Who We Are
King Brothers Racing History
After many years of watching races at Mercer Speedway, Russ and Marlene King in 1973 purchased their first race car from Sally and Grover Faulk. When they purchased the car, it had a #65 on it. Sally had hoped that the number would remain, and because Russ and Marlene's second son was born in 1965, it seemed only fitting that the number would stay.
Russ Woolsey was the King's first driver of the 65 car, and a great driver he was! Finishing third in points their first year and first in points their second year. They mostly ran at Mercer Raceway and Lernerville Speedway, which are still in operation today. The King car was noted to be one of the most beautiful cars on the track with its wonderful red and white colors, which still hold true today with a little blue added to make a very patriotic look.
In 1976, the King family decided to add another car to the racing team. Russ W. took the new car, and the old coupe went to a very experienced driver named Vic George. Vic, like Russ, did very well with the cars; his first year he won the Shaffer Qualifier. This gave him the opportunity to run the big race in Syracuse, New York, known as the Daytona of dirt modifieds. In the feature, a shackle mount broke and knocked him out of the race. In 1978, the King family came out with a new car called the Ben Cook car. Vic started to drive, but his work drew him away from racing, and the car sat for a short time.
In July, Russell approached top late-model driver Tom Jarrett to take the wheel of the 65 car. Once the bugs were worked out, Tom came through as a winner for the team. One night at the races, there was a bad sprint car wreck; Tom, being a family man, decided it was time to retire.
Once again, the King car sat idle until Russell made contact with a guy by the name of Ted Wise who wanted a ride— a new driver for the King car had arrived. Multiple breakdowns made the first year for Ted and the King Team rough, but after that, Ted became a real winner. In 1980, the family purchased another car for driver Harold Kemery. It was his first year in a modified, but he got the car around the track just fine. Ted, on the other hand, was leading the points at two tracks, Raceway Seven and Expo Speedway.
In 1983, Russ and Marlene's youngest son, Rex, took the wheel of the 65 car at the age of 16. Rex had many of his buddies on the team and had some of the greatest times of his life. He had a lot to learn at his young age, but one of the people he most admired (other than his dad) was Ed Lynch Sr., who was one of the few drivers that took the time to give advice to Rex.
In 1985, the family switched from Tobias Chassis to a new chassis out "Troyer", which seemed to be a huge benefit to Rex. He felt comfortable in the car, and it showed in his racing. Rex also met his girlfriend, Sis Bates, who enjoyed watching him weekly. Rex went from a rookie driver to a Sharon Speedway track champion. This was a huge success and looked forward to celebrating at the Sharon Speedway Banquet in January, but the celebration was shortened by the passing of Rex's father. Russell died of a heart attack on December 21, 1985. Russell was the backbone of both the business and the racing team. Marlene and Rex decided to continue on in Russell's memory.
1986 was a rough year for the team. Rex, at the age of 19, was used to his father's advice, and this was the first year he had to make decisions on his own for the business and the team. Times were difficult, but with the help of Marlene and close friends, the family pulled through.
In 1988, Rex and Sis got married, and in 1989, they brought the first King grandchild, little Russell King, into the racing family. Little Russell was at the track at one month of age and has been there ever since. In 1991, they had their second racer, little Rexy King. Lil Rexy King was added to the King crew. In 1990, Harold Kemery returned as crew chief; his childhood experience was a great asset for the 65 team. For the next ten years, the team ran well with the Troyer chassis, consistently finishing in the top ten in points and usually in top 5.
In 1995, the team moved in a new direction with the race cars—to Bicknell chassis, which was a great move in the right direction. Rex picked up a second track championship at Sharon Speedway and one at Mercer; he had always finished in the top 3 points. This was a large achievement considering the competitive talent in the V-8 modified class.
2002 was the end of a great run! After having two flips (one at Sharon Speedway & one at Lernerville) and multiple on-track situations, the King Bros. racing team had a rough year. Falling out of the first 6 races with a new car was not the teams plan! Regardless, they held their heads high and still finished in the top 10 at Sharon Speedway and tied for eighth for the BRP Modified Tour. They also picked up hard luck awards at both the Twin State Auto Racing and Sharon Speedway banquets.
Our bad year was not unnoticed—we graciously accepted the awards anyways.
In 2003, everything was totally up in the air! Rex's back condition was so bad he couldn't stand the pain. They put the whole racing operation up for sale after hearing from 5 local doctors that surgery only had a 50% success rate. However, Dr. Yoo at University Hospital Indiana, who was referred to us by Stan Hover Jr., for "fixing up broken race car drivers", was optimistic and had an 80% success rate. After doing some research & learning how well-respected Dr. Yoo was, Rex decided to move forward with surgery. After the surgery, Rex woke up with no pain and stood straight for the first time in years. The King Team was back! They purchased a 2003x Bicknell, and Rex was soon battling for wins again.
In June, the ladies had a great time and earned over $5,100.00 for a charity for Victims Resource Inc. Rex took the track and was battling for the win when he and Brian Swartzlander tangled and took them both out. But it was exciting to come back on a positive note. We had a philosophy in 2003 "kiss" (keep it simple, stupid). Although we only ran a half season, we raced at Little Valley N.Y., Eldora Ohio and Hagerstown MD. Even running only half a season, they finished the year with 2 feature wins, 2nd in the hard charger awards for BRP tour and a top 10 in points.
2004 brought huge changes as Russell, the oldest son, took over the seat of the second team car. They invested in a larger hauler and a professional webpage to give fan access. Russell had a great rookie year, winning Rookie Dirt Driver of the Year at Twin State and Tri-City. Rex finished in the top 5 in points for both tracks and the tour.
2005 was an amazing year—you would have never guessed it considering how we started in Volusia FL and ended short with blown motors. Rex had 2nd fastest time in practice and finished 3rd in the opener, we knew we were dialed in this 2025 racing season! What a great feeling we had! We did the car show for Twin State and also went to Kendrew's Lounge in Alliquippa PA — what a wild crew! Russell would now be able to run at Sharon Speedway and a full BRP Mod. tour this year. At the Sharon opener, Russell finished in front of his dad in 10th place. At the Tri-City opener, Russell finished 4th, topping his rookie season in 2024, and at the modified tour opener at Central PA Speedway he finished 7th — solid runs considering the talent in the modified division. Applauding the King crew for a stellar year, because the crew not only had a blast every weekend, but a very consistent, fruitful season!
Some of the year's highlights would be going to Mercer Raceway Park and beating top modified driver Todd Burley, it was a nail biter! Both Rex and Todd have great appreciation for each other on and off the track!
Running nose-nose with Pete Bicknell in his House Merrittville Speedway in Canada. After a back-and-forth race with Pete leading, the last lap, the two shared a beer, their feeling on the race, and a few laughs!
One June 18th Russel won his 1st Sharon Speedway feature, with his dad finishing second. Doing a donut on the infield for the crowd brought even more excitement to the night!
The Ladies Modified charity night provided more excitement than previous years with Lex Shingledecker pulling out the win! The ladies have passed their helmets on the E-Mod Girls for 2006 after the 4-year long run generating over $35,000. To the Victim's Resources Inc. Abuse Center, Cindy Moore and the girls, Congratulations for changing many lives!
Russell also picked up his first career win at Tri-City Speedway in 2005, and of course it wouldn't be a win without a donut in the infield and celebratory cheers from the roof of the car with his fans! A blown motor would have sidelined Rex and hurt their points, but longtime friend Dave Schrader and his family loaned Rex his spare car for the August 7th race at Tri-City to keep them in contention for the championship. Not only are they an amazing race team, but great friends as well.
The running of the Russ King Memorial transpired into a win and although they did not have the fastest car on the track, it was a fine moment for their family, and longtime employees who have waited for this moment for 20 years.
Rex celebrated his 40th birthday in style, by capturing the last Mercer BRP Tour Race—the track was filled with birthday balloons brought in by family and friends. The race in Memory of Veteran racer and friend Jeff Hoffman, which made it a special night.
Year-End Stats for 2005
Rex: 6 feature wins, 1st in Modified Tour points, 2nd in Sharon Speedway points, 2nd Tri-City Speedway points, 2005 Walt Wimers Cavalcade points winner, Racers for Tots drvier of the year and the Iron Man award at Tri-City.
Russell: 3 feature wins, 11th in Modified Tour points, 8th in Sharon Speedway points, 5th in Tri-City Speedway points, 2005 Most Improved driver TSARC and Rookie of the Year for both the Modified Tour and Sharon Speedway.
2006 was designated as The Year of the Three Kings as Rexy, known as 'Cooter,' took his first steps as a rookie driver at Tri-City Speedway. Rexy chose the number #165. His first race was on April 30, 2006. It was a proud moment for the family to see the #65, #56, and #165 all sailing around the track together.
2006- THE YEAR OF 3 KINGS.
What would be the best way to describe The Year of 3 Kings... I would have to say "Nuts", I mean honestly how do you in this day and age put 3 cars on the track and not kill each other and still swing full-time jobs and school. This would be the year that our family circle is finally complete. Rexy, or better known as "Cooter" was going to take his first baby steps as a Rooke driver at Tri-City Speedway. The first area of business was to pick a number, and it was Rexy's choice to pick his number. Maybe #656, no, that would be 65 on most of the scoreboards. Maybe #565? No, that would be #56 on most scoreboards. Rexy concluded with his #165 considering he was named after his father the #16 wasn't a consistent number used in our local modified series. So, #165 it was! Later, we had no idea how well that number would fit Rexy.
Rexy's first race was on April 30, 2006, at Tri-City. I could feel my stomach turn as our youngest was strapped into his new ride! I tried everything to hold back the tears so not to have Rexy see. I wanted his full concentration on his mission, not his mother. There was a lot of excitement in the pits from our crew and neighboring crews. Rexy back out of his pit stable and Rex Sr. pulled his ride up behind him. It was like a father bear watching over his youngest cub. Then in hot laps the #65, #56 and the #165 sailed around the big 5/8 circle, it was amazing! I could see the pride in my mother-in-law shine across her face. This was a moment she waited to see (33 years), and Rexy showed he had the talent to run with his brother and father.
The next big highlight was at Lernerville Speedway on May 5th, Sr. had raced there off and on over his 23-year racing career and had many good finishes, but unfortunately, was unable to clinch the checkered. Sr. had done everything, including flip on two occasions but was always the "brides maid" and never the "bride". The MRP Mod Tour had brought the King crew to the tacky clay surface of Lernerville. It was quite a battle between Sr. and Western PA star Kevin Bolland, with a caution coming out on lap 29, Sr. knew it would have to be a hero or zero move to take the win from Bolland. Sr. went high and Bolland stayed low, Sr. took it right to the wall coming off turn four and took the checkered with a one car length lead over the 777 car. The crowd went crazy, and that was the big prize of the evening. Rex Sr. has always been a lil bit of a show boy and took entertaining the crowd seriously.
It looked as though we may have finally knocked the "bad luck" monkey off the shoulder of The King Bros. race team. From there, Rex Sr. was on a roll picking up wins at Tri-City Speedway, Mercer Raceway Park and Sharon Speedway; with his eye on the 2nd consecutive BRP Mod Tour Championship. Russell on the other hand, had to settle for 2nd behind his "old man" as he worked on his driving style. Then finally, at Tri-City Speedway, on May 28th, Russ picked up his 1st win of the season. However, Rex Sr., the "Bristolville Bandit" was unstoppable!
Central PA was the July 3rd stop for the BRP Tour and it proved to be an exciting night for all involved. When the checkered came down it was Brian Swartzlander with Rex Sr. on his bumper and Russell waiting for the two to take each other out! It was a fabulous finish! Rexy made the show and tested the water on the dusty salad bowl.
On July 13th, the tour headed to Expo Speedway, this was the first time the track had seen auto racing since our family had promoted it in 1995. The grandstands were full of fans who had longed to see racing at the big 5/8s and also new prospects of racing. In hot laps Russell's motor laid down on him, Cooter was the hero of the evening loaning his #165 to his older brother. By the end of the evening Sr. had grabbed the finish, but the big story was Russ who had moved 14 positions and ran out of laps. Expo was most certainly a crowd pleaser, and we were surrounded by friends and family in the victory lane.
By July 15th show at Sharon Speedway, Sr. had padded his points lead but Brian Swartzlander was hot on his tail wanting the same bragging rights. On August 26th, Russ for the second time moved from behind the shadow to pick up the win at Sharon Speedway. September 1st would bring high hopes for the King family as they prepared for the Russ King Memorial, although the team had picked up the win in 2005 by default; it really didn't seem like a win and it didn't feel earned. Rex Sr. wheeled to the front as the final 14 laps were under green, Bolland finished 2nd but once again the big talk was about Russell who went from 17th position to finish 3rd. Cooter who wasn't able to participate in many shows due to the age restrictions spun wrenches along with crew chief Johnny Zdelar and crew members Mark Bates and Don Nichols. As the Sharon Speedway season ended, Swartzlander edged Sr. for the Championship. The season closed by the King's trying new waters at Afton, where we didn't bring nearly enough bumper and Williams Grove where we lacked enough motor. With 15 team wins, a BRP Modified Tour points Championship and Rex Sr. listed as the top 6th Northeast winners of 2006 by the AARN. Family time from April through October it doesn't get any better than this! ... or does it?
The Next Generation of King Bros. Racing
The King Bros. Racing legacy continues to grow with each new generation behind the wheel.
In 2018, Karston King began racing go-karts, beginning his own journey in motorsports. He continued advancing through the ranks, moving into Sportsman Modifieds in 2025 before stepping up to Big Block Modifieds in 2026.
The next generation was not far behind. Rexy III began racing go-karts in 2025 and quickly made his mark, winning his division championship in 2026. Ella King also began her own racing journey in go-karts in 2026, adding another member of the King family to the racing tradition.
2026 also proved to be a milestone year for Rex Jr. (“Cooter”), who earned the Lernerville Championship, adding another championship accomplishment to the King Bros. Racing history.
From one generation to the next, racing continues to be more than a sport for the King family—it’s a tradition built on family, competition, hard work, and a lifelong love of racing.
With so much history already behind us and a new generation continuing to make its mark, we can’t wait to see what the future brings for King Bros. Racing.
