When glancing over the Central Pennsylvania sprint-car results, familiar names like Fred Rahmer and Greg Hodnett dot the top 10.
However, there are some young Pa. Posse drivers beginning to make an impact on sprint-car racing in the Keystone State.
One of the most promising young racers is 18-year-old Cody Darrah. He’s the nephew of World of Outlaws late-model driver Rick Eckert and has veteran mechanic Lee Stauffer turning the wrenches.

One of the most promising young racers is 18-year-old Cody Darrah. He’s the nephew of World of Outlaws late-model driver Rick Eckert and has veteran mechanic Lee Stauffer turning the wrenches.

Darrah, a high school senior, has had plenty of bad luck this season, although he does have an impressive third-place finish at Williams Grove Speedway and a fast time against the World of Outlaws at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida.
This is Darrah’s third season in a sprint car, but he missed half of last season recovering from a broken arm. In his rookie season, he focused on racing at one track per week.
“I’m learning new things each night I go out,” said Darrah. “I’m struggling to get my first win. I think when I get past that, it might come a little easier. I feel more confident in the car and I’m getting better, but I have a long way to go.
“Lee has been a big mentor, and he’s like a brother to me off the track. Even if I feel like I’m doing all I can, he’s telling me what I need to do better.
Many of the young Posse drivers, including Darrah, race sprinters that are owned by their families, and in most cases have sponsors that are family-owned businesses.
As Darrah’s father, Joe, points out, these young drivers usually would not be given the chance to learn the 410 sprints from one of the established car owners, so the families must step up to give them that chance.
Several other young drivers have been able to crack the top 10 against the Pa. Posse veterans.
Ryan Taylor, 19, held off World of Outlaws regular Craig Dollansky to finish third at Lincoln Speedway in March. Taylor is in his second season and has focused mostly on Lincoln. Taylor said he hopes to get some experience at other tracks this season.
A.J. Michael, 21, finished sixth at Lincoln after leading 17 laps. It was Michael’s best performance so far as he begins his second season. Maybe more impressive than the finish was Michael’s move to retake the lead for a few extra laps from veteran Stevie Smith before losing the lead for good on a restart.
Michael Carber, 20, is in his fourth season and has four victories to his credit, including two last season at Williams Grove. Carber is one of the younger drivers racing for a car owner who is not family.
Although he’s 29, Pat Cannon is a rookie in the 410 class and scored a victory at the Grove in March. Cannon will run 410s part-time this season with a focus on 358s. He won the 358-sprint-car opener at the Grove.
The most recent young driver with a good finish was 18-year-old Nick Schlauch, Jr., who finished fifth at Lincoln.
Something all these young drivers must prove is the ability to pass cars to score victories and top-five finishes. Starting up front and gassing it around the speedways is one thing, but starting outside the top six and getting to the front is another. We’ll watch their progression throughout the season.
Rahmer turned 50 years old in March and is off to a great start with three wins at Lincoln and one at Williams Grove. He leads the point standings at both tracks.
Chad Layton is also off to a good start with six top-five finishes in nine races. He’s yet to win, but it won’t be long.