go on?

[johnE]

So much untrue info here. Million 2nd place: Rocket.

WOO
XRSS
LUCAS OIL

All three series led by drivers of Rockets.

[Highside Hustler25]

Snake, I think you're more worried about Rocket than Mark is. Just sayin

[Highside Hustler25]

So much untrue info here. Million 2nd place: Rocket.

WOO
XRSS
LUCAS OIL

All three series led by drivers of Rockets.

He doesn't like Smokey 😁

[Josh Bayko]

How many Longhorns were at I-55? Feger and......

Yes. I completely forgot about Madden. I know. I know. The point is the same though. Whether it's Sheppard and Madden or just Sheppard, Rocket is suffering right now and I'd hate to see Rocket go the way of the dinosaur. Sure...that is very unlikely, but I'm hoping it doesn't happen. I enjoy watching a variety of chassis compete and the number has been dwindling compared to 7-8 years ago.

Rocket sells at least 3x the cars Longhorn does. This idea they are in trouble is laughable.

[Snake X3]

Rocket sells at least 3x the cars Longhorn does. This idea they are in trouble is laughable.

I didn't say they were in trouble. I said it would suck if they were.

[Snake X3]

He doesn't like Smokey 

That's not true. He's one of my favorites. I think it's just a mental block. I guess in my head I always think of him in the Capital/Longhorn.

[Snake X3]

Snake, I think you're more worried about Rocket than Mark is. Just sayin

LOL I am not worried about Rocket. I just think their performance is not very good compared to Longhorn.

[Pennsboro32]

Yeah, but the 5 Longhorns were in the top 6. I think there were only 3 or 4 other Longhorns entered outside of the top 10.

The Million: Top 4 - Longhorn
Historic 100: Podium - Longhorn, as well as 7 of the top 8 and 8 of the top 10.

Do I really have to go on?

Listen I don't much care for Madden either, but you keep forgetting the 44. ROCKET.

[Snake X3]

Listen I don't much care for Madden either, but you keep forgetting the 44. ROCKET.

LOL I know. I have brain damage.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

I don't understand what you mean. Of course the top drivers want a straight up format and don't want to be put behind cars that ran slower in qualifying and heats. They already beat them. And with cars being so equal, if a track does not provide multi-groove racing, that is a significant advantage being awarded to drivers that didn't earn it. No other major sports handicap their contests.

I'm not certain what you are disagreeing with. Not trying to be a d1ck. I'm just unclear on the point you are trying to make. Is it that you believe pill draws are a good thing because.....why? It's not a big deal in 100 lappers on tracks with multi-groove racing, but at tracks where passing is at a premium, it's just rewarding failure.

Just because a guy times well, doesn't mean he will race well. He hasn't beat anyone. Things change a lot on a dirt track. The fans deserve to see passing, not parading. At most woo and Lucas events, they get the parade.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

LOL I am not worried about Rocket. I just think their performance is not very good compared to Longhorn.

The xr1 is getting a little long in the tooth and they are developing a new car. They will be back.

[Rajflyboy]

As far as best in the country Madden is doing really well in the Rocket! I have been very impressed at his team and how he is winning the biggest races against the best Longhorn drivers/teams.

[Snake X3]

Just because a guy times well, doesn't mean he will race well. He hasn't beat anyone. Things change a lot on a dirt track. The fans deserve to see passing, not parading. At most woo and Lucas events, they get the parade.

I am just a fan and I'd rather see a fair race than a pill draw, especially if there is only one groove. But I won't belabor the point. I respect your opinion. I just disagree...which I think you said at the start. :)

[Rajflyboy]

I like having the top 6 pill drop. Especially in a race where a lot of cars show up and track changes in qualifying affect things. Group A and B qualifying helps a bit

[Jb1390]

Bshepp can jump in the B5 prepared by his uncles and adds his shock package/setup. He then goes out and whips the WOO at Jacksonville. How could anyone thinks that is possible but not possible for the Rocket1 car to have that same setup is hilarious. I guess Brandon is preparing for life after Rocket1 and doesn’t want to share his secrets to take home a larger winnings percentage hahaha… it’s pretty obvious that Mark runs the show and decides if they are testing all year or racing… 2 years ago the won 900k and cleaned up but the problem is you can’t do that year after year and expect people to keep buying cars from you if they know that you have an advantage and won’t share knowledge. You also can’t give regional guys info that the touring guys don’t have… Best solution is to spend races testing setups in race conditions. You take your best known setup for a place which is already better then your competitors/ customers and make one or two changes at a time. Most of the times you miss and learn what not to do.. a few time you hit and learn stuff to do. Now your best known setup is 1 or two changes better then your customers and competitors. All of this while running in the top 5 most nights because you never made drastic changes from your best setup which was better then everyone else’s so the overall setup is still pretty competitive and can make some money while gaining a future advantage.. with the way people switch chassis there is and advantage to have up and down years

[Highside Hustler25]

..............🥴...............

[Rajflyboy]

Thanks JB1390. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. 👍 Now does Madden share his secrets with Mark Richards or how does that relationship work? Or is Chris getting a lot of help from XR1 folks in West Virginia?

[Raceready]

Thanks JB1390. Your explanation makes a lot of sense.  Now does Madden share his secrets with Mark Richards or how does that relationship work? Or is Chris getting a lot of help from XR1 folks in West Virginia?Maybe Richards needs to hire Chris Madden or Huddy O'Neil for the house car ? B. Shepp just isn't gettin er' done at all in the biggest most high profile races anymore. . . .

[Rajflyboy]

I think Madden is a suspension/tire genius as well as a patient driver when he needs to be

[Raceready]

I think Madden is a suspension/tire genius as well as a patient driver when he needs to beMaybe he could learn Mark Richards a few things to get the house car to be able to handle the wraith of those Longhorners in the BIG races ? ?

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

I think Madden is a suspension/tire genius as well as a patient driver when he needs to be

Madden is no dummy, but he has access to guys that are more technical.

[Rajflyboy]

Madden is no dummy, but he has access to guys that are more technical.I have heard that. He has good folks around him.

[YeetIt]

I know living in western Pa during the UFo tours prime ruined me. Sadly the pill draw deal just doesnt pan out anymore. Guys just wont support it, talking to a couple of the locals saturday at Lernerville and really thinking about it, there might not legitmately be even 65-70 race ready supers left in western pa area to start with.

[Raceready]

Maybe Richards needs to hire Chris Madden or Huddy O'Neil for the house car ? B. Shepp just isn't gettin er' done at all in the biggest most high profile races anymore. . . .I'm glad that he listened , finally ! ! ! ! !

[bleedblue55]

I'm glad that he listened , finally ! ! ! ! !

Not sure if you're vain, stupid or both

[dirtcrazy4u]

All the 4m chassis experts out there no more than any builder out there. Heck richards be as dumb as a stone I'm a thunkin . LOL

[Raceready]

All the 4m chassis experts out there no more than any builder out there. Heck richards be as dumb as a stone I'm a thunkin . LOLHe reminds one of a Big old Dancing Bear and I've read where he has a very punchable face ? ?

[Raceready]

Maybe Richards needs to hire Chris Madden or Huddy O'Neil for the house car ? B. Shepp just isn't gettin er' done at all in the biggest most high profile races anymore. . . .Good Call ! !

[SLlDlNG SIDEWAYS]

Don't throw your arm out of socket patting yourself on the back. Tee hee

[Raceready]

What to do about my swelled head on my prediction ? I'm glad somebody took notice on my suggestion and now young Huddy O'Nael is a World 100 Victor !

[SLlDlNG SIDEWAYS]

Hate to shrink that big head but according to one individual on here, it was on the fix that Dons young boy would win that globe this time round. Grin

[Raceready]

Hate to shrink that big head but according to one individual on here, it was on the fix that young Dons boy would win that globe this time round. GrinI've heard that concept through the grapevine. Seems not only possible but plausible as well ? ? OH The Shame of it all !!

[SLlDlNG SIDEWAYS]

Hey, I got some beach front property in Ethiopia I'm letting go, cheap! Lots a tan slim women abound... Ya interested? Smirk