Lernerville Speedway holds opening night with pandemic restrictions in place

Racing returned to Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township on Friday with thousands of fans eager to see the green flags waving — in spite of the covid-19 pandemic.

“It feels great to be back here again,” said Pat Snow of Bruin, Butler County. “We’ll be camping here next week for the firecrackers. I’m not concerned at all (about the pandemic).”

Snow was tailgating outside Gate 1 with longtime friends Lou Gaitinielli of the North Hills and Ronald Hall of Cabot, who is a former Lernerville driver. Watching the races has been a tradition for the group for decades.

“We can count on one hand the number of races we miss in a year,” said Gaitinielli. “We’ve got the racing fever. We’re missing it. It’s probably one of the nicest dirt tracks in our whole area without a doubt. They run the races fast. Track’s always in good shape. We have a lot of friends up here, and I know a lot of guys that race.”

Hall raced for 10 years at the speedway. He and the rest of the group said they feel the mandated safety measures and stay-at-home orders that were recently lifted were politically motivated .

“Is there a problem? Yes. Is it worth the hysteria we’re having? No,” Hall said. “I do believe it’s political. I think it’s ridiculous. I’ll play along with the game because that’s what (venues) got to (to reopen).”

They were accompanied Friday by Hall’s son, Chris Hall, and daughter, Amber Quinn, both of Cabot.

Both were excited to share some family time. None of the tailgaters work masks or were worried about possibly catching covid-19 at the event.

All patrons had to wear masks, get their temperature taken and sign a waiver as part of being admitted through the gates. Many did not wear them sitting in the bleachers.

Lernerville General Manager Tim Tomson said all staffers have to wear masks, and Plexiglass was installed at all ticket stations and concession stands. Fans were encouraged to social distance in those common areas and to spread out as best they could in the grandstands.

Quinn, a former speedway ticket taker, said the workers going through the new procedures do offer a level of comfort and safety for fans.

“It’s an inconvenience, but it’s worth it,” Quinn said. “You’re at risk anywhere you go. So, I understand why they have to do it, and I appreciate the precautions that they’re taking. You’re at risk any time you leave your house.”

The speedway seats about 12,000. Stands were filled at about 85% capacity by the first round of races.

The bleachers were not marked off for social distancing.

Lernerville showcased big block modifieds, pro stocks, super late models and winged sprint cars.

Amanda O’Neil of Butler brought her 3-year-old daughter, Cristi, and 1-year-old son, Dale, to the track for some family fun. O’Neil’s cousin, Matt Lux, races late model cars.

“We like to travel around and see different tracks and watch the races,” she said. “We just try to stay safe. Make sure we wash our hands, and I have hand sanitizer. (Racing’s) awesome. It keeps them entertained. It gets them outside and active.”

O’Neil’s family sat in the front row with lots of space between other patrons. She commended track officials for implementing safety measures.

“I think they’re doing a great job,” O’Neil said. “I like the waiver idea, and they were very upfront with telling people their expectations for the races. I like having the restrictions because at least we get to get the races open and get back out doing this.”