During the summer of 2012, Alexander "Lex" Shive traded two wheels for four wheels and a harness. Burt Shive built his son, who was racing dirt bikes, a race car.

            "We traded in two of wheels for four, and put him in a harness," Burt Shive

Burt Shive, left, with his son Alexander "Lex"  Shive.  Lex has competed regularly at Grandview Speedway since 2013.

said. "He always wanted to go fast."

            Seven years later, Lex Shive is a regular competitor in Grandview's Sportsman Division. On Saturday, the 2010 Upper Perkiomen graduate finished ninth in the 25-lap feature. The 28-year-old, who is still seeking his first career victory, entered the race in 17th place in the overall standings.

            The team, which includes Lex and his father Burt Shive, is still searching for its first victory. Lex posted two fourth-place finishes last season.

            "We're racing in a bull ring," Burt Shive said. "I love it."

            Lex Shive described racing as a passion, almost like a full-time job.  The Limerick resident said he is learning to balance the enterprise with his job as a real estate agent and a co-ownership of a local car dealership.

            Mechanical issues and faulty parts have plagued the 5K car this season. The team – which includes Lex and his father Burt Shive – has been forced to contend with two blown motors.

          "As long as the wheels are turning and the engine is running, I'm going to be able to keep the car on the track until the finish," said Lex who has completed nine of his 12 starts.

            "Our maintenance program has gotten better over the years."

            According to the father, the team could not compete without a series of sponsors that includes TLC Powerwashing, Remax Reliance, Titanium Finishing and Hope Mortgage. The weekly budget can range from $150 to between $3,000 and $4,000 to replace a damaged motor, according to Lex.

              Every Friday night, Burt and Lex Shive work together on the car at Burt's machine shop in Marlborough Township. Burt Shive estimates that it takes approximately 20 man hours each week to prepare the car to race. Lex spends most of his time grinding the tires. Last weekend, Burt – a machinist by trade – replaced a damaged right front shock and a left rear brake pad.

            "It's a total father-son deal," Burt Shive said. "When we pull out of here on a Saturday with the car hooked up to the truck, I look at him and say, 'Alright, kid. It's you and me again.'"

            Burt Shive began attending the dirt track races around the age of seven with his parents. His father Bill Shive, who owned the Penn Valley Hobby Center in Lansdale, advertised at Grandview for more than 40 years.

            In 2011, Burt worked on the crew of Mike Gular, a decorated modified driver. The following year, he decided to build a race car for his son, who was racing dirt bikes.
           "I had just enough knowledge to be dangerous," Burt Shive said.

            He finished the car late in the season, allowing Lex to compete in two races. However, an underpowered motor and the driver's inexperience lack of experience provided a challenge on the track.

            The following season, they joined the Grandview circuit on a regular basis. Over the years, an improved chassis and motor, along with increased driving time for Lex, have led to better finishes. Though they have raced previously at Big Diamond Raceway in Minersville, Burt said he and Lex consider the dirt race track in Washington Township their home course for multiple reasons.

            "I've definitely learned a lot of P's and Q's on the track every season," he said.