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Kody Hartlaub has been racing in Central PA for over 15 years, but you might not know his name.

Yet.

Kody had a lot of success in his early years in go-karts, but that was followed by a period where he was in and out of the sport.  There was some 600 racing and the beginnings of his 358 sprint car career, but various circumstances kept being in the seat a limited hobby.  Finally, in 2018 he logged nearly a full season in the 358’s, but again that was followed by sitting out 2019 and a sparse 2020 schedule.

Finally, in 2021, everything fell into place for the Littlestown, PA native to run a full season.  Hartlaub was a regular at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, PA in their 358 sprint car division.  He competed in a few other area events as well.

Running on a consistent basis provided more opportunity to learn behind the wheel and apply the knowledge the very next week.  It appeared to be the best medicine.  Hartlaub captured his first 358 sprint car win, five other top-5 runs and finished 4th in the season point standings.

The stats back up the statement that he has momentum entering 2022.  He garnered 35% of his season points total in the final four races of 2021 at Lincoln Speedway.  Pretty stout, huh?

“Jim Siegel told me one day, when you have success, act like you’ve been there.  That always stuck with me.  It says a lot about a person’s character.  Although, I must admit, last summer when I got my first win at Lincoln, I wasn’t able to manage that!“, Hartlaub laughed, recalling the raw emotion that came with that achievement.

An important change that really helped the team tremendously was the arrival of Brewer Home Improvements as part of the team in mid-2021.  Longtime family friend and race fan, Pat Brewer, got involved and became a key part of the team.  Not only did his business become a partner, but Pat was also at the shop and the track helping the team regularly.

Another key partner, Moose Blocks, Inc., has been supporting Kody for over five years.  They also happen to be Hartlaub’s employer.  He gets to spend his days making aluminum sprint car parts, which pretty much makes racing a daily part of his life.

Seigel Racing is another major part of the equation for Hartlaub’s program.  In addition to providing resources, help and information, former Central Pennsylvania sprint car racer Steve Seigel has become a mentor to Kody.  His extensive experience and advice have been invaluable.  He has helped shorten the learning curve for Hartlaub in the seat.  

When he’s not racing himself, Kody can usually be found helping the current Siegel Racing wheelman, Jim Siegel, with his 410 sprint car.  It’s a win-win situation.  In return for all they do for him, Hartlaub can help the Siegel team, plus acquire even more knowledge in the process.

Along with his partners and Steve’s mentoring, and in addition to his own sweat-equity, Kody relies heavily on family to make it all happen for him.  

“My dad is there with me in the pits and the shop every step of the way, my wife not only handles the shirt sales but fully supports me in every way, and my mom is the glue holding it all together, doing whatever she can to make sure we have what we need and making sure we don’t go hungry!  I can’t thank them all enough“, Hartlaub shared.

Plans for 2022 will once again have the Brewer Home Improvements / Moose Blocks, Inc. / Smith Titanium / SRR Engines / Siegel Racing / Jason Emlet, Iron Valley Real Estate / Bingham Appraisals / Pretzel Boy / HAAS Shocks / C.H. Folk & Son Feeds / Chop Designs / Herr Electric, Kody Hartlaub Racing No.2 at Lincoln Speedway for all 358 sprint car shows.  In addition, the team will venture to the legendary Williams Grove Speedway for a couple 358 Summer Series events, as well as one trip each to Path Valley Speedway in Spring Run, PA and BAPS Motor Speedway in York Haven, PA.

“I appreciate all my partners and supporters more than I can express.  Everyone who helps me out makes this possible.  It sounds cliche but it’s 100% true“, Hartlaub commented.

“I can’t wait to get out there and apply everything I learned last season.  I want to use that experience to make better decisions behind the wheel and improve on our 2021 results.  Our goal is to be competitive every week and to get two wins.  Anything more will be ‘gravy’ as they say.  I’m ready to do everything necessary to make sure we’re prepared, and I execute on the track“, a notably energized Hartlaub commented.

That energy is likely to help the East Berlin, PA resident continue his momentum on the track.  By the time 2022 concludes, a lot more folks will know his name.

Up Next

Kody won’t have to wait much longer to get out there. His 2022 campaign will kick off Saturday, March 19th at Lincoln Speedway.  His familiar No.2 will have a bit of a new look this season, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to catch a glimpse of it!

Be sure to follow Kody’s social media as well as Addicted2DirtPR’s website and social media to keep up with all the results and updates throughout the season.  All the info you need is listed below!