Strong Opening Weekend Shows Promise for 2024 and Lane Snook Racing

“The day was good,” stated Lane, “Drew a good pill, started on the pole of the heat, and led every lap,” which put the 23 car into the redraw. “Pulled a 10 in the redraw for the feature and somehow started 8th.” 

Once the green flag dropped on the 20-lap feature, Lane was able to maneuver his way up into the top 5 and continued to pass cars throughout the race. “Car started to get good at the end of the race and got into second coming to the white and ended up there.” A good performance for the driver entering his sophomore year behind the wheel of a late model. 

While trouble didn’t occur during the race, an issue in post-race technical inspection put a slight damper on a stellar first showing of the season. A track rule, disallowing crank triggers, nullified the 2nd place effort. “We didn’t realize that was the only track around that doesn’t allow crank triggers, so the DQ was our own fault for not reading the rules close enough.” 

Though a disappointment, Snook stated, “We’ll go back in a few weeks and try to beat them fair and square.” Some added motivation to prove to the field that the technical infraction wasn’t the sole reason for the podium finish. 

A positive run had the teenager excited and optimistic for the 2024 season and he mentioned that his goals for the season were to “win a few races at a couple tracks and get more seat time in the super [late model] car at BAPS when they practice on Wednesday nights.” 

Gaining more experience throughout the season and improving upon his short career in the Limited Late Model division, are a goal of the former kart standout. In the years prior to his rookie season in 2023, in the Central PA Limited Late Models, Snook accumulated nearly 150 go-kart wins throughout the eastern portion of the United States. Winning in over 7 states, along with 5 state championships and 2 track championships. 

The third-generation driver looks up to his dad who raced for years prior to Lane jumping in the seat. “He has taught me everything I know. I’ve watched how hard he has worked over the years, and I appreciate everything he does for me.” One of those learned skills that Lane got from his dad, is “looking in front of me and staying out of wrecks that happen around me.” This part of his race craft is something that the Mifflintown driver feels he does best. That ability to look forward and avoid helped propel Snook to multiple top-five finishes at several local tracks, and 5 Hard Charger Awards in his rookie year. 

Lane will look past this weekend’s DQ, and focus on the long season out in front of him. With goals to continue to make improvements, and gain valuable experience the 2024 season is hopefully one of promise for the 23 car. The team plans to race next at Port Royal Speedway on March 23rd & 30th, as the Limited Late Models make their return to the Juniata County half mile. 

Lane and the team would like to thank all their partners, sponsors, and equipment manufacturers for helping them get on track in 2024. Thanks to Grassmyer Auctioneering, MHT Transport, Fryeco Fabrication, Ritchey Sandblasting, Dyers Top Rods, Mexico Ridge Beef Farms, The Olde Hatchery, Juniata Beverage, Byers Racing Engines, Scheaffer Racing Oil, and Superfly Shocks.