JOSH SKARZENSKI DOING DOUBLE DUTY IN 2004
by Brian Spaid

January 30, 2004 

                Last year, at this time, Josh Skarzenski’s racing career was over. The 2002 Tri-City Speedway DIRT Modified champion called it quits. He was hung up his helmet, sold his equipment and ended his career on a high note. For Skarzenski, the desire to race was gone.

                Twelve months later, he is equipped with two fresh motors, a new Bicknell chassis and two rides. What a difference a year makes.

                Skarzenski, 28, shocked the racing world early last year when he announced his retirement. The Erie driver was adamant he would not return to racing, but many pit observers believed it would only be a matter of time before he would climb into the cockpit once again. By midseason, Skarzenski was racing a brand new DIRT Modified on the local circuit. He raced a total of 14 nights in 2003.

“I’m crazy,” laughed Skarzenski when asked why he returned to racing. “Seriously though, last year, my business was struggling and it was a trying time for me early in 2003.”

Now in his third year operating Lake Erie Speed Specialities, Skarzenski believes he has the right business and management philosophy in place to continue to run a successful speed shop in a growing economy.

“Like any good start-up business, it takes three to five years to really get on your feet. Our fabrication shop is running well. We’ve completed 18 to 20 DIRT Modified bodies for local race teams. We’re also working on kit cages for the Pro Stocks and doing some chassis work in the DIRT Modifieds. Our parts sales will also pickup once the new season starts.”

For 2004, Skarzenski is poised to make an all-out assault on local tracks. He’ll continue to race his well-tuned Bicknell No. 9J in the DIRT Modified class. He also intends to race a similar paint scheme and car number in the E Mods for new owner, Jason Ore of Erie.

“I’ve known Jason for a number of years,” said Skarzenski. “One night after the season, I got a phone call from him. He said he wanted to start a race team, and he wanted me to drive the car.”

With that, Ore dropped off a Throwin’ Dirt E Mod chassis at Skarzenski’s shop to get refurbished for the coming season.

Ore, 26, is a former engine builder at Francis Engineering in Ohio. Much of his experience came from working on motors for asphalt Late Models. He developed a keen interest in the E Mods and acquired the chassis late last season.

“I wanted to start a race team and do something different,” said Ore. “(Late Model driver) Greg Fenno rolled the car last year, and it was still in decent shape. I decided to purchase it, and had the folks at Throwin’ Dirt fix it.”

All the while, Ore wanted Skarzenski to drive it.

“I like Josh’s driving style,” Ore added. “He’s not over aggressive and he’s a winner. I’m looking forward to it, and I think we can have a lot of fun.”

Skarzenski is also excited about his new racing adventure.

“I think it will improve my driving skills,” said Skarzenski. “The more seat time can only help. Overall, it makes you a better driver. Each car is completely different, but I think some knowledge will transfer over. I bring to the E Mod my experience on the different tracks in the DIRT Modified. I think the E Mod, with its smaller tires and motor, will teach me to be more patient.”

Like two-time defending Tri-City E Mod champion Brent Rhebergen, who drives for Centerville car owner Bruce Steadman, Skarzenski will merely show up with helmet in hand to drive for Ore.

“This is Jason’s deal. Due to my business obligations and my own race car, I can only race the car. It’ll be fun to give him the feedback and help him some on race nights, but he’ll have his own crew. They will work on the car during the week, and I’ll race it.”

Skarzenski plans an ambitious schedule for 2004 too.

“My goal in the DIRT Modified is to win the BRP Modified Tour title. We’ll also race for points at Sharon Speedway and Tri-City. We’ll run a limited Friday schedule at Lernerville Speedway. I’ll race Jason’s E Mod for points at Sharon and Tri-City as well.”

 Not bad for a guy that was retired just one year ago.