Thursday, July 12, 2007
By Scott BrandenburgChronicle correspondent
After spending the past decade traveling to different tracks, Ralph and Rob Sternberg made the decision to focus on Winston Motor Speedway this summer.
Midway through the season, the Sternberg brothers are happy to call Winston home.
Through the first 10 weeks, Ralph and Rob have combined to win six feature races -- three apiece in the Sportsman Division.
Although it isn't cut-throat competition, Rob makes it clear that "he got to three wins first."
"Ralph had to catch up to me," joked Rob, who is seven years younger than his brother.
Ralph maintains his sense of humor in the sibling rivalry.
"I think I'll get the tie-breaker," said Ralph, who is engaged to be married to Tami Kieft after the racing season. "I need the points more."
Ralph recently moved into second in the Sportsman Division standings -- 22 points behind Chad Weinrick. Rob is in fifth place after missing a few weeks early in the season.
The thing that matters most is they're finishing races and competing for top honors each week.
"It's been a while since we were both doing this well at the same time," said Rob. "That's really made this a fun year. In recent years, we'd be up there from time to time together, but mostly one of us would do well and the other one wouldn't."
The highlight of the season for Rob this year has been the auto racing version of a turkey -- winning the fast dash, a heat and the feature in the same day.
"That, and the time I started seventh and ended up winning, are the highlights of the year," said Rob, who has two sons -- Robbie and Damian -- his wife Rhonda. "When you can come from behind, you really feel like you've earned it."
Ralph is the more consistent, smooth and aggressive driver of the two, while Rob likes to adapt his game to the conditions of the race and the drivers. Last year, the elder Sternberg brother capped off the racing season by winning his third Great Lake National title at Crystal Motor Speedway. He is the only racer to win three.
"That's a pretty cool accomplishment," said Ralph. "To do something no one's ever done before feels pretty good."
Both Sternberg brothers got their driving skills from their dad, Ralph Sr.
Their dad raced at Winston and Thunderbird and earned several wins while driving the No. 73 car. Both younger drivers have driven that since, although Rob has currently switched to No. 37.
Ralph Sr., who owns Stern's Towing, sponsors both of his sons and doesn't play favorites when rooting for a winner.
"If they're both up there, I say just make sure you get the money," said the elder Sternberg, who turns 65 next week. "They're both doing real well. Every race is different and they're both doing good every race."
The Sternbergs also have a family feel to their pit crews.
Robbie, and nephew Josh, help both cars and Damian's getting a feel for it as well.
"He's just learning, but he's going to be the next one," said Rob. "He's learning fast."
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