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SPRINGFIELD — Chad Poole described it as "a dream season."

Poole, a local auto racer from Springfield, won 11 features en route to three track championships, including the American Modified Series and the modified divisions at both Shady Bowl Speedway and Kil-Kare Speedway.

"It's been a good year, there's no doubt about that," Poole said. "It was a whole lot of racing, but it was well worth it."

Poole dominated the Shady Bowl modified division, winning by 116 points over second-place Chris Parker. He also won the Kil-Kare modified by 30 points.

But the American Modified Series was a different story. Poole went into the final race at Columbus Motor Speedway trailing leader Mike Carroll by 12 points.

"It was such a tight battle," Poole said. "It makes it rough. Everyone is out trying to win it. We were able to get a few breaks along the way."

Poole was able to finish fourth in the finale, seven spots ahead of Carroll, to unofficially take home the title.

"They wouldn't even name a champion right then," Poole said. "They made us wait until Monday. It was a stressful weekend."

Poole said he couldn't have had all the success without some help. Nationwide Tree Care, Brad Littler, Buckeye All-Gas, Boisel Tire Care, Massaro's Roll-Off, Paul Storer, Roger Winget Race Cars, Earl Langley, Jimmy Finley and his girlfriend, Mandi, for all their support this season.

His parents, Gene and Rose Poole, were also a big help. His father won four track titles at Shady Bowl, Kil-Kare, Columbus and Dayton in 1977.

"He's the reason I do it," Poole said. "He's got so much talent and so much brains that I probably wouldn't win a feature without him."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.