Sarver, PA March 28, 2003

The Lernerville Speedway fans paid tribute to the coalition troops in the Middle East on opening night and then the 36th season of racing began. Taking the first checker of 2003 was Ed Lynch Jr of Apollo in the St. Barnabas Health System Sprints, and following in victory lane were David Scott, Garland- Friedmans Supermarkets/Bi-Lo Foods Late Models, Brian Swartzlander, Leechburg-Ferrante Oldsmobile Modifieds and Paul Schreckengost, Creighton-Dingbats Restaurant Pure Stocks. Kelly Chevrolet gave 2,500 people a seat cushion.

Ed Lynch Jr could see "clearly" that he raised the bar in Sprint car racing Friday evening by garnering his 57th Sprint win. For the first time Ed Lynch Jr wore glasses to compete and after starting fifth, he guided the field the entire 20-lap event for the second consecutive year. Young Ricky Ferkel drove an outstanding race attempting to reel in Lynch Jr but mechanical problems sidelined him on lap15. Heat victor Jamie Smith was involved in a first lap melee. He had to go to the rear of the pack, but expertly weaved his way back through the field to place second in the St. Barnabas Health System Sprints. Davey Jones ran a solid third and was trailed by Gary Kriess, Eric Smith, Tim Hunter, Brent Matus, Gary Rankin, Mike Dehner, and Rich Kominski. The defending Sprint Point Champion, Rod George won his heat race but went to the pits on the second lap of the main event.

Great Scott! David's "Slow Ride" found the high line to be the fastest way to win the first 20 lap Friedmans Supermarket/Bi-Lo Foods Late Model feature. From the pole, Scott was in charge but Jim Dandy Jr pressured him relentlessly in the main event that had five caution flags. On lap 17 Dandy went high in turn four, spinning out his racer which sent him to the back of the field. On the restart, Ron Davies passed Bob Wearing Jr for the runner-up spot but couldn't muster enough "horses" to pass Scott. Lynn Geisler finished a close fourth and following him was Ken Schaltenbrand, Gary Lyle, Rob Blair, Doug Eck, Spanky Daugherty and Ben Miley. In victory circle, Scott said "I really had to get up on the wheel to stay ahead! This was a great track tonight. It was awesome." Dandy Jr, Scott and Davies scored in the prelims.

Flyin' Brian Swartzlander was victorious in the 20 lap Ferrante Oldsmobile Modified feature winning his 38 Modified event, placing him fifth on the All-Time Modified Win list, one behind Ed Lynch Sr. The McCutcheon Enterprise #83S started on the outside pole and quickly took the lead. Kevin Bolland came from sixth and began his battle with Swartzlander on lap 10. The twosome collided on lap 18 but Swartzlander remained in front to the checker and Bolland was passed by runner-up Tom Winkle. A very happy Swartzlander said, "I won this race with my car from last year." Jim Racey was fourth and was trailed by Lonnie Riggs, Del Rougeux, Steve Young, Dave Murdick, Jim Weller, and Jimmy Weller III. Heats were taken by Swartzlander and Winkle.

Paul Schreckengost credited his first 15-lap Dingbats Restaurant Pure Stock win since 2001, to his brother. From the pole, Schreckengost took the front position but was challenged all the way by runner-up Joe Kelley, Gregg Beach and Nick Reges, respectively. Even though Schreck's car was new, he drove an impeccable race to ward off all competitors. In victory lane he said, "I owe this race to my brother. He set up the car for me and it performed flawlessly." Fifth place through tenth went to defending champ Butch Lambert, Andy Buckley, Mike Turner, Robert McCall, Chris Schneider, and Ron Iorio. Beach and Schneider won the qualifiers.