Berlin Raceway veteran Tim DeVos suspended for having traction control

Berlin Raceway veteran Tim DeVos suspended for having traction control

Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press

MARNE -- One of Berlin Raceway’s veteran drivers and points leaders in the Late Models category has raced for the final time this season.

Tim DeVos, a Rockford resident who was third in the Late Models points standings entering Saturday, was suspended by Berlin owner and promoter Mike Blackmer for having traction control inside his vehicle.

“We took the top three in points (Ross Meeuwsen, Terry VanHaitsma and DeVos) and put their cars in impound for inspection,” Blackmer said. “We let them qualify before putting them in impound. Then, we roped the area off and found traction control in Tim’s car. That calls for a severe suspension or a disqualification.”

For a stretch of time when Whitecaps Racing owned Berlin, traction control was allowed. But it was made illegal once again when Blackmer bought the track.

There were two Late Models races, including Saturday’s event, left in the season. The next race is Sept. 11, which is championship night for all divisions.

DeVos declined comment, but Blackmer said rules are being enforced.

“We are getting more and more involved with the rules,” Blackmer said. “It has to be fair with everyone. I just can’t protect the top people. It has to be everyone, so that’s my job.”

DeVos won the Super Stocks title in 1995 and followed that up with Late Models titles in 2003 and 2005. He was six points behind VanHaitsma and 16 behind Meeuwsen as of Saturday.