Season preview: West Michigan's must see races

By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com

What is going to be the biggest race of the West Michigan racing season?

Time will tell how all of these events will play out, but here’s a preview of the can’t-miss races, counting down to the one you just have to see.

10. I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa opens its season April 30, and it will mark the debut of the Michigan Dirt Cup Modified Tour.

9. The Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association returns to Grattan Raceway on Aug. 19-20. Many of these cars should be in some hall of fame. Glad they still race them.

8. One of the state’s most prestigious races, the Kalamazoo Klash, is Aug. 17. Hard to believe it already is the 19th running of it.

7. The American Drag Racing League makes its annual U.S. 131 Motorsports Park visit July 15-16. Great racing, and tickets are free.

6. Mark down July 9 on your calendar because that’s when the ARCA Racing Series squares off at Berlin Raceway.

5. Top Fuel Dragsters will be included in the Thunder Nationals at Martin Dragway on May 20-21. It’s the only time they will race in the state this year.

4. Think all of the best racing is at Indy and Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend? Grattan Raceway is hosting a Sports Car Club of America national road race May 28-30, so a staycation won’t be all bad.

3. The International Hot Rod Association’s Nitro Jam returns to Martin Dragway. Like loud, fast, smokey cars? Thought so. It’s Aug. 12-13.

2. World of Outlaws. I-96 Speedway. May 21. Enough said.

1. What do you get when you put Kyle Busch in a Late Model on a short track? There is a reason why Berlin keeps inviting Busch back. The Rowdy 251 is June 21.