Local teen preparing for racing season

Fifteen-year-old Mark Schweikart starts the seasons as the defending champion April 26 when the racing season begins at the McKean County Fairgrounds Raceway in East Smethport. Mark is in his fourth season of racing.

Cameron County's teenage racecar driver hopes to take the next step as a defending champion entering the 2008 season.

Mark Schweikart, 15, of Emporium, has been getting his red and white 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ready for the April 26 lid-lifter at the McKean County Fairgrounds Raceway in East Smethport.

Last year he finished in a rare tie for first place in the Pure Stock class with teammate Bradley Curran of Port Allegany at the Allegheny Mountain Raceway in Kane.

Entering his fourth season of racing, Schweikart is shooting for the season points championship at the East Smethport oval, with races running through mid- September.

Participating in car racing is a challenge, Schweikart said.

"The high prices are driving a lot people away," he noted. "It's becoming an expensive sport, but you've got to be willing to pay for the sport that you love."

Schweikart keeps his car in tip-top shape by cleaning and checking fluids and other mechanical parts every week. He also lifts weights and runs to stay in shape; many racing fans are unaware of the difference physical conditioning can make for a driver.

Schweikart's passion for the sport runs in the family; both his grandfather and father have raced.

His No. 11 car was recently showcased at a racecar and go-cart show in St. Marys.

Sponsoring him this season will be Schweikart Coatings & Services, East End Beverage, Walker Marshall Insurance, Singer's Auto Service, Buttonwood Motel & Restaurant, Marlee Keefer's Beauty Salon, Tom's Service, Carbon City NAPA, Schweikart Catering and Ted Walters.