GETTING TO KNOW…
…Mike Shoemaker
By Terry Whetstone

  Twelve years ago Mike Shoemaker started his racing career and he credits Doug Timmons and Mike Altobelli with him getting his start.
  He began in the street stock division before moving to the semi-lates and now he’s in the limited late model class.
  His car is white and black and carries the number 8 on the doors. This year, he’s added a II to the number. Not too sure why. His Rocket chassis is powered by a 358 engine from Hershey motors.
  On the personal side, Mike and his wife Julie have three children, Jackie, 16; Maria, 13 and Katelyn 9. They live in Hesston, Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Shoemaker is a parts manager by day and a racer by night. He said he got the number 8 from when his dad raced.
  He’s pretty easy to please, as his favorite food is spaghetti and his favorite race track is all of them. When he wins that is his favorite type of race. He likes Mark Martin and southern gospel music.
  His favorite or greatest moment in racing is every time he is standing in the winners circle with his family and friends.
  Mike only has a few feature wins, about 44 to be exact, and he has more heat wins than he can list.
  He’s raced at Cumberland Raceway, Clearfield Speedway, Dog Hollow Speedway, Bedford Raceway, Hesston Speedway, Hagerstown Speedway, Winchester Speedway, Virginia Motor Speedway and Challenger Raceway.
  His pit crew includes Steve, Ed, Shawn and Shane Shoemaker, Mike Coy, Rick Hamer, Dave Aurandt, Bryan Mort, Dustin Hoffmaster, Wes Fouse and Tobi Morelli.
  Mike and his team finished second in the points last season here at Hesston Speedway. We wish him and his family good luck and a great season. I’m sure we’ll see them in victory lane soon.