Changes at Berlin Raceway

General manager Kevin Striegle's departure among changes at Berlin Raceway

Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press


The largest short-track raceway in West Michigan will have a new race director in time for its 60th anniversary.

Berlin Raceway on Tuesday announced general manager Kevin Striegle has left the track, effective immediately.

The departure was Striegle's choice. He is moving to the Carolinas with the hope of latching on to a racing group.

"Kevin has a couple cousins in that area, and they've been able to get jobs in motorsports," Berlin owner and promoter Mike Blackmer said. "This hurts. It's going to leave a huge void because he's very knowledgeable. He did so much for us."

Striegle's responsibilities included lineups on race days, designing banners around the track and design work on the raceway's website.

Nick Caudle, who previously was involved in promotions and sales, temporarily will handle some of the business operations.

Blackmer also announced he is stepping aside from race day operations to focus more on behind-the-scenes aspects.

Blackmer, who owns Boyne Machine, still will be visible on Saturdays, but he won't be in charge of the races.

"I have a lot on my plate and I wanted to step back and take a look at what needed to be fixed," Blackmer said. "I had to make some changes. Racers will see some major changes in the next couple weeks behind the scenes.

"The biggest thing for me was bringing the stress during the week from Boyne and was I being fair to the competitors."

Jason Hoogerhyde, a 16-year employee at Boyne and a former racer, has been named Berlin's new director of race day operations and vice president of general operations.

"I started working last year behind the scenes, dealing with the racing end and tech crew," said Hoogerhyde, who raced in Pro Stock for four seasons.

"I've never dealt with keeping the show moving along and being in the pit area, but the drivers all know me and I know almost everyone out there. Mike will still be watching the races and seeing what's going on."