From the moment he took over as series president, Ed Aikin was known for lending a hand to fellow racers in any way he could. Based in Lincoln University, PA, Aikin and his wife Chrissy run a used sprint car parts business, and Ed himself is an accomplished racer in both 410 and 360 sprint cars. “When I got into sprint car racing, everyone helped each other — it was a family,” Aikin says.
For Englishtown, NJ native Greg Shepsis, that spirit of family became more than just words. The two first talked in July of 2021. Shepsis liked the rub rail design on Aikins car and reached out to purchase a set and even an Ed Aikin T-shirt, fast forward to 2024 when Shepsis spotted a set of brakes on Facebook Marketplace that Aikin was selling. “I drove 90 minutes to get the parts, and Ed showed me his USAC Sprint. I sat there and soaked up every bit of information I could,” Shepsis recalls. “I do this all alone, so I was trying to learn everything I could. Ed offered any help he could give right from the start.”
Shepsis discovered sprint car racing in 2017 when his best friend, Chace Leahy, introduced him to the Crate Sprint division at New Egypt Speedway. The two jumped in together, but while Leahy ran well, he eventually stepped away, leaving Shepsis to figure things out on his own. “The first few years were a struggle,” Shepsis admits. “But I figured the car out. Over the next eight years I’ve primarily run New Egypt, ventured to Bridgeport, even made it to Orange County.”
With a little bit of karting experience, some SIM racing, and a love for the sport’s clean competition, sprint cars quickly became his passion. “What got me into sprint cars was the approachability,” Shepsis says. “It’s not the sheet-metal beating and banging — these guys race with respect. Plus, they’re just cool cars. I remember playing World of Outlaws 2002 growing up and thinking they were awesome.”
Away from the track, Shepsis works as a parts delivery driver in Flemington, NJ, and has spent a decade in the automotive industry, doing everything from service advising to turning wrenches. His enclosed trailer doubles as his race shop, where he works on the car almost every night after work. His girlfriend, Nadia, is part of the team too — carrying fuel jugs, turning wrenches, and cheering him on every step of the way.
In July 2025, Shepsis’ New Egypt points race was rained out, and with the USAC East Coast Sprints racing at Bridgeport, he made the call to Aikin: “Can I come run with you guys?” The IMT USAC East Coast Series welcomes all wingless sprints — from Crates to 305s, 358s, and 360s — so the answer was an immediate yes.
There was just one problem: Shepsis didn’t have the correct Hoosier tires. Aikin went to work, finding a set from within the USAC family and having his crew mount them when Shepsis arrived. “It was a truck, an enclosed trailer, a handful of tools, and no spare parts,” Aikin says. “But from the moment he pulled in, everyone started checking in, lending a hand, and offering advice.”
Shepsis ran all the laps that night. After the checkered flag, he tried to hand Aikin his $225 in starting money as thanks. Aikin refused. “I don’t want your money, dude. It’s a good payday for you — build your program up.”
Driving home, Aikin couldn’t stop thinking about the offer. “I was shocked,” he said. “I knew this kid was special. He’s passionate, and he needs help to get going and achieve his dreams.”
That’s when Aikin turned to Chrissy and the crew and said, “Let’s make a difference. Let’s do something big.” He began calling contacts, gathering parts from teams willing to donate — and he kept the plan a secret until the moment of the reveal.
The result was overwhelming: Fran and Tim Hogue, Kevin Kelly, Dave Betts, Scott McClaren, Ed Aikin, Jason Wilkins, Tyler and Sam Ross, Bill Butler, and JPA Racing Products all came together to donate a massive haul of equipment to Shepsis — including spindles, hubs, steering arms, brake calipers, three front wheels, four shocks, rotors, at least two rear wheels, radius rods, king pins, new brake pads, torsion arms, tires, a drum of fuel, and even a complete front axle.
When Shepsis learned of it, he was floored. “I was shocked and so grateful,” he says. “There are so many good people in this sport. It’s not about the money — just getting to race the car is the cherry on top.”
Shepsis makes sure to thank those who’ve helped him along the way:
Chace Leahy & PBS Inc. — “My best friend who got me into the sport. His father, Jim, passed away last year, and he was like a second father to me. The whole Leahy family has been incredibly welcoming.”
Ray Fisher Auto Body — “Ray has been my primary sponsor this season. He’s a great guy who’s shown a ton of support.”
Ken Nealis & Paul Comstock — “Sprint car gurus who helped me sort the car mechanically and got me through those early struggles.”
Mark Blackwell — “A huge help at his Metal Fab Pro Race Shop in Pennington, NJ, and just a great guy at New Egypt Speedway.”
Jonathan, Dave & Howard Swanson, plus crew member Eddie — “Always kind, offering help, tires, and even food.”
Eric Jennings — “Gave me a free set of headphones when mine died at OCFS and continues to help when I need it most.”
Nadia — “My girlfriend, my biggest supporter, and often my only help at the track.”
Looking ahead, Shepsis’ goals have shifted. “I always wanted to be a champion, but after all this overwhelming support, I think it’s time to move up,” he says. “I want to be part of the USAC East Coast Series full-time. I’m getting the funds together now to get a 360.” His next stops are Bridgeport for two weeks, New Egypt on August 30 with his crate, and back with USAC on October 10.
In a world — and on social media — where negativity often drowns out the good, stories like this are worth reading and sharing. They prove that even in tough times, there’s a community out there ready to step up, rally together, and treat each other like family. For Shepsis, that family happens to race sprint cars — but the heart behind it is something we can all believe in.
- Kurt Bettler on Aug 11, 2025
- Article Date: 8/11/2025 by Kurt Bettler