Waterford, PA’s Rich Gardner holds the current record for winning five consecutive championships at Eriez Speedway (breaking Bobby Schnars' all time record which stood for 27 years.)    

Rich Gardner, 2000-2001-2004 Stateline-Eriez Racing Series Champion, 2000-2001-2002-2003-2004 Eriez Speedway Champion.

 Beginning in 1976, his first year was in a Spectator car running at Eriez.  Rich later ran Cadets, moving into the Late Model class in 1980. 

 Rich started winning features in the mid-eighties, registering 52 total wins through the 2007 season.  It was in 1985 that he started his long association with current owner Toby Jordan.  Rich says, “He really pointed me in the right direction and from there I never let anyone set my cars up other than him.  A lot of my success is attributed to him."

   Championships were tougher with the first being the 2000 Eriez and Circuit titles.  The first Championship was the high point in his career.  There are still challenges ahead, with the foremost being the desire to beat the traveling regulars in a MACS or World of Outlaws race.  His best finish to date was a second place finish in a MACS race at Raceway 7.

 There have been tough times as well, with the worst being losing a left rear wheel while heading for a restart while leading with just two laps remaining at Eriez Speedway in 1993.

 The 2000 season was the final year Rich operated his own team.  The decision to give up control of his racing was difficult, but it has produced four more Championship seasons and several more victories.

   Racing costs a considerable amount of cash, and that cost is supplied by sponsors in addition to the car-owner.  Without sponsors it would be difficult to show off the talent available in this young man.  Those sponsors include Budweiser, a long-time sponsor for both Rich and Toby, Dunlap Towing, Crotty Chevrolet, Levco Communication, Bear Lake Inn, Joe’s Auto Parts, Quick Clean Dry Cleaners, Craiger Race Engines, Mill Run Collision, Rohrer Trucking, Corry Subway, and www.racewaymagazine.com.

 And, what in Rich’s background makes him suited for the high intensity world of the Champion auto racer?  His Father, Charlie, was the biggest influence in Rich’s life, instilling in him a love for the sport and the drive to continue when times are tough.  Charlie passed away in 1989, but saw his son’s dream begin to take shape with several wins prior to his passing.  Rich’s Mom attended racing often but now stays home on race-day.  Rich’s ties to family are strong, with his first call being to his Mom at home after he won that first Championship.  Present in the crowd that September night in 2000 were his wife Teri and their son, Kevin.  Teri and Kevin are present most of the time when Rich is racing.

   His personal racing heroes are, on a local level, Skip Furlow and on a national level, Richard Petty.  Rich admires the fact that “King” Richard is “down to earth and a winner and that he always has time for fans."  In that category, Rich Gardner is second to none.  He always has time for his fans, and they are many.

 Coming up from the entry-level class to the pinnacle of the sport, Rich has this to offer young drivers: “Be patient, be smooth.  To finish first, first you must finish."

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