Team Builds Depth On Heels of Very Productive and Consistent 2022 Season
East Berlin, PA – February 18, 2023 by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Mgmt Photo Credit: Jeremy Zarfos Photography
A team coming off a season as good as Kody Hartlaub Racing’s 2022 season typically wouldn’t change their program much, but the word ‘new’ is popping up a lot for the East Berlin, PA resident this offseason. For example: New shop. New website. New number. New baby. New Division? More on that later.
Fatherhood
That’s right. Kody Hartlaub recently became a father. The proud dad and wife Audrey have a healthy, happy new daughter. Addison Anne, who was born on January 13, 2023. “Fatherhood is nothing like I expected but everything I expected at the same time. It’s definitely a change of pace but I love it and can’t wait to get her to the races.”, Hartlaub shared. Addison Anne Hartlaub
New Digs!
Before the arrival of the family’s new addition, Hartlaub was busy guiding the construction of the team’s new race shop. Hartlaub had been renting a shop with Alan Krimes for two years, but with Krimes buying a house and moving his stuff into his own shop, it was time for Hartlaub to do the same. “I’m thankful for my parents for going ahead and building it and my sponsors Pat (Brewer Home Improvements) and Meradith (Herr Electric) for all the time and work they put in to help make the new shop possible.”, Hartlaub said. A glimpse of Hartlaub’s new shop (Photo Credit: Jeremy Zarfos Photography)
New Number?
The most surprising new thing for most folks might be the number that adorns the wing of the Brewer Home Improvements, Moose Blocks, Smith Titanium, SRR Engines, Siegel Racing, T&N Solutions, Inch & Co. Real Estate, Bigham Appraisals, Pretzel Boy, HAAS Shocks, Chop Designs, Herr Electric, Kody Hartlaub Racing machine. In 2023 the 358ci sprint car will carry the number 95, and there’s a good reason for it. Hartlaub’s number from his days in R/C, karting and up through the ranks was 95. When he got an opportunity to step into the 358ci sprint car division, it was in a No.11, so he rolled with it. After taking 2019 off from racing, Hartlaub came back under the wing (pun intended) of Jim and Steve Siegel. With all the help and knowledge they passed down, Hartlaub decided racing with the familiar Steve Siegel No.2 on his wing was one of the best ways to say “Thank you”. That remained the case through the 2022 season. In 2023, Jim Sielgel’s son, Jude, will step into the 358ci sprint car ranks. Hartlaub felt the right thing to do was give up the number so Jude could race it to keep up the family tradition. With that, Hartlaub will return to his original No.95 where it all began.
A Look Back
2022 was a solid year for Hartlaub. His stats are well-documented. Hartlaub garnered a 2nd place finish in Lincoln Speedway’s Championship Point standings, earned the Williams Grove Speedway 358 sprint car Rookie of the Year award, finished 2nd in the 358 Summer Series points, and finished 5th in the season championship point standings at Williams Grove Speedway. A great year, but the driven Hartlaub sees what’s missing: wins and championships. He will look to remedy that in 2023.
A Look Ahead
A goal of Hartlaub’s in 2022 was to improve the depth of his program. You win championships by being prepared; never being sidelined. Those were the thoughts that drove Hartlaub and his team to compile depth in their parts last season, now in the off-season they have assembled two complete cars with motors, thus achieving the next goal in their building process. “Our goals for the 358 for 2023 are to go each week and contend for wins. We won’t worry about points as much. That may mean in certain situations we take more calculated chances instead of points racing.”, Hartlaub shared.
Moving On Up!
While his will focus on his 358 schedule at Lincoln and Williams Grove, the big news is that Hartlaub will look to expand his 410 sprint car experience. The team has acquired a 410 engine and plans to compete in a handful of races, maybe 5-10 events, on off weekends for the 358 division. Hartlaub’s expectations are not lofty. This will be about learning and building something the right way. “My goal in the 410 is just to learn as much as possible at the select shows we choose to run. My goal every time I hit the track will be to be better than the last time.“, Hartlaub said.
New Website
As if he didn’t have enough on his plate this off-season, Hartlaub also oversaw the project of developing a new website for his team. KodyHartlaub.com is live and will serve as a great place for fans to follow his 2023 season and pick up their favorite merchandise! Fans can also find Hartlaub on the social media outlets listed below. All race results, press releases and other updates will be available all season long by following Addicted2DirtPR.com and their social media outlets listed below as well.
Thank You
“I want to express my sincere thanks to Jeremy Zarfos, not only for his terrific shots of our new car this year, but for all the photos he has provided in the past and for his ongoing support of our team.“, Hartlaub commented. “I also want to say how thankful I am for Pat Brewer and Brewer Home Improvements. Pat’s continued involvement and support is immensely appreciated. I also want to thank MooseBlocks.com, SRR Engines, Smith Titanium, Siegel Racing and all our partners who have continued to support us. Please patronize those businesses and thank them for supporting racing. We are aiming to put them in victory lane in 2023.”
KODY HARTLAUB RACING Press Releases/Results: A2DPR.com/latest-news Website: KodyHartlaub.com Facebook: Facebook.com/KodyHartlaubRacing Twitter: Twitter.com/KodyHartlaub
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS! The entire team would like to express their appreciation to all their partners for the support during the 2023 racing season! Brewer Home Improvements, LLC MooseBlocks.com Smith Titanium SRR Engines Siegel Racing T and N Solutions Inch & Co. Real Estate Bigham Appraisal Pretzel Boy HAAS Shocks Chop Designs Herr Electric