What's up for 2024...??

By: Tony Sharp

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One of the most asked questions during any racing off seasons is, What's the drivers doing next year? Well let's take a walk through some of the best and brightest that this division has to offer and see what they have instore for the 2024 racing season...

Let's start with the Rhome Family Motorsports #00, YES new # for 2024. Troy and team are ready to ramp things up for the 2024 season. The Rhome Family Motorsports team are putting together a second car and plan to run more wingless races in 2024, along with competing in the full Meyer's RV Baps Motor Speedway Series. Troy has

his eye on the price shooting for that Championship gold. When asked what Troy's personal plans for 2024 were, "We are gonna keep chasing the rabbit." That to me sounds like a man on a mission. The Meyer's RV Super Stores, 717 Innovations, Dmy Performance, Blazers Body Shop, Kinards Lounge, Erik's Tint Shop, Hadfield Elevator, RPM Chassis #00 machine will be ready for action on opening day. Troy's 2023 run was nothing to dismiss. Out of 15 races Troy had 5 top 5's and 11 top 10's. His best finish came at the Firecracker 40 coming home with a 2nd place finish.

Let's take a look at the 19R machine. Eric and team are ready to roll for the 2024 season, "I'd say a goal of ours for 2024 would be to notch our first top 5 and consistently run in the top 10." Eric said. Out of 11 winged

starts this year Eric had 3 top 10's including a 9th place finish at this year's Sportsman 100. "There's a few rabbits we're still trying to chase." added Eric. The 19R plans to run a full winged Meyer's RV Baps Motor Speedway Series schedule and support both winged & wingless Tour Series when they can. Eric Rutz's 19R is powered by Control Systems 21, Thornton Automotive Dover, Energy Smart Home Improvement, Klines's Services, Fine Line Auto Body, Peak Construction, Dreamworx Roofing, Brandt's Sign Shop, Elite Racing Imagery, FIT Race Engines, New Look Plumbing & Beer Hill Gang.

Let's take a look at the Superman Steve Wilbur. When I talked to Steve he said, "I shall finish the game!!" "We're

coming out guns blazing in 2024 for some huge wingless sportsman races, some great winged sportsman races and some other irons in the fire." "So, I'm pumped for the new season to get here!" Opening day for the Wingless Series is slated for Sunday March 17th at Williams Grove Speedway. Steve told me that his crystal ball tells him that it will be sunny and in the 70s that day. So, you heard it from Superman himself folks. The Wilbur Racing 59 is powered by TA Ward Construction, JSF Motorsports, Tim Wilbur, Wilbur Plumbing, Wilbur Wildlife, R A Smith Body Shop, Hot Shoe Race Wear, Ron & Sue Nelson, Hampden Automotive and Myers Racing Products.

How about that 88 car...? Tony Jackson will yet again be a force to content with. He will be running a 40 to 50 race schedule with the 410 sprint car. The 88 team looks to run the 410 weekly at Lincoln, with other appearances at

BAPS, Grove & Port. BUT Tony and team will be also running a limited winged/wingless sportsman schedule. So don't count that 88 out yet. "It was awesome to win the Sportsman 100." said Tony when we talked about his 2023 season. The 88 is powered by Reeser's Ice Cream, McCoy Brother's Construction, Truck Specialties, Machining America, Custom Cut Flooring, Hess Iron, Interstate Garage Doors, Ken Brown Racing, Chamberlin & Wingert Sanitary Services and R&R Motorsports.

Let's take a look at the 14 machine of Rohan Beasley. When talking to Rohan about 2024 he said, "I'm looking

forward to the Path Valley surface reshape and adding banking." "2024 is gonna be a hybrid of winged and wingless." "We're gonna hit some of the wingless & winged tour shows." Beasley has been a strong supporter of the Wingless Series and has also hit some of the Winged Tour Series races this past year. The 14 machine is powered by Energy Smart Home Improvement, Hot Shoe Racewear, Danny Miller Racing Engines and Carburetors.

Let's take a look into the future of "The Show" Paul Miller. Paul's bringing the dirt track Cadillac out for the 2024

season. "I'm trying to quit." Paul explained. "2024 plans are 5 or less races." "The 100, any Grove races and Lincoln." "Maybe if everything falls into place an early season race at Baps." Paul went on to tell me he's trying to save up money to buy power steering and new safety gear. The 58 machine is powered by Miller & Son Inc.

NOW, you're defending and reigning champion, "The Majik Man" Kenny Edkin. Kenny is coming off a dominating

season with 15 top 5s out of 17 starts. Edkin also scored his first career wins at Lincoln and Williams Grove Speedways. So, what are the plans? "We're gonna run the entire sportsman schedule next year." said Kenny "I grew up in this division, when I wanted to be a race car driver, I wanted to be a sportsman driver." "We're gonna run the Baps 410 shows next year and all the Super Sportsman shows at Baps & the tour. I don't want to see the Sportsman division perish. I grow up a sportsman guy at heart, I don't know if this 410 thing is a building stone or what, I don't know what it is. I'm a sportsman guy at heart." Kenny being our defending champion looks to continue his winning ways going into the 2024 season. Kenny is still searching for that "perfect" season, he was one race shy to finish 2023 with all top 10 finishes. The 75 machine is powered by Marysville Motorcars, Edkin's Towing, The Race Shop, Be Green Recycling, Better View Windows and Doors, Pine Hill Automotive, Sandoes Fruit Market & Acp Headers.

Now let's take a look at one of our veteran drivers, "The Halifax Hot Shoe" Mike Enders. Mike's 2023 campaign

was nothing to dismiss. The 3b ran 16 of the 17 completed winged shows. Out of the 16 starts "The Hot Shoe" racked up 12 top 10s, 5 of which were top 5s and scored a win at BAPS's Thursday night Greg Hodnett Foundation event. "We are planning on running the full winged schedule." Enders explained. "We ended the season with three straight 2nd place finishes at BAPS and hope to carry that momentum into next season." "We also picked up a win in June and hopefully get a couple more next year." Mike continued. "Ridge Machine Shop and Hit or Miss Gun Shop will be back on the car along with a new sponsor Homerite windows, doors, and siding. Homerite is based here in Central Pa." Sounds like the Hot Shoe is gonna come out for 2024 with both barrels cocked and ready to fire!

How about that Chad Baker guy...? Well Chad's #11 machine will be back at it in 2024! "With the help of former

Super Sportsman driver Scott Geesey, my stepson/mechanic Andrew Snow, Keith Harrison & Ashe Brandt we're working the offseason to get better organized and upgrade our equipment." Baker explained. "We recently purchased a car from Steve Fannasy to get ready for the opener at BAPS." "I will be running both the winged and wingless events whenever our work schedule permits." Baker continued "Scott Geesey will also pilot the car at select races." "We look forward to getting back to the racetrack and having fun!" Baker's #11 machine is powered by Z R Russell Excavating, Federated Auto parts (Chad James), Baker Outlaw Fuel Systems, Central Penn Septic, Dale Jr's A+ Painting, Liquid Noise Brewery, Stain Paint & Create, Chad Baker Drain Cleaning Plumbing and HVAC & Selinsgrove Speedway.

Let's take a look at the Dellinger's Auto Body # 30. Scott had a strong season. Out of a 17 race season Scott took home 15 top 10s, 10 top 5s and 2 wins. Going into 2024 its business as usual for the 30 team. "Our team goal is

to come back and improve our position and win more races." Dellinger said. Special thanks to Bob Dellinger, Blaine Leib, Mike Kennedy, Bruce Neely, Mark Condran & Caleb Dellinger. The 30 machine is powered by Dellinger's Auto Body Inc, Reeser's Soft Ice Cream, AAI, BAPS, G.A. Smtih Towing, Zimmerman's Tire Pro, 717 Innovations, L D Shocks, MRH Racing Headers, Ben Woodring Chassis, Wilwood Brakes, Miller's Racing Parts, Lee & Dressler's Auto Electric.

I asked Shane McConnell what's up for 2024, he had this to say... "The 6s will be back on the track for the 2024 season with minimal changes. Besides normal maintenance, we plan to have a new wrap on the car and carburetor work completed by Doctor Dan. Our main sponsors will be McConnell’s Excavating, Carlisle Cement, Plunkard N’ Sons, and Midas of Carlisle."

"The Team has plans to debut a second car which was formally the 1a Chase Gutshall car, which we purchased back in 2022. With McConnell’s Excavating having a very busy year, this didn’t allow us to have the car ready in time for the 2023 season as we had originally hoped. This car will be powered by a Hammaker Racing Engine and will have power steering in the car. The team is super excited to finally have power steering however, we understand it will be a learning experience for all. We plan to run

both cars for select events if time and equipment allow. At this point, Shane McConnell will be the

primary driver for the new car and a 2nd driver is yet to be determined."

"Our main goal for 2024 is to keep learning how to make the right adjustments to the 6s and to have yet

another fun, yet safe year of racing with family and friends. Being still fairly new in the sprint car racing

world we are certainly pleased with our progression from 19th to 17th in the point standings over the last

two full seasons, however, would love to see us continue to move up in 2024."

Next let's take a look at the 5D of Luke Deatrick. Luke had a strong showing in 2023. In 11 starts, Luke had 5 top

10s & 2 top 5s with his best finish of 3rd coming at BAPS on May 27th. When asked about the 2023 season Luke had this to say... "I wanna give a special thanks to Randy (giz) Swartz for always being there and giving me the best car, we can put on the track every week. We had some good speed at the end of the season last year and we are looking to build on that for this season." Luke also had a great showing at the return to Selinsgrove event with a 10th place finish. Deatrick's 5D is powered by L and M Deatrick Trucking, Fine Line Auto Body, Heishman Racing Fuel, RKL Paving and Services, Iron Haven Gym, JWM Seal Coating and Excavating, RPM Chassis, RRI Graphics & DMY Racing Engines.

How about that 222...? When asked about 2023 and plans for 2024, Jay had this to say... "2023 started off with a bang. Literally!! As a loose fuel line that caused the car to go up in flames and burning up my suit and some minor parts on the car. I was very fortunate to be able to walk away from that with no injuries and or major problems with the car. With the help of Lucas Wolfe and others we didn't miss a beat. A lot of teams within the division reached out and we were extremely grateful for that.

Lucas graciously lent me one of his fire suits to

continue racing and we found ourselves in Victory Lane, when the Sportsman returned to Selinsgrove Speedway. Our year continued with a lot of success and top 5s. We were actually leading the Tour point standings going into Williams Grove. A 2nd lap crash ended our night and essentially the title hopes. We also put in a very stellar effort in the 2023 100 lapper. A flat tire coming to the green did not derail our hopes as we found ourselves inside the top ten at the mid race break and ended up with a career best 3rd, as our car faded in the closing laps. But overall, our 2023 was very much a good success and have already begin the prep for 2024 and are looking forward to building off our 2023 season with more wins and good runs. Most all of our 2024 sponsors are returning in 2024. We are very fortunate to have such great supporters in RKL Paving, Peak Construction, Joe Gravnio’s Body shop, Baker Outlaw Fuel systems, Dave Edwards Insurance, Piper Advertising, RPM Chassis, and RatFab Shock Innovations, M2 Bearings, and T and T constructions and Plumbing, Hooker Harness, Fastenter Specialties, and BDB Graphics. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a great 2024!!"

We caught up to the 29 of Vaughn Williams, he had this to say about 2024... "We will be racing a full wing

schedule with select wingless events. Last season we suffered mechanical issues and a non-racing injury that set us back. Although, still seeking sponsorship partners for the 2024 season we return with Hall’s Premium Ice Cream and Blue Valley Industries LLC. With updates to the car along with knowledge gained during the off season we have high hopes for 2024."

How about that 2M of Matt Ondek? The 2M competed in all 17 events this past season with 13 of them finishing

in the top 10. Of those races Matt scored 5 top 5s and had 2 wins on the season. "We are basically doing the same deal as last year supporting the division the best we can and hopefully just stay consistent." said Matt on his 2024 plans. Ondek's 2M is powered by DuraMAX Oil, Drydene Performance Products, MIDAS Carlisle, Doctor Dan’s Race Engines and Carburetors.

Let's take a look at the other Rutz Brother of the 16 car. Unlike 2022 & 2023 Ryan and Fly Boy Racing will attempt to make as many shows as possible in 2024. "We've put in a lot of effort, and I feel we've come a long way. In 2024 we're hoping to see the results of all that hard work," said Ryan. The 16 machine is powered by Energy Smart Home Improvement, FineLine Auto Body, West Shire Decks, West Shire Concrete, Doctor Dan Racing Engines & Dale Jr A+ Painting.

How about that Hard Hittin 77? Although Russ only ran a part-time schedule this past year, he still managed to see victory lane at BAPS. Talking to Russ about 2024 he said "I'll be running a pick and choose schedule. Special races and Time trial shows. Mitten's 77 is powered by Current Elevator Technology, RRI (Race Ready Ink) & RPM Chassis.

We talked to the 76G of Jason Gindlesperger. Jason will be making his Winged Sportsman debut in 2024. Gindlesperger has been a wingless series supporter and now looks to put a wing on top to go full force within both sportsman series. "I met a lot of great people and looking forward to racing with them again." Jason expressed. The 76G is powered by Interstate Towing.

How about that Blake Brooks...? Blake had a strong season getting his feet wet in our division this season. The 9B ran all 17 winged races this year. Blake scored 3 top 10s on the season with his best finish coming twice, with an 8th place finish on March 18th at BAPS and again on August 19th at Path Valley. "I am really excited for the 2024 racing season after getting my feet wet in the division last season." explained Blake "My goal for this season is to improve on my consistency and overall finishes." The future looks good for the Super Sportsman with young talent like this in our division. Blake will be running the full Winged Series for points and will also be running the Wingless Tour. The 9B is powered by Brooks Graphix, Be Safe Barrier, Loose Video, Deans Auto Plaza, Miller & Sam’s Towing, Creekside Auto Sales, Hunter Concrete, CCR Electrical, Interstate Towing, Boughter Flooring, B-Unlimited Services & Credit Connection Auto Sales.

If we're gonna talk about young talent in the Sportsman division, we have to talk some about Jamie Rickert. This young lady had a solid season and even managed a 12th place finish at the 49th Sportsman 100 which was packed with ups and downs this year. So, what's up for 2024? "We plan to race mainly BAPS races like we've done in years past, maybe venturing to Lincoln for that tour race again this year." Rickert stated. "I'm super excited for this year, each weekend and each time I'm on the track we're learning something new as a driver and crew and dad and I are having great time creating memories along the way, and the plan is to continue that this season!" Rickert's 21R is powered by Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyard, C & H Roofing 717-343-1500, Hammaker Snowremoval, Marysville Motors Quality Used Cars & Edkins Towing.

Well, there you have it races fans. I hope you enjoyed us talking with these great drivers and seeing what their 2024 plans were. I'd like to personally say THANK YOU to ALL the drivers that took the time to talk to me about their 2024 plans. This is and ALWAYS will be my FAVORITE division. I promise to continue to promote and bring you news and content for the Super Sportsman. Here's to looking forward to a BIGGER and BETTER racing season!! Until next time race fans, I'll see YOU at the races. -Tony Sharp