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s e r v i n g tay l or , ol d f or g e , moosic & surrounding areas triborobanner.com | february 9, 2017
Elementary student received awards at the Farm Show |PAGe 4
Prince of Peace Parish held a dinner to honor volunteers |PAGe 8
Scenes from the annual Coaches Vs. Cancer charity game |PAGe 13
Behind the Wheel It’s where this Old Forge sixth-grader wants to be By Josh McAuliffe
special to the Triboro Banner Michael Samony takes pride in the fact that his primary sport of interest diverges from his fellow sixth-graders at Old Forge Elementary School. While his friends are trying to emulate LeBron James and Tom Brady, he has his sights set on becoming the next Dale Earnhardt Jr. The 11-year- old Old Forge resident has spent the last few years pursuing his love of competitive racing. Currently on the Stage One modified circuit, Michael is now looking to take his passion to the next level via a contest sponsored by Champion Spark Plugs. During the last few weeks, friends and family have been seeking votes for Michael with hopes that he’ll land a high-profile sponsorship with the company, which will name a winner later this month. Already, Michael has a committed group of local sponsors, including Hudak Masonry and Waterproofing, Arcaro and Genell, Old Forge Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Cafe Rinaldi and Dupont Tool and Machine Co. However, getting the Champion sponsorship would allow him to compete with teams that have “ lot more sponsors and resources,” according to Michael. “My main goal is I want to make it to NASCAR,” said Michael, a straight-
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A student who has raised money for a number of nonprofits, including Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Michael’s love for racing was passed on to him by his father, Peter, who during the 1980s worked as a pit crew member for former NASCAR driver D.K. Ulrich. Peter took Michael to his first NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway when he was about 4 or 5. The sights, sounds and smells of the track immediately transfixed the youngster. “He looked at me, and I looked at him, and he said, ‘I want to drive one of those things.’ He was just mesmerized,” Samony said. By age 5, Michael was racing quartersize cars. By 2½ years in, he had racked up 16 feature wins on the circuit. From there, he moved up to a slingshot car, then graduated to Stage One modified. Racing at Hamlin Speedway, Michael’s first year in Stage One yielded no wins, but he did have several top five and 10 finishes and came in eighth overall in championship points. “I just think it’s cool, because not a lot of people out there race. I’m kind of off the grid,” said Michael, who also plays baseball. Peter noted that Michael is racing mostly against teenagers and adults, which makes his accomplishments thus far even more impressive. “If you saw that car going around the track, you’d never know there was an 11year- old kid in there,” he said.
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Michael Samony and his Stage One modified car.
Michael’s car is No. 88, the same as Earnhardt Jr., his favorite NASCAR driver. “What I like is that he’s learning along the way,” Peter of Michael. “He’s hearing things, he’s feeling things when he’s out there. He’ll come in and say, ‘Dad, something doesn’t feel right.’ He knows the car.” Michael’s mom, Brenda, attends his races, but often “gets a little scared,” Peter said. Indeed, Michael has had some hairy experiences, including a
few wrecks. That’s why Peter takes all precautions for his son, from ensuring his racing uniform is flame retardant to outfitting the interior of his car so it resembles a NASCAR cockpit. “With me, safety is everything. I don’t take any chances,” Peter said. Michael is aware of the risks. Asked if he ever gets scared, he answered without hesitation, “No, I love it! You do get kind of a rush,” he said. “It’s awesome. I’m proud of my accomplishments so far.”