Mount Vernon News

Drivers continue to find success at Pacemakers

MOUNT VERNON — Other tracks have come and gone in the central Ohio area, but racing at Pacemakers Dragway Park just outside of Mount Vernon continues to roll on each weekend. The strip offers a variety of different events to satisfy racers of all types and ability levels.

Racing begins each Saturday with the Junior Dragster program, which features drivers ranging from 8-years-old to 17. This program provides young drivers the opportunity to develop their skills, and race against competitors their own age. Through six weeks of points races, Lyndsey Butler is the current leader in the Junior Major (13-17) Division. Scott Chitty leads the Junior Intermediate class, while Ashley Robinson currently leads the Junior Minor Division.

Moving up to the adults, there is a Sportsman class which typically runs the eighth of a mile track in less than 7.5 seconds. Laura Lawson is the current point leader with 310. Terry McGee is second with 287, followed by Shane Weaver with 258. Drivers are given 10 points for arriving and making a run, followed by 10 points for advancing to the next round. Points are also awarded for a winning, and being runner-up. There are 14 points races throughout the summer.

The next class, in terms of speed, is the Pro division. Shaun Bremiller stands as the current leader with 262 points. Dan Trainer is right behind with 256, followed by Brett Spring with 242 points. Only one driver, John Whitmer in eighth place, has won more than once, showing there are plenty of opportunities for drivers which remain in striking distance.

The Super Pro is the fastest group on the track, and has a plenty of competition in its own right. Jim Cluck is the current leader with 302 points, but after him, it is a logjam for second place. Jared Bargo currently holds the position with 215 points, followed by Mac McKnight with 191. There are six drivers within 40 points of McKnight, and within 64 points of second place, meaning one good day could move a driver up significantly.

New this year is the High School division, which was begun as a way for high school aged racers an opportunity to race street legal cars in a safer environment. It provides the proper supervision to keep the young people safe, but still allows room to fight for bragging rights. Sydney Butler is currently in first place in the division with 134 points. Jason Jones follows with 113 points, while Rod Boyd has a hold on third place with 102 points on the season.

The track also holds special events such as races in connection with the Mid-Ohio Ford Club, which have gone on throughout the summer. The next scheduled Ford Club race is on Saturday, Sept. 15. There are also “Intense 16” races periodically throughout the summer, which bring together the best of the best from each class. Jim Cluck stands as the current leader with 71 points, followed closely by Adam Lear in second place.

Racing will return to Pacemakers Dragway Park today for the ninth points race of the season. There will also be an Intense 16 race. It will all be kicked off by the Junior Dragsters at 9 a.m. Spectators are admitted free of charge.