Racing Cars Has Been a Weyandt Family Tradition

Dirt track racing has been in the Weyandt family of Claysburg for three generations, which started with Brian Weyandt Sr.'s uncle Denny Weyandt in the 1960s.

"My uncle started back in the 60s - he retired in 1974 and then I started in 1986," he said.

Weyandt retired from racing 2001, but the tradition continues with his two sons Brian Weyandt Jr. and Devin Weyandt.

"It's always just been a family thing," Weyandt Sr. said.

Brian Jr. explained that the cars they race on the dirt tracks are called simulators.

Everyone has their cars designed differently, and different color combinations in bright shades.

He said the top speed for the racecars is between 80-90 miles per hour, but when they go through turns it might only be able to go about 50 or 60 miles per hour.

"We get a lot of sponsors," Brian Jr. said. "Without them we wouldn't be able to do this, so we are grateful."

Before the interview they were preparing to race in Cumberland, Md, however Weyandt, Jr. said they were not able to make it because the track was not in good shape due to the rainy weather at the time.

"We also race at the Bedford Fairground almost weekly, and sometimes we go to Hagerstown," he said.

Weyandt, Sr. said they meet people all over because of racing, and even compete against extended family.

Racing is all about the friendships they make even with their competitors.

"We race against them, but when we are done racing we are friends," he said. "Those are the friends you remember all of your life. If you run into somewhere, you can talk and chit-chat,"

If something breaks down, people will share parts to get them back on the track.

Their garage located in Claysburg which serves as the mechanic shop had walls covered in photos taken with friends and the awards they won over the years.

"There is a lot of history on these walls," Neal Becker said, a family friend who is a part of the mechanic crew.

Weyandt Sr. said he won about 83 awards, and his son is up to 30.

"It is a hobby, and we just enjoy doing it, " Weyandt Sr. said.