Joey Coulter rallies at Berlin Raceway for his first ARCA win
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- The ARCA Racing Series already had nine first-time winners in the season’s first 11 races heading into Saturday’s action at Berlin Raceway.
Make that 10 first-timers in 12 races after Joey Coulter of Miami Springs, Fla., pulled out the victory in the ARCA Berlin 200.
Coulter led the final 55 laps and beat Patrick Sheltra and Steve Arpin for the win on the half-mile.
“It is really amazing,” Coulter said. “We have worked so hard the last couple of years and we have been so close so many times, especially at these short tracks. It is just awesome to be able to pull it together. These guys have worked so hard. These guys have done so much for me, and it is just so awesome to be able to get one for them.
“I’m so happy, I just don’t know what to say. This is for everybody. Mom, Dad, all the guys. The pit crew guys were awesome, and I had a lightning-fast pit stop tonight.”
Coulter, who entered the race ranked 10th in the points standings, is beginning to love the state of Michigan. He finished second overall in the June 11 Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Saturday’s race was the 12th stop on ARCA’s 20-race schedule, and Brian Campbell of Wyoming made a bid for the victory. Campbell was making just his second career ARCA start and his first since 2004, when he finished third at Toledo Speedway.
Campbell landed a ride for the Berlin race when car owner Don DeWitt and his Zeeland-based D & B Motorsports team offered up the No. 24 Hantz Group-Wolverine Power Systems Chevrolet for the event. Campbell led once for 12 laps and ran in the top three most of the race before encountering late trouble.
Campbell, the son of 10-time Berlin track champion Fred Campbell, faded back to fourth in the opening laps. He quickly fought back and eventually overtook Sheltra for the lead on lap 133.
Campbell eventually ran into trouble on lap 145, when he spun out trying to avoid the spinning lapped car of points leader Justin Marks. That forced Campbell to give up the lead, and he lined up 10th on the restart.
He began climbing back through the field when he tangled with Frank Kimmel. Campbell damaged the front of his car and headed to the pits for good, finishing 23rd.
“I got into Frank,” Campbell said. “I hit his right rear going into (Turn 3), and he spun. It was my fault. I take full responsibility for it. Frank doesn’t deserve that. I will be shaking his hand and apologizing at the end of the race. I did not mean to do that.”
Berlin’s weekly Pro Stock division also ran, and two-time defending track champion Brian Tillema captured top honors in the 25-lap main.
Tillema outran Dave Hull and Weston Jewett for his fifth win of the season. He now leads the points standings by two over Jewett, who also has five wins.
Marc Coleman and Jewett won heat races, and Allen Davis set fast time.
Berlin will host a special Thursday race when the USAC Silver Crown Series competes in a 150-lapper. Action will begin at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Devos Wins "The Chet" at Berlin
Rockford's Tim DeVos holds off Johnny Benson Jr. to win The Chet at Berlin Raceway
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Tim DeVos had Johnny Benson Jr. digging underneath him and Ross Meeuwsen trying to power around him during the waning laps of The Chet on Friday night at Berlin Raceway.
The veteran Late Model stock car driver from Rockford found relief in front of him, though.
DeVos slipped in and out of lapped traffic during the final laps and escaped with the victory in the 125-lap race. DeVos beat Benson by 0.544 seconds, followed by Meeuwsen and Chris Anthony, and won The Chet for the second time and first since 2005.
DeVos, Benson and Meeuwsen saved their tires during the first half of the race before making their moves. Benson took the lead from Anthony on lap 73 before DeVos motored around Benson on lap 84. DeVos led the rest of the way but couldn't pull away from Benson. Meeuwsen came up to challenge both of them.
"Holy crap, Johnny did make it easy on me," DeVos said. "At the end, I was glad to see that pack. As long as I could see that pack, there was no way anyone was going three-deep high or low, not as slippery and bad as those cars are at that point. I was happy to see all the lapped traffic. I just about slammed into a couple of them. It got pretty dicey at the end."
Berlin's doubleheader weekend concludes with Saturday's ARCA Berlin 200, with action beginning at 7 p.m. The program will include the track's Pro Stock division. The ARCA race will be broadcast on WJRW (1340 AM), with coverage beginning at 8 p.m.
Tim DeVos
The Chet is held each August in honor of Berlin founder Chester Mysliwiec, who operated the track from 1951 until his death in 1999.
Benson, the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck champion, set fast time Friday. The Grand Rapids native said he just didn't have enough at the end to overtake DeVos.
"It was fun, but I just couldn't do anything with him," Benson said. "I would have rather had stayed ahead of him, but he came by pretty quick. Tim's car was just a little bit better. He was loose, we looked tight, and then we were both burning the tires down at the end.
"It made for a great race. Hopefully, the fans enjoyed it. I was trying to watch the laps up on the board, and then we started getting in lapped traffic. I knew I was in trouble. I was being a little conservative and then try to give him a shot the last couple of laps, but right at that point and time, we came up on some lapped traffic. That put a damper on it, but it was a great race. Tim ran a great race, and I thought we did. It's cool to run with Tim."
Kyle Hamm won Friday's 4 Cylinder A feature, and Jared Lyzenga captured the 4 Cylinder B main.
Jimmie Johnson plugs local charity
Four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson announced Friday in Watkins Glen, N.Y., that his race helmet will highlight the Racingawareness.com Foundation, which has been created by a group of area car owners that fields a Modified at Berlin Raceway.
The Modified raises funds for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Follow Steve Kaminski at twitter.com/Steve_Kaminski
The Jimmie Johnson foundation also is donating $10,000 to Racingawareness.com, and Johnson will have the foundation's name on his helmet for the next six Cup races.
Racingawareness.com donated a check of $10,000 the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital earlier this season.
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Tim DeVos had Johnny Benson Jr. digging underneath him and Ross Meeuwsen trying to power around him during the waning laps of The Chet on Friday night at Berlin Raceway.
The veteran Late Model stock car driver from Rockford found relief in front of him, though.
DeVos slipped in and out of lapped traffic during the final laps and escaped with the victory in the 125-lap race. DeVos beat Benson by 0.544 seconds, followed by Meeuwsen and Chris Anthony, and won The Chet for the second time and first since 2005.
DeVos, Benson and Meeuwsen saved their tires during the first half of the race before making their moves. Benson took the lead from Anthony on lap 73 before DeVos motored around Benson on lap 84. DeVos led the rest of the way but couldn't pull away from Benson. Meeuwsen came up to challenge both of them.
"Holy crap, Johnny did make it easy on me," DeVos said. "At the end, I was glad to see that pack. As long as I could see that pack, there was no way anyone was going three-deep high or low, not as slippery and bad as those cars are at that point. I was happy to see all the lapped traffic. I just about slammed into a couple of them. It got pretty dicey at the end."
Berlin's doubleheader weekend concludes with Saturday's ARCA Berlin 200, with action beginning at 7 p.m. The program will include the track's Pro Stock division. The ARCA race will be broadcast on WJRW (1340 AM), with coverage beginning at 8 p.m.
Tim DeVos
The Chet is held each August in honor of Berlin founder Chester Mysliwiec, who operated the track from 1951 until his death in 1999.
Benson, the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck champion, set fast time Friday. The Grand Rapids native said he just didn't have enough at the end to overtake DeVos.
"It was fun, but I just couldn't do anything with him," Benson said. "I would have rather had stayed ahead of him, but he came by pretty quick. Tim's car was just a little bit better. He was loose, we looked tight, and then we were both burning the tires down at the end.
"It made for a great race. Hopefully, the fans enjoyed it. I was trying to watch the laps up on the board, and then we started getting in lapped traffic. I knew I was in trouble. I was being a little conservative and then try to give him a shot the last couple of laps, but right at that point and time, we came up on some lapped traffic. That put a damper on it, but it was a great race. Tim ran a great race, and I thought we did. It's cool to run with Tim."
Kyle Hamm won Friday's 4 Cylinder A feature, and Jared Lyzenga captured the 4 Cylinder B main.
Jimmie Johnson plugs local charity
Four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson announced Friday in Watkins Glen, N.Y., that his race helmet will highlight the Racingawareness.com Foundation, which has been created by a group of area car owners that fields a Modified at Berlin Raceway.
The Modified raises funds for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Follow Steve Kaminski at twitter.com/Steve_Kaminski
The Jimmie Johnson foundation also is donating $10,000 to Racingawareness.com, and Johnson will have the foundation's name on his helmet for the next six Cup races.
Racingawareness.com donated a check of $10,000 the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital earlier this season.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Winston Speedway Winners Circle: August 6th
Street Stock Nationals:#20 Chad Weinrick
Late Models: #71 John Grega
Modifieds: #14 Stan Dodds
Bombers: #97 David "Spike" Grega
Warriors: #19 Dave Avink (Refused Claim)
Mini Stock: #21 Brandon Tramper
Young Guns: #67 Ben Welch
Late Models: #71 John Grega
Modifieds: #14 Stan Dodds
Bombers: #97 David "Spike" Grega
Warriors: #19 Dave Avink (Refused Claim)
Mini Stock: #21 Brandon Tramper
Young Guns: #67 Ben Welch
Johnny VanDoorn Wins at Dixie Motor Speedway
Coopersville's Johnny VanDoorn drove the Port City Racing house car to a dominating win at Dixie Motor Speedway. VanDoorn claimed round three of the Dixie Cup Series for Super Late Models by nearly eight seconds. Stay tuned for further details
West Michigan Racing Point Standings
BERLIN RACEWAY
Late Models
1. Terry VanHaitsma -- 1,180
2. Ross Meeuwsen -- 1,167
3. Tim DeVos -- 1,151
4. Terry Senneker Jr. -- 1,085
5. Chris Anthony -- 1,071
6. Nick Szotko -- 1,044
7. Scott Thomas -- 983
8. Josh Slade -- 978
9. Lee VanDyk -- 974
10. Monte Tolan -- 933
Super Stocks
1. Andrew Nylaan -- 1,438
1. Dave Lake -- 1,438
3. Denny Anderson -- 1,414
4. Warren Speet -- 1,266
5. Justin Regnerus -- 1,261
6. Travis Nylaan -- 1,242
7. Brian Wiersma -- 1,230
8. Gabe Ensing -- 1,222
9. Ray VanAllsburg -- 1,183
10. Nate Walton -- 1,102
Pro Stocks
1. Weston Jewett -- 2,046
2. Brian Tillema -- 2,025
3. Ken Smith -- 1,859
4. Brandon Hermiller -- 1,773
5. Allen Davis -- 1,536
5. Mitch Meppelink -- 1,536
7. Lauren Bush -- 1,533
8. Randy Veldman -- 1,510
9. Darin Niemi -- 1,491
10. Dave Cutler -- 1,489
Modifieds
1. Brian Bergakker -- 1,740
2. Billy Shotko -- 1,724
3. Travis Eddy -- 1,629
4. Mike Bursley -- 1,615
5. Jordan Dahlke -- 1,499
6. Billy Eppink -- 1,497
7. Ben Kleis -- 1,129
8. Ryan Gruppen -- 772
8. Kyle Jones -- 772
10. Mark Fliearman -- 516
4 Cylinders A
1. Ryan Hamm -- 1,590
2. Kyle Hamm -- 1,560
3. Cole Roelofs -- 1,472
4. Jason Scheid -- 1,462
5. Chris McKinley -- 1,396
6. Don McNabb -- 1,376
7. Rob Shoemaker -- 1,342
8. Brad Hastings -- 1,277
9. Ron Myers -- 1,254
10. Gerry Shepard -- 1,111
4 Cylinders B
1. Dan Dells -- 1,457
2. Tyler Nawrocki -- 1,378
3. Paul Ritchie -- 1,348
4. Jackson Walker -- 1,325
5. Jim Rhodes -- 1,301
6. Jared Lyzenga -- 1,294
7. Charlie DeJong -- 1,279
8. Steve Thompson -- 1,274
9. Nicole Randolph -- 1,224
10. Andy Church -- 1,082
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Mark Andersen -- 429
2. Keith Gentz -- 427
3. Tom Dusen -- 421
4. Dean Huizinga -- 419
5. Matt Pickard -- 399
6. Carl Ries -- 346
7. Kyle Borgman -- 341
7. Kurt Mesman -- 341
9. Mickey Carman Jr. -- 333
10. Jay Van Dyke -- 320
Modifieds
1. A.J. Ward -- 544
2. Brennan Bowen -- 533
3. Josh Borton -- 523
4. Joe Fowler -- 511
5. Brad Roberts -- 490
6. Chad Wernette -- 484
7. Roger Flinn III -- 472
8. Rusty Zeigler -- 471
9. Brody Bowser -- 433
10. Robert Putt -- 413
Pro Stocks
1. Chaney Newland -- 572
2. Ryan Kent -- 551
3. Barry Rinard -- 498
4. Don Rohn -- 477
5. Todd Bush -- 457
6. Jacob Headley -- 456
7. Doug McKeown, Sr. -- 415
8. Rodney Heikkila -- 414
9. Mike Husted -- 411
10. Derek Schestag -- 381
10. Rick Edmister -- 356
Pro Trucks
1. Carl Thayer -- 574
2. Scott Nieman -- 550
3. Tim Wood -- 530
4. Ashlee Scott -- 527
5. Dave Peters -- 498
6. Tim Sooy -- 496
7. Gaven Parks -- 488
8. Gary Dancer -- 356
9. Joe Nieman -- 326
10. David Verhaar -- 304
Street Stocks
1. Jasen Wiley -- 541
2. Mike Vandermark, Jr. -- 527
3. Kyle Prochazka -- 493
4. Al Kiester -- 490
5. James Prochazka -- 487
6. Brooke Ann Brasington -- 486
7. Jeff Fisher -- 462
8. Tim Buskirk -- 459
9. Zach Hoyt -- 425
10. Luke Sickles -- 406
Flinn Stocks
1. Cory Burch -- 613
2. Chance Allen -- 599
3. Richard Melton -- 540
4. Neil Zeigler -- 532
5. Zach Rummer -- 523
6. Chris DeCamp -- 502
7. Austin Bean -- 500
8. Ryan Paradise -- 438
9. Taylor Daniels -- 335
10. Lee Zahm -- 250
I-96 SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Zack Olger -- 365
2. Bill Bray -- 335
3. Zack Olger -- 325
4. Mike Nugent -- 287
5. Roger Wing -- 282
6. Scott Ehlert -- 271
7. Dan Hubble -- 222
8. Trever Sloan -- 217
9. Ben Hidy -- 207
10. Teddy Omlor -- 189
Modifieds
1. Travis Stemler -- 509
2. Rich Robinson Jr. -- 472
3. Tim Stemler -- 430
4. Zack Olger -- 422
4. Shannon Fisk -- 422
6. Jared Guinn -- 420
7. Todd Feutz -- 388
8. Justin Fleming -- 342
9. James Kimmel -- 281
10. Mark Anderson -- 265
Street Stocks
1. Gary Vandermark -- 494
2. Aaron Wolf -- 475
3. Hillary Smith -- 383
4. Richard Hyvarinen -- 284
5. Ron Harper -- 234
6. Ronald Wiers -- 170
7. William Brandt Jr. -- 167
8. Ed Falbe II-- 140
9. Joel Hummel -- 138
10. Steve Piercefield -- 136
Road Beaters
1. Dan Reimersma -- 520
2. Paul Namey -- 385
3. Scott Rumsey -- 380
4. Richard Peck -- 353
5. Jason Feutz -- 340
6. Calvin Stemler -- 304
7. William Morgan -- 275
8. Terry Henderson -- 256
9. Steve Wawiernia -- 244
10. Colee Ruesink -- 210
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
Late Models
1. Alan Vochaska -- 1,074
2. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 986
3. Shawn Reed -- 846
4. John McDonald -- 635
5. Tom Sprague Jr. -- 572
6. Kevin Nelson Sr. -- 568
7. John McCaul -- 513
8. Rich Neiser -- 508
9. Rob Taylor -- 469
10. Lowell Webster -- 420
UMP Modifieds
1. Andy Sprague -- 882
2. John McCaul -- 865
3. Randy Whitten -- 714
4. Jacob Poel -- 695
5. Stan Dodds -- 659
6. Greg Smith -- 588
7. Jeremy Holman -- 580
8. Jason Ferguson -- 527
9. Derek Passenier -- 458
10. Mike Roe -- 448
UMP Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 1,116
2. Derek Poland -- 854
3. John Lock -- 809
4. Jim Beltz -- 746
5. Josh Frye -- 731
6. Mark Ransom -- 705
7. Dean Barnhard -- 651
8. Dan Dykman -- 570
9. Chuck Smith -- 485
10. Josh Sternberg -- 349
Bombers
1. David Grega -- 1,017
2. Rob Sternberg -- 841
3. Jeremy Lange -- 826
4. Jerid Bisson -- 745
5. Justin Schuler -- 677
6. Phil Herrick -- 586
7. Bill May -- 561
8. Barry Mendendorp -- 398
9. James Lange -- 393
10. Mark Farber -- 347
Warriors
1. Rich Lieb -- 1,055
2. Harley Farkle -- 930
3. Ed Higgons -- 865
4. Jim Perry -- 703
5. Randy Whitten Sr. -- 625
6. Justin Wood -- 500
7. Keith Higgons -- 485
8. Nick Curtis -- 430
9. Terry Bussing -- 422
10. Bobby Metz -- 407
UMP 4 Cylinders
1. Mark Farber -- 1,090
2. Cody Moorman -- 883
3. Mark Drum -- 783
4. Don Keech -- 636
5. Don Ward -- 592
6. Nick Curtis -- 350
7. Harley Farkle -- 332
8. Adam Spencer -- 318
9. Brian Hammond -- 287
10. Paula Vanderstelt -- 253
Thunderstocks
1. Wayne Roe -- 1,525
2. Buck Spencer -- 1,396
3. Drue Bouwman -- 1,366
4. Mel Whitten -- 1,285
5. Duane TenBrink -- 1,057
6. Mike DeJonge -- 918
7. Jason Ferguson -- 714
8. Chris Schaub -- 713
9. Wes Beebe -- 624
10. Tony Spaulding 518
WINSTON SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 515
2. Rich Neiser -- 499
3. Tom Sprague Jr. -- 473
4. Dave Hartman -- 440
5. Matt Pickard -- 412
6. Kevin Juusola -- 409
7. Kyle Borgman -- 322
8. Rob Taylor -- 313
9. Alex Kazmarski -- 280
10. John McCaul -- 257
Modifieds
1. Greg Smith -- 647
2. Troy Marciniak -- 632
3. Andy Sprague -- 591
4. John McCaul -- 432
5. Jeff Erickson -- 428
6. Randy Whitten -- 376
7. Steve McClees -- 346
8. Kevin Cavanaugh -- 345
9. C.J. Rector -- 310
10. Nate Bostrom -- 305
Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 625
2. Derek Poland -- 516
3. Chad Weinrick -- 476
4. Josh Frye -- 442
5. Tony Weinrick -- 434
6. Rob Sternberg -- 382
7. Matt Sprague -- 378
8. Bean Falbe -- 366
9. Chuck Smith -- 358
10. Rick Huisken -- 316
Bombers
1. Spike Grega -- 774
2. Robby Sternberg -- 696
3. Dave Norwick -- 641
4. Jeremy Lange -- 523
4. Duane Townsend -- 523
6. Dennis Bringedahl -- 510
7. Barry Mendendorp -- 496
8. Richard Copas -- 373
9. Joe Carmean -- 366
10. Joe Ferrier -- 295
4 Cylinders
1. Brandon Tramper -- 738
2. Mark Farber -- 680
3. Nate Walton -- 620
4. Mark Drum -- 572
5. Cody Moorman -- 561
6. Rick Ward -- 550
7. Chris Gagnon -- 464
8. Jerry Meyering -- 452
9. Dave Lindsley - 386
10. Adam Spencer -- 370
Warriors
1. Nick Curtis -- 681
2. Ryan Hamm -- 580
3. Dave Avink -- 498
4. Harley Farkle -- 479
5. Mike Anderson -- 471
6. Gary Gagnon -- 426
7. Randy Whitten -- 397
8. Duane Sobers -- 396
9. Todd Sprague -- 387
10. Dan Reimersma -- 374
Late Models
1. Terry VanHaitsma -- 1,180
2. Ross Meeuwsen -- 1,167
3. Tim DeVos -- 1,151
4. Terry Senneker Jr. -- 1,085
5. Chris Anthony -- 1,071
6. Nick Szotko -- 1,044
7. Scott Thomas -- 983
8. Josh Slade -- 978
9. Lee VanDyk -- 974
10. Monte Tolan -- 933
Super Stocks
1. Andrew Nylaan -- 1,438
1. Dave Lake -- 1,438
3. Denny Anderson -- 1,414
4. Warren Speet -- 1,266
5. Justin Regnerus -- 1,261
6. Travis Nylaan -- 1,242
7. Brian Wiersma -- 1,230
8. Gabe Ensing -- 1,222
9. Ray VanAllsburg -- 1,183
10. Nate Walton -- 1,102
Pro Stocks
1. Weston Jewett -- 2,046
2. Brian Tillema -- 2,025
3. Ken Smith -- 1,859
4. Brandon Hermiller -- 1,773
5. Allen Davis -- 1,536
5. Mitch Meppelink -- 1,536
7. Lauren Bush -- 1,533
8. Randy Veldman -- 1,510
9. Darin Niemi -- 1,491
10. Dave Cutler -- 1,489
Modifieds
1. Brian Bergakker -- 1,740
2. Billy Shotko -- 1,724
3. Travis Eddy -- 1,629
4. Mike Bursley -- 1,615
5. Jordan Dahlke -- 1,499
6. Billy Eppink -- 1,497
7. Ben Kleis -- 1,129
8. Ryan Gruppen -- 772
8. Kyle Jones -- 772
10. Mark Fliearman -- 516
4 Cylinders A
1. Ryan Hamm -- 1,590
2. Kyle Hamm -- 1,560
3. Cole Roelofs -- 1,472
4. Jason Scheid -- 1,462
5. Chris McKinley -- 1,396
6. Don McNabb -- 1,376
7. Rob Shoemaker -- 1,342
8. Brad Hastings -- 1,277
9. Ron Myers -- 1,254
10. Gerry Shepard -- 1,111
4 Cylinders B
1. Dan Dells -- 1,457
2. Tyler Nawrocki -- 1,378
3. Paul Ritchie -- 1,348
4. Jackson Walker -- 1,325
5. Jim Rhodes -- 1,301
6. Jared Lyzenga -- 1,294
7. Charlie DeJong -- 1,279
8. Steve Thompson -- 1,274
9. Nicole Randolph -- 1,224
10. Andy Church -- 1,082
CRYSTAL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Mark Andersen -- 429
2. Keith Gentz -- 427
3. Tom Dusen -- 421
4. Dean Huizinga -- 419
5. Matt Pickard -- 399
6. Carl Ries -- 346
7. Kyle Borgman -- 341
7. Kurt Mesman -- 341
9. Mickey Carman Jr. -- 333
10. Jay Van Dyke -- 320
Modifieds
1. A.J. Ward -- 544
2. Brennan Bowen -- 533
3. Josh Borton -- 523
4. Joe Fowler -- 511
5. Brad Roberts -- 490
6. Chad Wernette -- 484
7. Roger Flinn III -- 472
8. Rusty Zeigler -- 471
9. Brody Bowser -- 433
10. Robert Putt -- 413
Pro Stocks
1. Chaney Newland -- 572
2. Ryan Kent -- 551
3. Barry Rinard -- 498
4. Don Rohn -- 477
5. Todd Bush -- 457
6. Jacob Headley -- 456
7. Doug McKeown, Sr. -- 415
8. Rodney Heikkila -- 414
9. Mike Husted -- 411
10. Derek Schestag -- 381
10. Rick Edmister -- 356
Pro Trucks
1. Carl Thayer -- 574
2. Scott Nieman -- 550
3. Tim Wood -- 530
4. Ashlee Scott -- 527
5. Dave Peters -- 498
6. Tim Sooy -- 496
7. Gaven Parks -- 488
8. Gary Dancer -- 356
9. Joe Nieman -- 326
10. David Verhaar -- 304
Street Stocks
1. Jasen Wiley -- 541
2. Mike Vandermark, Jr. -- 527
3. Kyle Prochazka -- 493
4. Al Kiester -- 490
5. James Prochazka -- 487
6. Brooke Ann Brasington -- 486
7. Jeff Fisher -- 462
8. Tim Buskirk -- 459
9. Zach Hoyt -- 425
10. Luke Sickles -- 406
Flinn Stocks
1. Cory Burch -- 613
2. Chance Allen -- 599
3. Richard Melton -- 540
4. Neil Zeigler -- 532
5. Zach Rummer -- 523
6. Chris DeCamp -- 502
7. Austin Bean -- 500
8. Ryan Paradise -- 438
9. Taylor Daniels -- 335
10. Lee Zahm -- 250
I-96 SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Zack Olger -- 365
2. Bill Bray -- 335
3. Zack Olger -- 325
4. Mike Nugent -- 287
5. Roger Wing -- 282
6. Scott Ehlert -- 271
7. Dan Hubble -- 222
8. Trever Sloan -- 217
9. Ben Hidy -- 207
10. Teddy Omlor -- 189
Modifieds
1. Travis Stemler -- 509
2. Rich Robinson Jr. -- 472
3. Tim Stemler -- 430
4. Zack Olger -- 422
4. Shannon Fisk -- 422
6. Jared Guinn -- 420
7. Todd Feutz -- 388
8. Justin Fleming -- 342
9. James Kimmel -- 281
10. Mark Anderson -- 265
Street Stocks
1. Gary Vandermark -- 494
2. Aaron Wolf -- 475
3. Hillary Smith -- 383
4. Richard Hyvarinen -- 284
5. Ron Harper -- 234
6. Ronald Wiers -- 170
7. William Brandt Jr. -- 167
8. Ed Falbe II-- 140
9. Joel Hummel -- 138
10. Steve Piercefield -- 136
Road Beaters
1. Dan Reimersma -- 520
2. Paul Namey -- 385
3. Scott Rumsey -- 380
4. Richard Peck -- 353
5. Jason Feutz -- 340
6. Calvin Stemler -- 304
7. William Morgan -- 275
8. Terry Henderson -- 256
9. Steve Wawiernia -- 244
10. Colee Ruesink -- 210
THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY
Late Models
1. Alan Vochaska -- 1,074
2. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 986
3. Shawn Reed -- 846
4. John McDonald -- 635
5. Tom Sprague Jr. -- 572
6. Kevin Nelson Sr. -- 568
7. John McCaul -- 513
8. Rich Neiser -- 508
9. Rob Taylor -- 469
10. Lowell Webster -- 420
UMP Modifieds
1. Andy Sprague -- 882
2. John McCaul -- 865
3. Randy Whitten -- 714
4. Jacob Poel -- 695
5. Stan Dodds -- 659
6. Greg Smith -- 588
7. Jeremy Holman -- 580
8. Jason Ferguson -- 527
9. Derek Passenier -- 458
10. Mike Roe -- 448
UMP Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 1,116
2. Derek Poland -- 854
3. John Lock -- 809
4. Jim Beltz -- 746
5. Josh Frye -- 731
6. Mark Ransom -- 705
7. Dean Barnhard -- 651
8. Dan Dykman -- 570
9. Chuck Smith -- 485
10. Josh Sternberg -- 349
Bombers
1. David Grega -- 1,017
2. Rob Sternberg -- 841
3. Jeremy Lange -- 826
4. Jerid Bisson -- 745
5. Justin Schuler -- 677
6. Phil Herrick -- 586
7. Bill May -- 561
8. Barry Mendendorp -- 398
9. James Lange -- 393
10. Mark Farber -- 347
Warriors
1. Rich Lieb -- 1,055
2. Harley Farkle -- 930
3. Ed Higgons -- 865
4. Jim Perry -- 703
5. Randy Whitten Sr. -- 625
6. Justin Wood -- 500
7. Keith Higgons -- 485
8. Nick Curtis -- 430
9. Terry Bussing -- 422
10. Bobby Metz -- 407
UMP 4 Cylinders
1. Mark Farber -- 1,090
2. Cody Moorman -- 883
3. Mark Drum -- 783
4. Don Keech -- 636
5. Don Ward -- 592
6. Nick Curtis -- 350
7. Harley Farkle -- 332
8. Adam Spencer -- 318
9. Brian Hammond -- 287
10. Paula Vanderstelt -- 253
Thunderstocks
1. Wayne Roe -- 1,525
2. Buck Spencer -- 1,396
3. Drue Bouwman -- 1,366
4. Mel Whitten -- 1,285
5. Duane TenBrink -- 1,057
6. Mike DeJonge -- 918
7. Jason Ferguson -- 714
8. Chris Schaub -- 713
9. Wes Beebe -- 624
10. Tony Spaulding 518
WINSTON SPEEDWAY
Late Models
1. Kevin Nelson Jr. -- 515
2. Rich Neiser -- 499
3. Tom Sprague Jr. -- 473
4. Dave Hartman -- 440
5. Matt Pickard -- 412
6. Kevin Juusola -- 409
7. Kyle Borgman -- 322
8. Rob Taylor -- 313
9. Alex Kazmarski -- 280
10. John McCaul -- 257
Modifieds
1. Greg Smith -- 647
2. Troy Marciniak -- 632
3. Andy Sprague -- 591
4. John McCaul -- 432
5. Jeff Erickson -- 428
6. Randy Whitten -- 376
7. Steve McClees -- 346
8. Kevin Cavanaugh -- 345
9. C.J. Rector -- 310
10. Nate Bostrom -- 305
Street Stocks
1. Mike Lynn -- 625
2. Derek Poland -- 516
3. Chad Weinrick -- 476
4. Josh Frye -- 442
5. Tony Weinrick -- 434
6. Rob Sternberg -- 382
7. Matt Sprague -- 378
8. Bean Falbe -- 366
9. Chuck Smith -- 358
10. Rick Huisken -- 316
Bombers
1. Spike Grega -- 774
2. Robby Sternberg -- 696
3. Dave Norwick -- 641
4. Jeremy Lange -- 523
4. Duane Townsend -- 523
6. Dennis Bringedahl -- 510
7. Barry Mendendorp -- 496
8. Richard Copas -- 373
9. Joe Carmean -- 366
10. Joe Ferrier -- 295
4 Cylinders
1. Brandon Tramper -- 738
2. Mark Farber -- 680
3. Nate Walton -- 620
4. Mark Drum -- 572
5. Cody Moorman -- 561
6. Rick Ward -- 550
7. Chris Gagnon -- 464
8. Jerry Meyering -- 452
9. Dave Lindsley - 386
10. Adam Spencer -- 370
Warriors
1. Nick Curtis -- 681
2. Ryan Hamm -- 580
3. Dave Avink -- 498
4. Harley Farkle -- 479
5. Mike Anderson -- 471
6. Gary Gagnon -- 426
7. Randy Whitten -- 397
8. Duane Sobers -- 396
9. Todd Sprague -- 387
10. Dan Reimersma -- 374
Wyoming's Brian Campbell looks to put short-track success to test in ARCA race at Berlin Raceway
Wyoming's Brian Campbell looks to put short-track success to test in ARCA race at Berlin Raceway
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
It might look like Zeeland's Don DeWitt is putting a square peg into a round hole. He's not.
DeWitt, who has an ARCA speedway car parked in his D & B Motorsports Shop, doesn't plan to let it sit with the series coming to Berlin Raceway on Saturday night, even though the Marne half-mile is much smaller than the monstrous-size tracks --such as Michigan and Daytona -- that the car was built to tackle.
The plan? Put short-track standout Brian Campbell of Wyoming behind the wheel of DeWitt's No. 24 Hantz Group Chevrolet for the Berlin 200.
DeWitt's decision really does make a lot of sense considering Campbell's short-track success and Berlin experience.
"It's not really a short-track car, but with the right driver, it's good enough, especially with Brian driving it," DeWitt said. "He has a free week, and we talked about this weeks ago, and if the car was available, he would run it."
Berlin is hosting a doubleheader this weekend. Up first is The Chet, a 125-lap Late Model race, at 7 tonight that features Johnny Benson Jr. of Grand Rapids. The ARCA race will follow at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Brian Campbell
It will be Campbell's second career ARCA start. He finished third at Toledo Speedway in 2004 while racing for Vern Slagh.
Campbell, the defending ASA Late Model Series champion, won the CRA Super Series 125 at Berlin in May. He is the son of 10-time track champion Fred Campbell, who won an ARCA race at Berlin in 2002.
"Home-track advantage certainly is a good thing, but you are still racing against guys who race these cars for a living, so for us to step into it for a one-time deal is going to be kind of difficult," Campbell said. "There are a lot of good racers and a lot of good competition, a lot of great competition.
"It is great to have this opportunity to do it.
"It's a completely different way of thinking, these (ARCA) cars versus the Late Models we do on a weekly basis. The cars are like night and day different. It kind of looks the same, but underneath it and how we adjust it is a lot different."
DeWitt will field a second car in Saturday's race. He also filed an entry for Michael Simko of White Lake.
Tickets for tonight's race are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for ages 6 to 12. Saturday's admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and $5 for children. An adult two-day pass is available for $35.
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
It might look like Zeeland's Don DeWitt is putting a square peg into a round hole. He's not.
DeWitt, who has an ARCA speedway car parked in his D & B Motorsports Shop, doesn't plan to let it sit with the series coming to Berlin Raceway on Saturday night, even though the Marne half-mile is much smaller than the monstrous-size tracks --such as Michigan and Daytona -- that the car was built to tackle.
The plan? Put short-track standout Brian Campbell of Wyoming behind the wheel of DeWitt's No. 24 Hantz Group Chevrolet for the Berlin 200.
DeWitt's decision really does make a lot of sense considering Campbell's short-track success and Berlin experience.
"It's not really a short-track car, but with the right driver, it's good enough, especially with Brian driving it," DeWitt said. "He has a free week, and we talked about this weeks ago, and if the car was available, he would run it."
Berlin is hosting a doubleheader this weekend. Up first is The Chet, a 125-lap Late Model race, at 7 tonight that features Johnny Benson Jr. of Grand Rapids. The ARCA race will follow at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Brian Campbell
It will be Campbell's second career ARCA start. He finished third at Toledo Speedway in 2004 while racing for Vern Slagh.
Campbell, the defending ASA Late Model Series champion, won the CRA Super Series 125 at Berlin in May. He is the son of 10-time track champion Fred Campbell, who won an ARCA race at Berlin in 2002.
"Home-track advantage certainly is a good thing, but you are still racing against guys who race these cars for a living, so for us to step into it for a one-time deal is going to be kind of difficult," Campbell said. "There are a lot of good racers and a lot of good competition, a lot of great competition.
"It is great to have this opportunity to do it.
"It's a completely different way of thinking, these (ARCA) cars versus the Late Models we do on a weekly basis. The cars are like night and day different. It kind of looks the same, but underneath it and how we adjust it is a lot different."
DeWitt will field a second car in Saturday's race. He also filed an entry for Michael Simko of White Lake.
Tickets for tonight's race are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for ages 6 to 12. Saturday's admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and $5 for children. An adult two-day pass is available for $35.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Berlin Raceway might prove you get better at 60
Berlin Raceway might prove you get better at 60
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Berlin Raceway turned 60 on Saturday, and drivers, fans and officials celebrated with anniversary night.
Even at this age, though, the track continues to evolve, grow and redefine itself.
Change was evident when Jason Hoogerhyde stood on the infield pit tower deck and addressed more than 100 racers in the weekly pre-race driver’s meeting.
“I think this will help out Mike (Blackmer) because I can answer a lot of questions that he just doesn’t have time to deal with,” Hoogerhyde said.
Berlin general manager Kevin Striegle resigned last week to pursue other career interests. Then, in another surprise move, Blackmer, Berlin’s second-year promoter, announced that Hoogerhyde would be the go-to man on racing Saturdays.
Blackmer had filled that position since he purchased the lease to promote Berlin races in fall 2008 from West Michigan Whitecaps Racing.
Drivers praised Blackmer’s decision to go with Hoogerhyde.
“Jason is capable, there is no doubt in my mind,” Berlin Late Model veteran Scott Thomas said. “Hoogerhyde is a good choice. He’s a real good choice.”
Anniversary night means it's that time of year to pay tribute to Chester Mysliwiec, who founded Berlin in 1951 and operated it until his death in 1999. His family sold the lease to the Whitecaps after the 2000 season.
The past 10 years have seen the track’s infrastructure undergo improvements under the Whitecaps and now Blackmer. Blackmer also has put an exciting product on the track, introducing double-file restarts before NASCAR.
The racing is close, and so are the races for the championships in the track's weekly classes. The June race Kyle Busch won at Berlin was among the best I’ve seen at the track in 20 years.
But even 12 years after Mysliwiec’s passing, we still can learn from him. What made Mysliwiec so successful was that anyone who attended Berlin races during those seasons knew exactly who was in charge: Chester Mysliwiec.
You didn’t always agree with him, but drivers usually knew where they stood with him.
Mysliwiec maintained pretty much the same staff, primarily comprised of family members, for decades. Everyone had a job to do, and he trusted them to do it. And they did it well.
The Whitecaps struggled to find the front office consistency Mysliwiec had, with Scott Lane, Joe Sack and Mike Strevel all wearing the go-to hat on Saturday nights at one point. Blackmer is trying to find just the right formula with Hoogerhyde.
Why the move? Blackmer already has enough to do running the track, and he also operates Boyne Machine and Paragon Lanes.
Jason Hoogerhyde
The challenge these days is trying to promote races in a state with 14 percent unemployment. Blackmer reported that attendance was down about 20 percent in 2009 during his first year of operating the track, although keep in mind there were eight rainouts last year. The average for a season is two.
I wouldn’t want the job even in a perfect economy, not in an area where you have to compete with all the movie theaters as well as minor league baseball and hockey. All these Saturday night NASCAR races where you can stay home and watch it for free doesn’t help, either. That’s why you see Berlin coming up with such promotions as school bus and pastor races. That’s why there's now group sales.
The toughest part of the job, though, is that being a race promoter means you have to please fans, drivers and crew members every week. Good luck with that.
A promoter can’t be thin-skinned, but he can’t let the boys in the pits push him around, either. Yet, he must remember those drivers are still his customers, and you know what they say about the customer always being right.
“There is only about one in a million people who can do this job,” said Thomas, who has raced under all three promoters. “It takes a certain individual to do this.”
Hoogerhyde will take some of that pressure off Blackmer. Hopefully, Blackmer will take a page out of Mysliwiec’s playbook and trust his staff.
After all, Hoogerhyde just might be that one in a million.
SATURDAY'S ACTION
Winners: Steve Needles (Late Models), Warren Speet (Super Stocks), Billy Shotko (Modifieds), Ken Smith Jr. (Pro Stocks), Samantha Jansen (VROA), Cole Roelofs (4 Cylinders A), Jared Lyzenga (4 Cylinders B)
Did you see that? Monte Tolan split the spinning cars of Terry VanHaitsma and Lee VanDyk during the final lap of the Late Model feature.
How about that: Car owner Terry Gentry of Holland finished first and third in the Late Model feature with winner Steve Needles and Terry Senneker.
Berlin headache award: Glenn Parker of Sparta crashed hard in the Vintage Racing Organization of America feature. He planned to get his ribs checked out at a hospital.
Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Berlin Raceway turned 60 on Saturday, and drivers, fans and officials celebrated with anniversary night.
Even at this age, though, the track continues to evolve, grow and redefine itself.
Change was evident when Jason Hoogerhyde stood on the infield pit tower deck and addressed more than 100 racers in the weekly pre-race driver’s meeting.
“I think this will help out Mike (Blackmer) because I can answer a lot of questions that he just doesn’t have time to deal with,” Hoogerhyde said.
Berlin general manager Kevin Striegle resigned last week to pursue other career interests. Then, in another surprise move, Blackmer, Berlin’s second-year promoter, announced that Hoogerhyde would be the go-to man on racing Saturdays.
Blackmer had filled that position since he purchased the lease to promote Berlin races in fall 2008 from West Michigan Whitecaps Racing.
Drivers praised Blackmer’s decision to go with Hoogerhyde.
“Jason is capable, there is no doubt in my mind,” Berlin Late Model veteran Scott Thomas said. “Hoogerhyde is a good choice. He’s a real good choice.”
Anniversary night means it's that time of year to pay tribute to Chester Mysliwiec, who founded Berlin in 1951 and operated it until his death in 1999. His family sold the lease to the Whitecaps after the 2000 season.
The past 10 years have seen the track’s infrastructure undergo improvements under the Whitecaps and now Blackmer. Blackmer also has put an exciting product on the track, introducing double-file restarts before NASCAR.
The racing is close, and so are the races for the championships in the track's weekly classes. The June race Kyle Busch won at Berlin was among the best I’ve seen at the track in 20 years.
But even 12 years after Mysliwiec’s passing, we still can learn from him. What made Mysliwiec so successful was that anyone who attended Berlin races during those seasons knew exactly who was in charge: Chester Mysliwiec.
You didn’t always agree with him, but drivers usually knew where they stood with him.
Mysliwiec maintained pretty much the same staff, primarily comprised of family members, for decades. Everyone had a job to do, and he trusted them to do it. And they did it well.
The Whitecaps struggled to find the front office consistency Mysliwiec had, with Scott Lane, Joe Sack and Mike Strevel all wearing the go-to hat on Saturday nights at one point. Blackmer is trying to find just the right formula with Hoogerhyde.
Why the move? Blackmer already has enough to do running the track, and he also operates Boyne Machine and Paragon Lanes.
Jason Hoogerhyde
The challenge these days is trying to promote races in a state with 14 percent unemployment. Blackmer reported that attendance was down about 20 percent in 2009 during his first year of operating the track, although keep in mind there were eight rainouts last year. The average for a season is two.
I wouldn’t want the job even in a perfect economy, not in an area where you have to compete with all the movie theaters as well as minor league baseball and hockey. All these Saturday night NASCAR races where you can stay home and watch it for free doesn’t help, either. That’s why you see Berlin coming up with such promotions as school bus and pastor races. That’s why there's now group sales.
The toughest part of the job, though, is that being a race promoter means you have to please fans, drivers and crew members every week. Good luck with that.
A promoter can’t be thin-skinned, but he can’t let the boys in the pits push him around, either. Yet, he must remember those drivers are still his customers, and you know what they say about the customer always being right.
“There is only about one in a million people who can do this job,” said Thomas, who has raced under all three promoters. “It takes a certain individual to do this.”
Hoogerhyde will take some of that pressure off Blackmer. Hopefully, Blackmer will take a page out of Mysliwiec’s playbook and trust his staff.
After all, Hoogerhyde just might be that one in a million.
SATURDAY'S ACTION
Winners: Steve Needles (Late Models), Warren Speet (Super Stocks), Billy Shotko (Modifieds), Ken Smith Jr. (Pro Stocks), Samantha Jansen (VROA), Cole Roelofs (4 Cylinders A), Jared Lyzenga (4 Cylinders B)
Did you see that? Monte Tolan split the spinning cars of Terry VanHaitsma and Lee VanDyk during the final lap of the Late Model feature.
How about that: Car owner Terry Gentry of Holland finished first and third in the Late Model feature with winner Steve Needles and Terry Senneker.
Berlin headache award: Glenn Parker of Sparta crashed hard in the Vintage Racing Organization of America feature. He planned to get his ribs checked out at a hospital.
Winston Speedway cruising in fast lane despite tough economic times
Ron Rop
The Muskegon Chronicle
ROTHBURY — It appears Winston Speedway has just the right setup to thrive in these tough economic conditions.
Owner Tom Sprague, in his fourth year operating the 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval, knows times are tough for both race fans and drivers alike.
“Given the economy we’re working with, things are going good,” said Sprague, who said he’s averaging about 500 spectators per week and has topped 600 on several occasions this season. A promotion several weeks ago attracted 1,600 race fans.
Of course, wet weather and the threat of wet weather can also affect the track, which races every Friday night throughout the summer.
“Other tracks may not be doing so well, but we’re still getting good crowds,” Sprague said. “If it’s iffy weather, we’ll get 400, but racers always want to race, they don’t care.”
On Friday night, before a crowd of about 600, a total of 109 drivers showed up in seven divisions to put on a show.
“Having 100 cars is a good number,” Sprague said. “We’ve had fewer, but 100 is good for having seven classes.”
Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, Bombers, 4-Cylinders, Warriors and Young Guns each took their turn trying to master the clay track.
“It’s been a very competitive year and I would say other than the Bomber class, where Spike Grega is dominant, it’s been very competitive,” Sprague said.
Wide array of drivers
Young and old, experienced and not-so-experienced drivers take their turn in an attempt to win heats, features and prize money.
That group ranges in age from 13-year-old Troy Marciniak Jr., one of the youngest drivers, to Mike Anderson, who at 62 is one of the older drivers. In between, you’ll find Derek Poland, who has been racing since 1972.
“I’ve made my way around to a lot of tracks, it’s been fun,” Poland said. “And when it quits being fun, I’ll quit. I’ve had my ups and downs.”
Friday night was a downer for Poland, who finished 18th among the 19 drivers in the Street Stock class.
“It is very competitive in the Street Stock division, anyone can win in any given night,” Poland said. On Friday night, it was Mike Lynn who took the checkered flag in the feature race.
“I have been all the way up to Late Models, but my pocketbook is not big enough to play there,” said Poland.
Anderson, who races in the Warrior division, didn’t get started in racing until he was 53 years old. And it wasn’t family or friends who convinced him to get behind the wheel. Anderson won a trip at work and passed on a bass fishing trip and a golf excursion. Instead, he chose a trip to Las Vegas and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Now Anderson drives the 27A car, a 1990 Honda Accord, which he used to finish second in his heat and eighth in the feature on Friday night.
“I bought this car at an auction for $300,” Anderson said. “I’ve only got $900 in this car. It’s all about having fun and being safe.”
While Anderson has less than $1,000 in his ride, drivers in the Late Model division are racing cars in the $50,000 range.
Itch to race
Angie Gilmore sits in the scoring tower each Friday night scoring races. As she looks down over the track, she dreams of returning to the track as a driver.
“I was the first female champion in 2005 in the Bomber Division,” Gilmore said. “I will go back and do it next year.”
There are three race cars at the Gilmore home. Two are being used by her husband Jamie and her son, Justin. Jamie races the No. 63 car in the Street Stocks and finished ninth in the feature.
“He’s out there racing and I’m up here trying to score,” Gilmore said.
Ralph Sternberg doesn’t keep score, but he does keep a close eye on the action from behind the rail at the top of the bleachers. His need for speed lasted about 20 years. Now he shows up on a weekly basis to watch his two sons and two grandsons race. He wants to see them win, but he also doesn’t want to see them wreck their equipment.
“I own those four cars,” Sternberg said. “They do the work, twist the wrench and buy parts with what they win. The big stuff, I buy it all.”
Karl Juusola’s itch to race ended with back problems. After nearly 30 years of racing at tracks throughout the region, Juusola had to step away from racing, but he couldn’t step away from the track. Now, Juusola is a tech inspector who watches his son, Kevin, race in the Late Model division.
“I let the kids do the racing, but I’ve got to do something,” he said.
The Muskegon Chronicle
ROTHBURY — It appears Winston Speedway has just the right setup to thrive in these tough economic conditions.
Owner Tom Sprague, in his fourth year operating the 3/8-mile semi-banked clay oval, knows times are tough for both race fans and drivers alike.
“Given the economy we’re working with, things are going good,” said Sprague, who said he’s averaging about 500 spectators per week and has topped 600 on several occasions this season. A promotion several weeks ago attracted 1,600 race fans.
Of course, wet weather and the threat of wet weather can also affect the track, which races every Friday night throughout the summer.
“Other tracks may not be doing so well, but we’re still getting good crowds,” Sprague said. “If it’s iffy weather, we’ll get 400, but racers always want to race, they don’t care.”
On Friday night, before a crowd of about 600, a total of 109 drivers showed up in seven divisions to put on a show.
“Having 100 cars is a good number,” Sprague said. “We’ve had fewer, but 100 is good for having seven classes.”
Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, Bombers, 4-Cylinders, Warriors and Young Guns each took their turn trying to master the clay track.
“It’s been a very competitive year and I would say other than the Bomber class, where Spike Grega is dominant, it’s been very competitive,” Sprague said.
Wide array of drivers
Young and old, experienced and not-so-experienced drivers take their turn in an attempt to win heats, features and prize money.
That group ranges in age from 13-year-old Troy Marciniak Jr., one of the youngest drivers, to Mike Anderson, who at 62 is one of the older drivers. In between, you’ll find Derek Poland, who has been racing since 1972.
“I’ve made my way around to a lot of tracks, it’s been fun,” Poland said. “And when it quits being fun, I’ll quit. I’ve had my ups and downs.”
Friday night was a downer for Poland, who finished 18th among the 19 drivers in the Street Stock class.
“It is very competitive in the Street Stock division, anyone can win in any given night,” Poland said. On Friday night, it was Mike Lynn who took the checkered flag in the feature race.
“I have been all the way up to Late Models, but my pocketbook is not big enough to play there,” said Poland.
Anderson, who races in the Warrior division, didn’t get started in racing until he was 53 years old. And it wasn’t family or friends who convinced him to get behind the wheel. Anderson won a trip at work and passed on a bass fishing trip and a golf excursion. Instead, he chose a trip to Las Vegas and the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Now Anderson drives the 27A car, a 1990 Honda Accord, which he used to finish second in his heat and eighth in the feature on Friday night.
“I bought this car at an auction for $300,” Anderson said. “I’ve only got $900 in this car. It’s all about having fun and being safe.”
While Anderson has less than $1,000 in his ride, drivers in the Late Model division are racing cars in the $50,000 range.
Itch to race
Angie Gilmore sits in the scoring tower each Friday night scoring races. As she looks down over the track, she dreams of returning to the track as a driver.
“I was the first female champion in 2005 in the Bomber Division,” Gilmore said. “I will go back and do it next year.”
There are three race cars at the Gilmore home. Two are being used by her husband Jamie and her son, Justin. Jamie races the No. 63 car in the Street Stocks and finished ninth in the feature.
“He’s out there racing and I’m up here trying to score,” Gilmore said.
Ralph Sternberg doesn’t keep score, but he does keep a close eye on the action from behind the rail at the top of the bleachers. His need for speed lasted about 20 years. Now he shows up on a weekly basis to watch his two sons and two grandsons race. He wants to see them win, but he also doesn’t want to see them wreck their equipment.
“I own those four cars,” Sternberg said. “They do the work, twist the wrench and buy parts with what they win. The big stuff, I buy it all.”
Karl Juusola’s itch to race ended with back problems. After nearly 30 years of racing at tracks throughout the region, Juusola had to step away from racing, but he couldn’t step away from the track. Now, Juusola is a tech inspector who watches his son, Kevin, race in the Late Model division.
“I let the kids do the racing, but I’ve got to do something,” he said.
I-96 Speedway Results July 31st
I-96 Speedway
Street Stocks-Feature
1. Gary Vandermark
2. Mike Sparks
3. William Brandt Jr.
4. Aaron Wolf
5. Justin Gilland
6. Ron Wiers
7. Hilary Smith
8. Mike Hotchkiss
9. David Strunk
10. Ron Harper
Heats- Gary Vandermark, Aaron Wolf
I-96 4 cylinders-Feature
1. Dan Reimersma
2. Richard Peck
3. Scott Rumsey
4. Tyler Quillan
5. James Harbenski
6. Greg Pinard
7. Terry Henderson
8. Calvin Stemler
9. Dale Schulling
10. Caleb Schulling
11. Adam Meis
12. Harper Hotchkiss
13. Lee Hillabrandt
14. Terry Henderson Jr.
15. Steve Wawiemia
16. Paul Namey
17. Colee Ruesink
18. Jason Feutz
19. David Holcomb
Heats-Richard Peck, Reimersma
UMP Mods-
Feature
1. Zach Olger
2. Shannon Fisk
3. Rich Robinson Jr.
4. David Mielke
5. Todd Feutz
6. Justin Fleming
7. Cody Bauer
8. Todd Cowen
9. Andy Galgoci
10. Tim Stemler
11. John McClure
12. Travis Stemler
13. Ken Beutler
14. Jim Patterson
15. Eric Knight
16. Larry Vanderwoude
17. Ron McCloud
18. James Kimmel
19. Kevin Miller
20. Luke Olger
21. Jared Guinn
Heats-Feutz, Robinson Jr., Ti m Stemler
UMP Late Models-
Feature
1. Bill Bray
2. Eric Spangler
3. Sam Epling
4. Mike Nugent
5. Trevor Sloan
6. Dan Hubble
7. Adam Thrush
8. Chris Nash
9. Kris Patterson Jr.
10. Ben Hidy
11. Tyler Underwood
12. Bry Sloan
13. Luke Hubbell
14. Greg Cooper
15. Scott Ehlert
16. Bryant Dickinson
17. Liz Patterson
18. Teddy Omlor
19. Rod Patterson
20. Zach Olger
21. Shawn Martin
22. CJ Reisbig
23. Scotty Gunion
Heats-Elhert, Spangler, Epling
Street Stocks-Feature
1. Gary Vandermark
2. Mike Sparks
3. William Brandt Jr.
4. Aaron Wolf
5. Justin Gilland
6. Ron Wiers
7. Hilary Smith
8. Mike Hotchkiss
9. David Strunk
10. Ron Harper
Heats- Gary Vandermark, Aaron Wolf
I-96 4 cylinders-Feature
1. Dan Reimersma
2. Richard Peck
3. Scott Rumsey
4. Tyler Quillan
5. James Harbenski
6. Greg Pinard
7. Terry Henderson
8. Calvin Stemler
9. Dale Schulling
10. Caleb Schulling
11. Adam Meis
12. Harper Hotchkiss
13. Lee Hillabrandt
14. Terry Henderson Jr.
15. Steve Wawiemia
16. Paul Namey
17. Colee Ruesink
18. Jason Feutz
19. David Holcomb
Heats-Richard Peck, Reimersma
UMP Mods-
Feature
1. Zach Olger
2. Shannon Fisk
3. Rich Robinson Jr.
4. David Mielke
5. Todd Feutz
6. Justin Fleming
7. Cody Bauer
8. Todd Cowen
9. Andy Galgoci
10. Tim Stemler
11. John McClure
12. Travis Stemler
13. Ken Beutler
14. Jim Patterson
15. Eric Knight
16. Larry Vanderwoude
17. Ron McCloud
18. James Kimmel
19. Kevin Miller
20. Luke Olger
21. Jared Guinn
Heats-Feutz, Robinson Jr., Ti m Stemler
UMP Late Models-
Feature
1. Bill Bray
2. Eric Spangler
3. Sam Epling
4. Mike Nugent
5. Trevor Sloan
6. Dan Hubble
7. Adam Thrush
8. Chris Nash
9. Kris Patterson Jr.
10. Ben Hidy
11. Tyler Underwood
12. Bry Sloan
13. Luke Hubbell
14. Greg Cooper
15. Scott Ehlert
16. Bryant Dickinson
17. Liz Patterson
18. Teddy Omlor
19. Rod Patterson
20. Zach Olger
21. Shawn Martin
22. CJ Reisbig
23. Scotty Gunion
Heats-Elhert, Spangler, Epling
Berlin Storyline July 31st
Berlin Raceway Celebrates 60 Years of Racing
Marne, MI- Berlin Raceway celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a full night of racing action on Saturday night. All five divisions, along with the Vintage Racing Organization of America, were back at the track to honor this storied Marne track. Winners for the evening included #14 Billy Shotko (Modified), #16 Samantha Jansen (VROA), #14 Steve Needles (Late Model), #36 Ken Smith Jr. (Pro Stock), #76 Warren Speet (Super Stock), #77 Jared Lyzenga (4-Cylinder B), #024 Cole Roelofs (4-Cylinder A).
The Model Coverall Modifieds took to the track first. Leading the way were #4 Joe Morisette and #88 AJ Foote. The caution was thrown early in the race, lap 1 was barley compete when a four car caution came out. The #8 Billy Eppink, #97 Mike Bursley , and #76 Ryan Gruppen spun to avoid the #14 Billy Shotko. After the restart Morisette charged to the lead, but on lap 7 he was passed by #99 Brian Bergakker. Shotko was also making head way as he used traffic to move into second on lap 7. Bergakker was battling to keep his top spot as Shotko was on his tail. After many failed pass attempts, Shotko finally got Bergakker on the outside lane coming out of turn 4. Lap 21 saw a new leader in Shotko and he would fight off the field to take the checker. Bergakker, #44 Jordan Dahlke, #78 Travis Eddy, and Bursley rounded out the top 5.
Up next were the Vintage Racing Organization of America. On front row were #30 Max Wirebaugh and#43 Terry Byrne. The first caution for the VROA feature came out on lap 2, as the #74 Steve Fuller and #83 Glenn Parker went into the wall going out of turn 3. Out of the restart Byrne would take the lead and #18 Michael Becker began to make his way to the front. Just as Becker was making a move, the #82 of Rob Parker spun on the front stretch causing the yellow to come out once again. Samantha Jansen in the #16 took full advantage of the restart and passed Byrne to take the lead. Another caution would slow the race down when Wirebaugh began to shed debris on the track during lap 9. Jansen, #3 Lou Caposey and #86 Bob Martin were battling for position out of the restart. Caposey took the lead as he passed on the outside on lap 14; Jansen and Martin were still fighting hard until another caution came out. The #81 Andrew Bartoszek and #47 Larry Mollohan hit the wall on lap 16. The three way battle would continue out of the restart; Jansen and Caposey fought until the very end. Jansen took the checker flag with a .035 second lead over Caposey. Martin, #20 Don Deyman, and Byrne rounded out the top 5.
The Coors Light Late Models followed with #19 Nick Szotko and #22 Josh Slade on the start/finish line. Once the green flag was waved, Szotko took the quick lead. The first caution came out on lap 8, when #6 Dave Zagaiski spun coming out of turn 4. Out of the restart #14 Steve Needles shot to the front, while Szotko and #37 Terry Senneker were fighting for the second spot. The #32 Ross Meeuwsen was also making his way to the front, Meeuwsen started in the ten spot, but moved up to second on lap 24. At the half way mark Needles, Meeuwsen, and Szotko were the top three leaders; each had a comfortable lead ahead of the pack. Meeuwsen started to close in on Szotko on lap 41. A couple of spins brought out two more yellow flags, but that wouldn’t hinder the battle between Szotko and Meeuwsen. Things heated up on lap 56 when Meeuwsen tried to pass Szotko and lost control. Meeuwsen would go to the rear; Needles, #12 Tim DeVos , and Senneker were the leaders out of the caution. Needles would get the win, DeVos, Senneker, #55 Chris Anthony, and #61 Joe Bush finished in the top 5.
The Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks were next as #22 Darin Niemi and #1 Brett DeKraker started at the front. The green flag dropped and Niemi was off to a fast start. The #36 Ken Smith Jr. who started 7 made his way to second by lap 5; while the #F1 Randy Veldman and DeKraker were neck and neck for third. Weston Jewett in the #51 car was also moving through the pack. On lap 13 Smith was inches behind Niemi, Smith finally passed on lap 17. Smith had a comfortable lead, but there was a three car battle for second with Niemi, #76 Brian Tillema, and Jewett. Smith took the checker with easy; he finished with a 4.415 second lead over Tillema who beat out Jewett for second. Niemi and Veldman rounded out the top 5.
A 60 lap feature for the Engine Pro Super Stocks was next. Starting on front row were #76 Warren Speet and#16 Kelsey Steele. Speet took the quick lead, as he and #5 Ray VanAllsburg established themselves as the leaders. Steele brought out the yellow flag for a spin on lap 17. VanAllsburg would take advantage of the restart and take the lead. By lap 22 though, #55 Dave Lake and #77 Andrew Nylaan both passed VanAllsburg. Another caution came when #95 Curt Filkins spun on the back stretch; Lake and Nylaan would continue to lead out of the restart. Both drivers were fighting hard, on lap 54 Lake lost control as Nylaan was riding him hard, both would have to go to the tail. Speet would be the beneficiary, as he and #18 Denny Anderson became the new leaders. With 7 laps to go, Anderson just didn’t have enough to pass Speet. Justin Regnerus in the #50 car, #32 Gabe Ensing, and #1 Brian Wiersma finished in the top 5.
The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders B Feature was next. Tyler Nawrocki in the #20 raced to the front of the lineup, by lap 4 he had taken the lead from #26 Cal Phillips. On lap 8, Phillips brought out the caution for a spin; #T11 Jim Rhodes was about to take the lead coming out of the caution, when he slammed into the wall out of turn four. Rhodes was not seriously injured, but would not return. Dan Dells in the #110, #77 Jared Lyzenga, and Nawrocki thrilled fans with a three car wide race to first out of the restart. Dells and Lyzenga created space between them and the field; on lap 15, Lyzenga passed Dells for the lead. Lyzenga took a trip to victory lane for the second time this season. Dells, Nawrocki, #20 Jackson Walker, and #63 Paul Ritchie rounded out the top 5 spots.
The final feature of the evening were the 4-Cylilnders A. Ron Myers in the #4 had a fast start, but lap 3 would see a new leader as #024 Cole Roelofs passed Myers; as did #0354 Chris McKinley and #100 Jason Scheid. The always dangerous #17 Kyle Hamm moved into fourth on lap 5. Hamm would continue his move to the front, he passed McKinley on the inside out of turn 2 to move into second behind Roelofs on lap 15. Hamm put some pressure on Roelofs, but to no avail, Roelofs would take the win. Hamm, McKinley, Scheid, and #7 Ryan Hamm took the remaining top 5 spots.
Up next for Berlin Raceway is a two day ARCA weekend. Kicking things off is The Chet on Friday Night with a 125 lap Late Model Feature, both 4-Cylinder divisions, and ARCA practice under the lights. Tickets for the night are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60+, children ages 6-12 are $5, and 5 and under are FREE. The main event on Saturday night will be a 200 lap ARCA feature, with the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks also in action. Tickets for the night are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors 60+, $5 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 are FREE. There is also a two day pass available for adults for $25. For additional information please visit www.berlinraceway.com
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Marisela Rodriguez
616.662.2051
Marisela@berlinraceway.com
www.berlinraceway.com
Marne, MI- Berlin Raceway celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a full night of racing action on Saturday night. All five divisions, along with the Vintage Racing Organization of America, were back at the track to honor this storied Marne track. Winners for the evening included #14 Billy Shotko (Modified), #16 Samantha Jansen (VROA), #14 Steve Needles (Late Model), #36 Ken Smith Jr. (Pro Stock), #76 Warren Speet (Super Stock), #77 Jared Lyzenga (4-Cylinder B), #024 Cole Roelofs (4-Cylinder A).
The Model Coverall Modifieds took to the track first. Leading the way were #4 Joe Morisette and #88 AJ Foote. The caution was thrown early in the race, lap 1 was barley compete when a four car caution came out. The #8 Billy Eppink, #97 Mike Bursley , and #76 Ryan Gruppen spun to avoid the #14 Billy Shotko. After the restart Morisette charged to the lead, but on lap 7 he was passed by #99 Brian Bergakker. Shotko was also making head way as he used traffic to move into second on lap 7. Bergakker was battling to keep his top spot as Shotko was on his tail. After many failed pass attempts, Shotko finally got Bergakker on the outside lane coming out of turn 4. Lap 21 saw a new leader in Shotko and he would fight off the field to take the checker. Bergakker, #44 Jordan Dahlke, #78 Travis Eddy, and Bursley rounded out the top 5.
Up next were the Vintage Racing Organization of America. On front row were #30 Max Wirebaugh and#43 Terry Byrne. The first caution for the VROA feature came out on lap 2, as the #74 Steve Fuller and #83 Glenn Parker went into the wall going out of turn 3. Out of the restart Byrne would take the lead and #18 Michael Becker began to make his way to the front. Just as Becker was making a move, the #82 of Rob Parker spun on the front stretch causing the yellow to come out once again. Samantha Jansen in the #16 took full advantage of the restart and passed Byrne to take the lead. Another caution would slow the race down when Wirebaugh began to shed debris on the track during lap 9. Jansen, #3 Lou Caposey and #86 Bob Martin were battling for position out of the restart. Caposey took the lead as he passed on the outside on lap 14; Jansen and Martin were still fighting hard until another caution came out. The #81 Andrew Bartoszek and #47 Larry Mollohan hit the wall on lap 16. The three way battle would continue out of the restart; Jansen and Caposey fought until the very end. Jansen took the checker flag with a .035 second lead over Caposey. Martin, #20 Don Deyman, and Byrne rounded out the top 5.
The Coors Light Late Models followed with #19 Nick Szotko and #22 Josh Slade on the start/finish line. Once the green flag was waved, Szotko took the quick lead. The first caution came out on lap 8, when #6 Dave Zagaiski spun coming out of turn 4. Out of the restart #14 Steve Needles shot to the front, while Szotko and #37 Terry Senneker were fighting for the second spot. The #32 Ross Meeuwsen was also making his way to the front, Meeuwsen started in the ten spot, but moved up to second on lap 24. At the half way mark Needles, Meeuwsen, and Szotko were the top three leaders; each had a comfortable lead ahead of the pack. Meeuwsen started to close in on Szotko on lap 41. A couple of spins brought out two more yellow flags, but that wouldn’t hinder the battle between Szotko and Meeuwsen. Things heated up on lap 56 when Meeuwsen tried to pass Szotko and lost control. Meeuwsen would go to the rear; Needles, #12 Tim DeVos , and Senneker were the leaders out of the caution. Needles would get the win, DeVos, Senneker, #55 Chris Anthony, and #61 Joe Bush finished in the top 5.
The Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks were next as #22 Darin Niemi and #1 Brett DeKraker started at the front. The green flag dropped and Niemi was off to a fast start. The #36 Ken Smith Jr. who started 7 made his way to second by lap 5; while the #F1 Randy Veldman and DeKraker were neck and neck for third. Weston Jewett in the #51 car was also moving through the pack. On lap 13 Smith was inches behind Niemi, Smith finally passed on lap 17. Smith had a comfortable lead, but there was a three car battle for second with Niemi, #76 Brian Tillema, and Jewett. Smith took the checker with easy; he finished with a 4.415 second lead over Tillema who beat out Jewett for second. Niemi and Veldman rounded out the top 5.
A 60 lap feature for the Engine Pro Super Stocks was next. Starting on front row were #76 Warren Speet and#16 Kelsey Steele. Speet took the quick lead, as he and #5 Ray VanAllsburg established themselves as the leaders. Steele brought out the yellow flag for a spin on lap 17. VanAllsburg would take advantage of the restart and take the lead. By lap 22 though, #55 Dave Lake and #77 Andrew Nylaan both passed VanAllsburg. Another caution came when #95 Curt Filkins spun on the back stretch; Lake and Nylaan would continue to lead out of the restart. Both drivers were fighting hard, on lap 54 Lake lost control as Nylaan was riding him hard, both would have to go to the tail. Speet would be the beneficiary, as he and #18 Denny Anderson became the new leaders. With 7 laps to go, Anderson just didn’t have enough to pass Speet. Justin Regnerus in the #50 car, #32 Gabe Ensing, and #1 Brian Wiersma finished in the top 5.
The Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders B Feature was next. Tyler Nawrocki in the #20 raced to the front of the lineup, by lap 4 he had taken the lead from #26 Cal Phillips. On lap 8, Phillips brought out the caution for a spin; #T11 Jim Rhodes was about to take the lead coming out of the caution, when he slammed into the wall out of turn four. Rhodes was not seriously injured, but would not return. Dan Dells in the #110, #77 Jared Lyzenga, and Nawrocki thrilled fans with a three car wide race to first out of the restart. Dells and Lyzenga created space between them and the field; on lap 15, Lyzenga passed Dells for the lead. Lyzenga took a trip to victory lane for the second time this season. Dells, Nawrocki, #20 Jackson Walker, and #63 Paul Ritchie rounded out the top 5 spots.
The final feature of the evening were the 4-Cylilnders A. Ron Myers in the #4 had a fast start, but lap 3 would see a new leader as #024 Cole Roelofs passed Myers; as did #0354 Chris McKinley and #100 Jason Scheid. The always dangerous #17 Kyle Hamm moved into fourth on lap 5. Hamm would continue his move to the front, he passed McKinley on the inside out of turn 2 to move into second behind Roelofs on lap 15. Hamm put some pressure on Roelofs, but to no avail, Roelofs would take the win. Hamm, McKinley, Scheid, and #7 Ryan Hamm took the remaining top 5 spots.
Up next for Berlin Raceway is a two day ARCA weekend. Kicking things off is The Chet on Friday Night with a 125 lap Late Model Feature, both 4-Cylinder divisions, and ARCA practice under the lights. Tickets for the night are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60+, children ages 6-12 are $5, and 5 and under are FREE. The main event on Saturday night will be a 200 lap ARCA feature, with the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks also in action. Tickets for the night are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors 60+, $5 for children ages 6-12, and children under 5 are FREE. There is also a two day pass available for adults for $25. For additional information please visit www.berlinraceway.com
###
Marisela Rodriguez
616.662.2051
Marisela@berlinraceway.com
www.berlinraceway.com
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