Utility Workers Local 335 member races with the union logo on his car

By TIM ROWDEN

Associate Editor

Jared Kneemiller, Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 335, has a need for speed, racing in the dirt modified class in Missouri and Illinois with the Utility Workers logo on his car.

Kneemiller, a fleet shop mechanic at Missouri American Water Co. in south St. Louis County, was introduced to racing by his father, who was also a race car driver.

He first got behind the wheel on go-karts as a 9- or 10-year-old before graduating to stock cars.

Over the years, he has met the likes of Tony Stewart, Kenny Schrader and others.

“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “You do it for the love of it. It’s not a cheap sport, but we have fun doing it.”

Putting the union logo on his car was a natural choice, Kneemiller said.

“A lot of guys from the union and the water company came out and saw it, and it was just exciting for them to see that,” he said.

And Kneemiller is getting ready for an exciting season, after racing only twice last summer due to engine problems. (Remember, he said it’s not a cheap sport!)

“We built a brand new program,” he said. “We got some brand new motors and a brand new car. We’re looking forward to getting out there and tearing it up!”

If you’d like to see Kneemiller race, or find out about sponsoring or supporting him, contact Mary Kneemiller at majek@centurytel.net.