ABBOTTSTOWN, Pa. — Freddie Rahmer notched his sixth victory of the year in Central Pennsylvania last Saturday at Lincoln Speedway.
Once again, the 25-year-old finds himself in the top 10 nationally in victories and, with a 555-point lead over Alan Krimes in the track title chase, well on his way to a second consecutive Lincoln championship.
An adequate body of work thus far, sure. Or is it?
“We haven’t done what we’re capable of yet this year,” Rahmer said. “But we still have a lot to finish with.”
Rahmer wants national touring wins, something he hasn’t savored since Sept. 7, 2018, when he won the Night Before the Tuscarora 50 at Port Royal with the All Star Circuit of Champions. His last five-figure payday came on July 18, 2018, with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car Series at Lincoln.
He’ll have plenty of chances to feed that hunger here soon.
Nine races with the All Star Circuit of Champions, two weekends with the World of Outlaws and a handful of more lofty-paying races await the backend of the Central PA season.
Rahmer’s main obstacle, as for everyone else, will be qualifying.
In 24 time-trial programs this year, Rahmer has qualified in the top five only five times with an average qualifying effort of 12.7.
“We’re just trying to get the car the best we can for qualifying,” Rahmer said. “We have good motors. We just need to read the track right and cut the track right.”
On Saturday, he qualified fourth and inherited the lead on lap 14 when Chase Dietz fell out because of a flat tire.
With another victory in hand, Rahmer is simply trying to improve.
“We’re just trying to get better, get me better, and keep working,” Rahmer said. “Sometimes I need to do a little less work on [the cars] and just drive them. We’ll keep after it.”
• Matt Campbell scored his first win in the Premier Racing Team No. 21 on Friday at Williams Grove Speedway.
The 23-year-old who took over for fan favorite Brian Montieth outworked two of Pennsylvania’s best in Lance Dewease and Danny Dietrich to lead all 25 laps.
It’s Campbell’s first win since Aug. 10, 2019, at Lincoln and third career 410 triumph.
• Brent Marks’ victory in the Living Legends Dream Race at Port Royal Speedway moved him into sole possession of second in 410 winged sprint car victories nationally at nine.
Two-time reigning World of Outlaws Brad Sweet remains well ahead at 15 victories.
• Logan Wagner’s second win of the year Saturday at Port Royal Speedway makes him a perfect 19-for-19 in top 10 finishes this season.
• Lance Dewease’s second-place finish at Williams Grove Speedway on Friday and second- and third-place efforts at Port Royal Speedway on Saturday, give him nine straight top-five finishes.
• The 60th running of the Knoxville Nationals will have plenty of Pennsylvania flavor.
Anthony Macri, Brent Marks, Brock Zearfoss, Danny Dietrich, Dylan Cisney, Jacob Allen, Logan Schuchart, Logan Wagner, Mike Wagner, Sye Lynch, T.J. Stutts, and Tyler Esh have all entered the prestigious event.