Gary Edwards is riding the sprint car roller coaster to the top

By Mike Leone
In a perfect world, Gary Edwards would be winning races and championships like the Steve Kinsers and Fred Rahmers of the sprint car fraternity. But as many know, racing can be a cruel sport that can gobble up the fittest. Gary Edwards has seen it all; and has persevered through the tough times. Now at 44 years of age, the Youngstown, Ohio resident, is coming off his first ever track championship at Sharon Speedway, and is set to embark on what promises to be a successful season.

"I’ve always described racing like a huge roller coaster," said Edwards. "There is nothing like it; you’ll have your good years along with your bad years." After growing up around his father Ray, who started racing sprint cars in the early 60s, Gary aspired to follow in his footsteps.

"All I ever wanted to do was race sprint cars and now it’s a dream come true; it’s been a continual part of part life for the past 40 years," stated the 1974 Boardman High School graduate, who started his racing and sprint car career in 1977. Ray was Gary’s best teacher in those early years and kept providing him with a seat under him, despite tearing up some equipment. That first year yielded Gary the Western Pa. Rookie of the Year. Gary would then drive for Lloyd Latsch and Ray Wintery before Wintery suffered a heart attack, which halted Edwards’ racing for the next eight years.

A phone call from Hermitage’s Dick Schuller had Edwards back behind the wheel of a sprint car, this time it was 360 at Hickory. The two teamed for instant success right off the bat. In fact, 1996 saw them win the Western Pa. 360 Sprint Cavalcade Championship.

A serious accident at Hickory Speedway on October 2, 1997 during a non-winged event was a major setback. Edwards was awarded the Sportsmanship Award by Twin-State Auto Racing Club at the end of the year. Then, not by the fault of the drivers, the 360 sprint division died in 1998 leaving the duo to move up into the 410 ranks. The roller coaster ride was definitely at or near the bottom.

Enter the Flynn Family. Joe Sr. and Jr. along with their daughter Tanya of Flynn’s Tire decided to up their involvement in 1999 after getting a taste in the years prior. "They seen what NASCAR could do for sponsors and wanted to take a similar path on the local level," said Edwards. "It’s been great working with them. They’ve been supportive, which allows for both of us to grow together."

After a disappointing ‘99 season, Edwards took a beating from armchair racers and fans on message boards and the like. A win at Challenger by Tom Quarterson, who was subbing for Edwards, in the car in October of ‘99 even fueled the critics more. But Flynn’s showed their confidence in Edwards by returning in 2000. "Dick (Schuller) and Flynn’s have stuck with me through the thick and thin," stated Edwards. "They stuck their necks out, but now they are seeing results. It took me two years to recover from that accident, but I’m fresh and focused again."

There aren’t many dedicated car owners out there like Dick Schuller. "Dick’s a terrific car owner that loves racing," proclaimed Edwards. "He always has good, well-prepared equipment and does whatever he can to get the car to the race track. He is supportive of what I love to do, and is great guy that comes from great racing family." I don’t think too many will argue over those descriptions. Schuller won the Owner of the Year at the Twin-State banquet in November.

Over the years racing has taken its toll on families stretching marriages to the limits. The great part about Edwards is the support he gets from his family. You’ll always see his wife Lynn and his teenage daughters Adrienne and Allison cheering him on the track. "The neat part about it is that my daughters are 100% committed to me racing," said Edwards, who’s day job is a manufacturing/sales rep for high performance auto parts and accessories. "They like racing above any other sport. It’s what we love to do as a family."

When asked about their goals for 2001, Edwards said, "We want to win some features-no question, and consistently do well." Last season saw Edwards record 14 top 5s and 23 top 10s at Sharon and Mercer, but no victories. "It’s fun being consistent, but it can’t replace the thrill of victory."

In today’s high-dollar, lightweight world of sprint car racing, it takes "mega-bucks" to win on any level. "We are behind some of the top teams," stated Edwards. "We have good equipment, but not the best out there. It puts us behind not having the working capital of the other teams, but I know I can still get the job done."

Edwards and Schuller are dream come true to represent sponsors. Both portray themselves in the most professional way. Their car is on display throughout Flynn’s 20+ stores and other locations throughout western Pa. and eastern Ohio. In fact, the car was on display at Mercer Raceway Park’s show at the Southern Park Mall March 14-18. "Flynnie" was even at the mall on the 17th passing out candy to the kids, while Edwards was signing autographs.

"Mercer Raceway Park is a fantastic place to race at with all of the changes," said Edwards. "It’s a fun, family atmosphere. The kids love it, it’s just a lot of fun, and the food is good."

Edwards said he would be remised if he didn’t thank his other sponsors that help make it possible, which includes Ed & Jerry’s NAPA of New Wilmington, Plotts Transmission of New Castle, Choice Chassis of Hermitage, Brian Miller Auto Body of New Wilmington, who did a great job painting the car, and Jim Balentine Photos.

Make sure you keep an eye on the green #61 at Sharon and Mercer this season.

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