For Kody Hartlaub, the transition from racing 358 sprint cars to competing in the 410 sprint car division has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and resilience. Ending his rookie season on a high note, Hartlaub has been recognized for his commendable efforts, securing the Rookie of the Year honors at both Williams Grove Speedway and Lincoln Speedway in Pennsylvania.
The Littlestown, PA native kicked off the year by running a dozen races in the Ninety-Five Motorsports No.95, a team that is a collaborative effort by Pat Brewer and himself. In those twelve races, he scored eight top-fifteen finishes, including one top-ten. Very respectable stats for a rookie on the tough Central Pennsylvania circuit. In fact, they were good enough to draw the attention of the Trone Outdoor team, who contacted him about wheeling their well-known No.39.
Hartlaub moved to the Trone Outdoor Motorsports seat at the end of May and things started promisingly for the new combination, marked by a strong chemistry and a culture of collaboration. In their first 17 races together, the team achieved ten top-ten finishes, boasting an average finish of 10.5. However, the journey was not without its challenges. In the latter part of the season, they faced setbacks with only three top-ten finishes out of the last 24 races, averaging a 15.3 finish. Hartlaub, despite these hurdles, managed to finish 13th in the point standings at Williams Grove Speedway and 10th at Lincoln Speedway.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did with my own team or make the move to John’s (Trone) team without the support of my partners who have supported me from the start. A huge thank you to Brewer Home Improvements, J Fuels, MooseBlocks.com, Bigham Appraisal, Griffith Plumbing Services, and T & N Solutions, plus many others who have backed us. And of course, I can’t forget Trone Outdoor.”, Hartlaub said.
Reflecting on the season, Hartlaub revealed, “The plan for the whole year was to learn. During the second half, we struggled with motor issues and couldn’t find a balance, but every race has been a lesson.” His initial goal was to achieve a win, which he came close to early in the season, leading 24 laps one night at Lincoln. Despite not clinching a victory, Hartlaub views the experience as part of his learning curve.
The competition transition from 358s to 410s presented significant challenges. The competition in the 410 division is so tight, that every minor detail matters. Every detail can become an advantage if you’re paying attention, or a disadvantage if you aren’t.
Hartlaub admitted that the second half of the season was particularly demanding, but the team stayed resilient, maintaining open communication even when performance dipped.
“During the second half, we were plagued with some mechanical issues and found it tough to find a repetitive balance. Despite the struggles, the team never gave up. We all pointed out areas for improvement, both individually and collectively,” he shared.
Mentally, the season tested Hartlaub’s resolve. He admitted to moments when the pressure mounted, particularly towards the end of the season, but stayed steadfast in his commitment to learning. His confidence took a hit towards the end, but he stands firm knowing that having a full season under his belt prepares him better for 2025.
With the experience of a full season behind him, Hartlaub is optimistic about his prospects for next season. A pivotal element in Hartlaub’s development was the steadfast support from his team and the strong relationships he cultivated within the racing community.
“Understanding what to expect makes a world of difference. Being 100% focused throughout every race night, with attention to every detail, are lessons I will carry forward,” he emphasized.
Balancing a demanding racing schedule, family commitments, and a day job, Hartlaub has been supported by a dedicated team and an understanding family. Hartlaub competed in 53 races this year, more than double his previous track time, and he attributes his ability to juggle the demands to the team’s disciplined schedule.
“We had dedicated shop nights to work on our equipment and talk about things, plus we planned ahead for what nights we were going to race. That helped me keep my family life and work life in a good place, which kept my head clear and allowed me to focus when I was in the car.”, Hartlaub shared.
Hartlaub says he is motivated by the desire to prove his capabilities at this level of the sport. His rookie season in the 410 sprint car division has set a strong foundation toward that goal.
“I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish with my own team what we did together with the Trone Outdoor team. I’d like to thank John Trone, Kevin Frey, and the rest of the Trone outdoor team for this year, along with my own guys: my dad, mom, Pat Brewer, Justin Reese, Austin Funk, my family, and my wife. “, Hartlaub said.
Looking forward, Hartlaub is eager to incorporate the lessons from his rookie season into his sophomore campaign. With a realistic understanding of the demands of the 410 series, he aims to sharpen his skills.
“The experiences and challenges we’ve navigated this year have prepared me pretty well. I’m determined to enter next season more prepared, focused, and confident,” Hartlaub asserts, ready to take on his second full-time season in 2025.
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