Jeep VanWormer Late Model Winner a I-96 (Click on the Photo to look at more photos from I-96)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Randy Ellen Photos of I-96 Speedway: May 15th
Jeep VanWormer Late Model Winner a I-96 (Click on the Photo to look at more photos from I-96)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Berlin Raceway Results: May 15th
The feature winners for the night were Jewett, Nylann, Caposey and VanHaitsma.
Marne, MI- Blue skies and no rain in sight, it was welcomed change at Berlin Raceway this past weekend. The Coors Light Night featured Late Models, Super Stocks, Pro Stocks, and the Vintage Racing Organization of America (VROA). The feature winners for the night were Jewett, Nylann, Caposey and VanHaitsma.
The first feature race of the night was the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks. Starting on front row was the #101 car with Lauren Bush, and the #88 of Tony Davis. Bush was quick to grab the lead during the first 24 laps of the race, she held a 1.47 second lead on the #51 of Weston Jewett until the yellow flag came out. Smoke filled the air with the engine failure of Davis, he would not return for the remainder of the race. Before the first lap after the caution was complete, a seven car wreck halted the racing action once again. The # 15 of Scott Root spun into Bush rounding turn 1, causing #22 Darin Neimi, #18 Denny Anderson, #36 Ken Smith Jr., #F1 Randy Veldman,#26 Brian Thome, and the #6 Brandon Hermiller to all spin out. Bush, Root, and Veldman would not return. Once the race resumed Jewett grasped the lead, he would sustain the top spot for the remaining laps.
On the start line for the Engine Pro Super Stocks were #50 Justin Regnerus and #32 Gabe Ensing. Regnerus and #51 Weston Jewett took an early lead; the first caution of the night would come out during lap 5. The #00 of J.B Neiwek spun out, fortunately he would not collide with anyone else. The second yellow flag appeared during lap 8, #55 Dave Lane hit the fence coming out of turn 1. An additional three cars would be in the collision, the #98 Bob Bliss, #26 Chris Muyskens, and #44 Brian VanZalen would spin to avoid further damage. Regnerus, #51 Justin Ryan, #18 Denny Anderson would establish themselves ahead of the pack. By lap 13 the Regnerus had a very comfortable lead. At the half way mark Anderson, Regnerus, and Ryan were the top three leaders. During lap 23 #77 Andrew Nylann made his move to the front. By lap 33 Nylann and Regnerus were bumper to bumper. Nylann finally took the lead with 2 to go. The final caution of the feature race would come during the final lap, when the #1 Brian Wiersma and #95 Ray VanAllsburg collided on the back stretch. Nylann would be in victory lane for the first time this season.
Next was the Vintage Racing Association feature. Andrew Bartoszek in the #81 and Larry Mollohan in the # 47 car were the starting two for the feature race, by lap 4 Mollohan took the lead, but by lap 5 the yellow flag came out when #86 Bob Martin spun to avoid Bartoszek in the front stretch grass. When the race resumed, #3 Lou Caposey took the lead with Mollohan, and Martin following close by. During lap 14 Martin began to make his way to the front. Martin was neck and neck with the Caposey until he spun out on the back stretch during lap 18. This would be the first of three cautions before the race could be resumed. The checker was waved during lap 18, Caposey would take the win.
The last feature race of the night was the Coors Light Late Models. On front row for the 100 lap race was #33 Monte Tolan, and #61 Joe Bush. A complete restart was necessary before lap 1 was completed. The #33 of Monte Tolan got loose and the rest of the field checked up. Bush pulled ahead, but would be deterred on lap 2 when #19 Nick Shotko hit the wall. By lap 12 the Bush and #12 Tim DeVos enjoyed a nice gap between them and the rest of the field. The DeVos would then pass Bush on the outside lane to take the lead. A new leader would emerge during lap 50 when #55 Chris Anthony stole the lead. Yet another caution would come out during lap 63, when #22 Josh Slade hit the wall coming out of turn 4. #21 Tim VanHaitsma took full advantage; he would capture the lead, following would be Anthony and # 37 Terry Senneker with the DeVos falling to fourth. VanHaitsma pulled ahead of the pack, by lap 90 he would enjoy an 8 second lead. Finishing with a 11.864 lead ahead of everyone, VanHaitsma took the checker, Bush, #32 Ross Meeuwsen, Anthony, DeVos, #24 Lee Vandyke, #28 Scott Thomas, #1 Barry Hartwell, Senneker, and Slade would round out the top ten.
In town next week will be the Auto Value Super Sprints. They will be joined by the USA Modifieds, who will have a 75 lap feature race. Pro Stocks and 4-Cylinders will also be in action. Tickets will be $15.00 for adults. Children ages 6-12 will be $5.00, children 5 and under are FREE. The racing action begins promptly at 7pm. For more information please visit www.berlinraceway.com
Marne, MI- Blue skies and no rain in sight, it was welcomed change at Berlin Raceway this past weekend. The Coors Light Night featured Late Models, Super Stocks, Pro Stocks, and the Vintage Racing Organization of America (VROA). The feature winners for the night were Jewett, Nylann, Caposey and VanHaitsma.
The first feature race of the night was the Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks. Starting on front row was the #101 car with Lauren Bush, and the #88 of Tony Davis. Bush was quick to grab the lead during the first 24 laps of the race, she held a 1.47 second lead on the #51 of Weston Jewett until the yellow flag came out. Smoke filled the air with the engine failure of Davis, he would not return for the remainder of the race. Before the first lap after the caution was complete, a seven car wreck halted the racing action once again. The # 15 of Scott Root spun into Bush rounding turn 1, causing #22 Darin Neimi, #18 Denny Anderson, #36 Ken Smith Jr., #F1 Randy Veldman,#26 Brian Thome, and the #6 Brandon Hermiller to all spin out. Bush, Root, and Veldman would not return. Once the race resumed Jewett grasped the lead, he would sustain the top spot for the remaining laps.
On the start line for the Engine Pro Super Stocks were #50 Justin Regnerus and #32 Gabe Ensing. Regnerus and #51 Weston Jewett took an early lead; the first caution of the night would come out during lap 5. The #00 of J.B Neiwek spun out, fortunately he would not collide with anyone else. The second yellow flag appeared during lap 8, #55 Dave Lane hit the fence coming out of turn 1. An additional three cars would be in the collision, the #98 Bob Bliss, #26 Chris Muyskens, and #44 Brian VanZalen would spin to avoid further damage. Regnerus, #51 Justin Ryan, #18 Denny Anderson would establish themselves ahead of the pack. By lap 13 the Regnerus had a very comfortable lead. At the half way mark Anderson, Regnerus, and Ryan were the top three leaders. During lap 23 #77 Andrew Nylann made his move to the front. By lap 33 Nylann and Regnerus were bumper to bumper. Nylann finally took the lead with 2 to go. The final caution of the feature race would come during the final lap, when the #1 Brian Wiersma and #95 Ray VanAllsburg collided on the back stretch. Nylann would be in victory lane for the first time this season.
Next was the Vintage Racing Association feature. Andrew Bartoszek in the #81 and Larry Mollohan in the # 47 car were the starting two for the feature race, by lap 4 Mollohan took the lead, but by lap 5 the yellow flag came out when #86 Bob Martin spun to avoid Bartoszek in the front stretch grass. When the race resumed, #3 Lou Caposey took the lead with Mollohan, and Martin following close by. During lap 14 Martin began to make his way to the front. Martin was neck and neck with the Caposey until he spun out on the back stretch during lap 18. This would be the first of three cautions before the race could be resumed. The checker was waved during lap 18, Caposey would take the win.
The last feature race of the night was the Coors Light Late Models. On front row for the 100 lap race was #33 Monte Tolan, and #61 Joe Bush. A complete restart was necessary before lap 1 was completed. The #33 of Monte Tolan got loose and the rest of the field checked up. Bush pulled ahead, but would be deterred on lap 2 when #19 Nick Shotko hit the wall. By lap 12 the Bush and #12 Tim DeVos enjoyed a nice gap between them and the rest of the field. The DeVos would then pass Bush on the outside lane to take the lead. A new leader would emerge during lap 50 when #55 Chris Anthony stole the lead. Yet another caution would come out during lap 63, when #22 Josh Slade hit the wall coming out of turn 4. #21 Tim VanHaitsma took full advantage; he would capture the lead, following would be Anthony and # 37 Terry Senneker with the DeVos falling to fourth. VanHaitsma pulled ahead of the pack, by lap 90 he would enjoy an 8 second lead. Finishing with a 11.864 lead ahead of everyone, VanHaitsma took the checker, Bush, #32 Ross Meeuwsen, Anthony, DeVos, #24 Lee Vandyke, #28 Scott Thomas, #1 Barry Hartwell, Senneker, and Slade would round out the top ten.
In town next week will be the Auto Value Super Sprints. They will be joined by the USA Modifieds, who will have a 75 lap feature race. Pro Stocks and 4-Cylinders will also be in action. Tickets will be $15.00 for adults. Children ages 6-12 will be $5.00, children 5 and under are FREE. The racing action begins promptly at 7pm. For more information please visit www.berlinraceway.com
Crystal Motor Speedway Results: May 15th
May 15th Results!
Saturday night at Crystal Motor Speedway was one of the first decent night’s weather wise of the young 2010 season. A huge crowd was treated to 135 cars in the pits and a full slate of racing with all six normal classes plus Auto Value Bumper to Bumper/Michigan Legends Series presented by Z-Max. The first order of business was the rained off April 24th Street Stock event and Mike Vandermark won over Brooke Ann Brasington, Al Kiester, Jasen Wiley, and James Prochazka.
The Races On The Web 24/7 Flinn Stocks were first on the track and when the green dropped, it was Neil Zeigler taking the early lead but he was soon over taken by Lee Zahm and Richard Melton. Melton came under Zahm in a challenge for the lead but Zahm held on. A quick caution realigned the pack and when the green flag fell, six laps remained. Cory Burch took over second from Melton as Zahm continued to run up front. With only two to go, Chance Allen challenged Burch for second, which allowed Zahm to pull away and take the win. He was followed by Allen, Burch, Melton, Zach Rummer, Neil Zeigler, Ryan Brady, Chris DeCamp, Justin Crandall, and Chris Pironello. Burch and Austin Bean took heat wins.
The Michigan Legends took to the field and it was Levi Rouster leading the way but within a few laps, Paul McCollum slid under him for the lead. Marty Sowles and Tony Monge had a great battle for third and fourth for several laps, which soon turned into a four way battle with Rouster, Monge, Sowles and Chance Rice nearly side by side as the half way point came around. Monge and Rice made the pass for the lead as positions shuffled frequently. Rice and Monge began to pull away with each taking turns at the front. With only five laps remaining, Monge and Rice were running within inches of each other, fighting for the lead. Rice overtook Monge with three to go and went on to take the win over Monge, Sowles, McCollum, Rouster, Loren Short, Todd McCollum, Gary Joppich, Adam Van Cleave, and Guy Fire. Monge and Rice brought home heat wins.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken sponsored Late Model feature found Tom Dusen, Jay Van Dyke and Scott Haney running up front. Haney and Van Dyke swapped places a couple times as Dusen held a smooth line up front. The leaders had just began to work their way through lapped traffic when a caution flew for a spun car and when the green once again flew, it was Dusen, Van Dyke, Haney, Brock Cogswell and Mark Andersen making up the top five. Dusen was cruising along, just waiting for the checkered flag but suddenly pitted with mechanical problems, handing the lead over to Van Dyke with seven to go. Van Dyke held on to take the win but there was a huge pile up just behind him. After it was all sorted out, second went to Andersen, followed by Kyle Borgman, Cogswell, Matt Pickard, Keith Gentz, Dale Sheehy, Mickey Carman, Jr., Renton Hurley, and Dean Huizenga. Haney and Dusen claimed heat gold.
Derrick Dennis led the early going of the Port City Pro Stocks with Reb Marble not far back. Doug McKeown made the move to second but immediately felt pressure from Derek Schestag. A caution flew for an incident in turn one, grouping the pack again. Once green again, Dennis continued his lead with Schestag following and began to challenge for the lead with Vern Buskirk tight behind. Buskirk moved to second then began to challenge for the lead as the leaders were tightly packed. Ryan Kent had made his way to the top four with everyone within whispering distance. Kent slid under Dennis to take the lead. As the rest of the field battled, Kent finished a great run to pick up his first ever Pro Stock feature. He was followed by Dennis, Chaney Newland, Vern Buskirk, Derek Schestag, Mike Husted, Doug McKeown, Sr., Larry Kosloski, Barry Rinard, and Reb Marble. Barry Rinard grabbed the B Feature with heat wins falling to Kent, Dennis, and Jack Emmons.
When the Smokers Club of Mt Pleasant Street Stock feature began, Jeff Fisher grabbed the lead but Mike Vandermark was charging hard and settled in for second while Anthony Carlton took third. Vandermark slid under Fisher in turn four to take the lead, hoping to grab his second feature win of the night. Vandermark had moved out to a comfortable lead but then suffered a flat rear tire, causing him to drop back and handing the lead back to Fisher. Carlton, Al Keister, and Kevin Dard battled for second as Fisher went on for his first feature win. Carlton held on for second, followed by Dard, Shane Spencer, Kiester, Luke Sickles, Larry Bulson III, James Prochazka, Zach Hoyt, and Dan Rusco. Fisher and Dard posed for heat wins.
Tim Sooy, Ashlee Scott, and Cark Thayer were the early leaders in the Port City Pro Truck feature event. Thayer moved into second when Scott got high in the turns and he began to challenge for the lead. A couple quick cautions slowed the field but when racing resumed, it was Thayer, Nieman, and Scott one two three. Chris Verhaar and Aaron Raby held fourth and fifth. Scott got loose and slid up the banking, falling back to fifth. Thayer continued his lead with Neiman and Verhaar hot on his bumper with three to go. Thayer stayed strong and took the win over Nieman, Verhaar, Raby, Scott, Tim Wood, Kevin Deal, Gaven Parks, Dave Peters, and Brady Hollenbeck. Scott and Gary Dancer brought home heat trophies.
The Engine Pro IMCA Modified feature saw Tim Lytle grab the lead over Rodney King, Chad Burke making up the top three. King spun in turn two, bringing out the caution. Lytle continued to lead with Wernette and Cliff Denman battle for second and Myron DeYoung not far back. Lytle got loose and slid up but managed to keep the lead. The two raced side by side for several laps with Denman and DeYoung duking it out for third. Wernette slid around to take the lead with two to go and went on to win over Lytle, DeYoung, Denman, Brennan Bowen, Josh Borton, Brody Bowser, Chad Burke, J.R. Schmid and Rusty Zeigler. Roger Flinn III and Greg Wiles claimed B Feature wins with heats going to Bowen, King, and Zeigler.
Next week at Crystal Motor Speedway is the always popular “Yes 2 Kids Night” and the Janet Zeigler Memorial race. Kids arriving at the track by 6PM and keep their admission ticket can ride with one of their favorite drivers between 6 and 7PM. Gates open at 4:30 PM and racing starts at 7:30, Adult admission to the grandstands is $10 and kids 5-11 are $4. Pit passes are $25. Further information can be obtained by calling the office at 989.235.5200
Saturday night at Crystal Motor Speedway was one of the first decent night’s weather wise of the young 2010 season. A huge crowd was treated to 135 cars in the pits and a full slate of racing with all six normal classes plus Auto Value Bumper to Bumper/Michigan Legends Series presented by Z-Max. The first order of business was the rained off April 24th Street Stock event and Mike Vandermark won over Brooke Ann Brasington, Al Kiester, Jasen Wiley, and James Prochazka.
The Races On The Web 24/7 Flinn Stocks were first on the track and when the green dropped, it was Neil Zeigler taking the early lead but he was soon over taken by Lee Zahm and Richard Melton. Melton came under Zahm in a challenge for the lead but Zahm held on. A quick caution realigned the pack and when the green flag fell, six laps remained. Cory Burch took over second from Melton as Zahm continued to run up front. With only two to go, Chance Allen challenged Burch for second, which allowed Zahm to pull away and take the win. He was followed by Allen, Burch, Melton, Zach Rummer, Neil Zeigler, Ryan Brady, Chris DeCamp, Justin Crandall, and Chris Pironello. Burch and Austin Bean took heat wins.
The Michigan Legends took to the field and it was Levi Rouster leading the way but within a few laps, Paul McCollum slid under him for the lead. Marty Sowles and Tony Monge had a great battle for third and fourth for several laps, which soon turned into a four way battle with Rouster, Monge, Sowles and Chance Rice nearly side by side as the half way point came around. Monge and Rice made the pass for the lead as positions shuffled frequently. Rice and Monge began to pull away with each taking turns at the front. With only five laps remaining, Monge and Rice were running within inches of each other, fighting for the lead. Rice overtook Monge with three to go and went on to take the win over Monge, Sowles, McCollum, Rouster, Loren Short, Todd McCollum, Gary Joppich, Adam Van Cleave, and Guy Fire. Monge and Rice brought home heat wins.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken sponsored Late Model feature found Tom Dusen, Jay Van Dyke and Scott Haney running up front. Haney and Van Dyke swapped places a couple times as Dusen held a smooth line up front. The leaders had just began to work their way through lapped traffic when a caution flew for a spun car and when the green once again flew, it was Dusen, Van Dyke, Haney, Brock Cogswell and Mark Andersen making up the top five. Dusen was cruising along, just waiting for the checkered flag but suddenly pitted with mechanical problems, handing the lead over to Van Dyke with seven to go. Van Dyke held on to take the win but there was a huge pile up just behind him. After it was all sorted out, second went to Andersen, followed by Kyle Borgman, Cogswell, Matt Pickard, Keith Gentz, Dale Sheehy, Mickey Carman, Jr., Renton Hurley, and Dean Huizenga. Haney and Dusen claimed heat gold.
Derrick Dennis led the early going of the Port City Pro Stocks with Reb Marble not far back. Doug McKeown made the move to second but immediately felt pressure from Derek Schestag. A caution flew for an incident in turn one, grouping the pack again. Once green again, Dennis continued his lead with Schestag following and began to challenge for the lead with Vern Buskirk tight behind. Buskirk moved to second then began to challenge for the lead as the leaders were tightly packed. Ryan Kent had made his way to the top four with everyone within whispering distance. Kent slid under Dennis to take the lead. As the rest of the field battled, Kent finished a great run to pick up his first ever Pro Stock feature. He was followed by Dennis, Chaney Newland, Vern Buskirk, Derek Schestag, Mike Husted, Doug McKeown, Sr., Larry Kosloski, Barry Rinard, and Reb Marble. Barry Rinard grabbed the B Feature with heat wins falling to Kent, Dennis, and Jack Emmons.
When the Smokers Club of Mt Pleasant Street Stock feature began, Jeff Fisher grabbed the lead but Mike Vandermark was charging hard and settled in for second while Anthony Carlton took third. Vandermark slid under Fisher in turn four to take the lead, hoping to grab his second feature win of the night. Vandermark had moved out to a comfortable lead but then suffered a flat rear tire, causing him to drop back and handing the lead back to Fisher. Carlton, Al Keister, and Kevin Dard battled for second as Fisher went on for his first feature win. Carlton held on for second, followed by Dard, Shane Spencer, Kiester, Luke Sickles, Larry Bulson III, James Prochazka, Zach Hoyt, and Dan Rusco. Fisher and Dard posed for heat wins.
Tim Sooy, Ashlee Scott, and Cark Thayer were the early leaders in the Port City Pro Truck feature event. Thayer moved into second when Scott got high in the turns and he began to challenge for the lead. A couple quick cautions slowed the field but when racing resumed, it was Thayer, Nieman, and Scott one two three. Chris Verhaar and Aaron Raby held fourth and fifth. Scott got loose and slid up the banking, falling back to fifth. Thayer continued his lead with Neiman and Verhaar hot on his bumper with three to go. Thayer stayed strong and took the win over Nieman, Verhaar, Raby, Scott, Tim Wood, Kevin Deal, Gaven Parks, Dave Peters, and Brady Hollenbeck. Scott and Gary Dancer brought home heat trophies.
The Engine Pro IMCA Modified feature saw Tim Lytle grab the lead over Rodney King, Chad Burke making up the top three. King spun in turn two, bringing out the caution. Lytle continued to lead with Wernette and Cliff Denman battle for second and Myron DeYoung not far back. Lytle got loose and slid up but managed to keep the lead. The two raced side by side for several laps with Denman and DeYoung duking it out for third. Wernette slid around to take the lead with two to go and went on to win over Lytle, DeYoung, Denman, Brennan Bowen, Josh Borton, Brody Bowser, Chad Burke, J.R. Schmid and Rusty Zeigler. Roger Flinn III and Greg Wiles claimed B Feature wins with heats going to Bowen, King, and Zeigler.
Next week at Crystal Motor Speedway is the always popular “Yes 2 Kids Night” and the Janet Zeigler Memorial race. Kids arriving at the track by 6PM and keep their admission ticket can ride with one of their favorite drivers between 6 and 7PM. Gates open at 4:30 PM and racing starts at 7:30, Adult admission to the grandstands is $10 and kids 5-11 are $4. Pit passes are $25. Further information can be obtained by calling the office at 989.235.5200
I-96 Speedway Results: May 15th
May 15, 2010
Lake Odessa, MI.
Street stocks
Feature
1. Gary Vandermark
2. Aaron wolf
3. Richard Hyvarinen
4. Ron Harper
5. Larry Zander
6. Hillary Smith
7. Joel Hummel
8. Ron Hodges Jr
9. Richard Sweet
10. Steve Piercefield
11. Harvey Wyskowski
Heat-Gary Vandermark
UMP Modifieds
Feature
1. Mark Anderson
2. Travis Stemler
3. Jared Guinn
4. Curt Spalding
5. Tim Stemler
6. Todd Feutz
7. Shannon Fisk
8. Tim Dalman
9. Justin Fleming
10. Larry Vanderwoude
11. Derek Passenier
12. Kyle Roberts
13. Brian Roark
14. Nick Messner
15. Rich RobinsonJr.
16. Zach Olger
17. Pat Ehlert
18. Chance Hoppes
19. Steve Shellenberger
20. Stan Bray
21. Eric Knight
22. CJ Rector
23. Loren Peterson III
Heats- Olger, T. Stemler
UMP Late models (39 Cars)
Feature
1. Jeep VanWormer
2. Dusty Moore
3. Bill Bray
4. Brian Ruhlman
5. Eric Spangler
6. Brandon Thirlby
7. Curtis Roberts
8. Kris Patterson
9. JR Hotovy
10. Troy Cattarene
11. Scott Ehlert
12. CJ Haskett
13. Rick Delong
14. Roger Wing
15. Rich Neisser
16. Trevor Sloan
17. Zach Olger
18. Bry Sloan
19. Ryan VanderVeen
20. Sam Epling
21. Dan Hubble
22. Carl Ries
23. Jerry Bowersock
Heats-T. Sloan, Bowersock, Spangler, VanWormer
B Main 1-Moore
B Main 2-Epling
4 Cylinders
Feature
1. Dan Reimersma
2. Kyle Shattuck
3. Scott Rumsey
4. Richard Peck
5. Jason Feutz
6. William Morgan
7. Colee Ruesink
8. Steve Wawiemia
9. Dillon Gentry
10. Calvin Stemler
11. Terry Henderson
12. Tyler Quillan
13. Greg Pinard
14. Michael Vezino
Heats-Rumsey, Reimersma
Lake Odessa, MI.
Street stocks
Feature
1. Gary Vandermark
2. Aaron wolf
3. Richard Hyvarinen
4. Ron Harper
5. Larry Zander
6. Hillary Smith
7. Joel Hummel
8. Ron Hodges Jr
9. Richard Sweet
10. Steve Piercefield
11. Harvey Wyskowski
Heat-Gary Vandermark
UMP Modifieds
Feature
1. Mark Anderson
2. Travis Stemler
3. Jared Guinn
4. Curt Spalding
5. Tim Stemler
6. Todd Feutz
7. Shannon Fisk
8. Tim Dalman
9. Justin Fleming
10. Larry Vanderwoude
11. Derek Passenier
12. Kyle Roberts
13. Brian Roark
14. Nick Messner
15. Rich RobinsonJr.
16. Zach Olger
17. Pat Ehlert
18. Chance Hoppes
19. Steve Shellenberger
20. Stan Bray
21. Eric Knight
22. CJ Rector
23. Loren Peterson III
Heats- Olger, T. Stemler
UMP Late models (39 Cars)
Feature
1. Jeep VanWormer
2. Dusty Moore
3. Bill Bray
4. Brian Ruhlman
5. Eric Spangler
6. Brandon Thirlby
7. Curtis Roberts
8. Kris Patterson
9. JR Hotovy
10. Troy Cattarene
11. Scott Ehlert
12. CJ Haskett
13. Rick Delong
14. Roger Wing
15. Rich Neisser
16. Trevor Sloan
17. Zach Olger
18. Bry Sloan
19. Ryan VanderVeen
20. Sam Epling
21. Dan Hubble
22. Carl Ries
23. Jerry Bowersock
Heats-T. Sloan, Bowersock, Spangler, VanWormer
B Main 1-Moore
B Main 2-Epling
4 Cylinders
Feature
1. Dan Reimersma
2. Kyle Shattuck
3. Scott Rumsey
4. Richard Peck
5. Jason Feutz
6. William Morgan
7. Colee Ruesink
8. Steve Wawiemia
9. Dillon Gentry
10. Calvin Stemler
11. Terry Henderson
12. Tyler Quillan
13. Greg Pinard
14. Michael Vezino
Heats-Rumsey, Reimersma
Late Model Class Suffering at Berlin
Economy takes toll on expensive Late Model class at Berlin Raceway
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Berlin Raceway officials offered a 100-lap Late Model feature race Saturday night, then waved a $2,000-to-win check in front of the field.
A program such as this would have likely attracted more than 30 cars a decade ago, but times have changed. Only 14 cars took the green flag Saturday.
Drivers and car owners pointed to the economy for the steady drop off in Late Models in recent years. The car counts for Berlin’s Super Stock, Pro Stock and 4 Cylinder classes remain solid. However, the Late Models are the track’s fastest class, and the cars are the most expensive.
"The economy is taking its toll on a lot of them,” said veteran Lee Van Dyk of Grand Rapids, who drives the No. 24 Late Model. “And drivers from other tracks don’t want to come here because these boys are bad fast.
“You are going to spend $50,000 on a car, and then you are going to spend a $1,000 a night racing. We don’t do it for the money.”
Tracks nationwide also have seen a decline in the Outlaw Late Models. The downward trend has Berlin second-year promoter Mike Blackmer concerned about the division’s future. The class is scheduled to race 12 times this season at Berlin, and Blackmer said what the future years holds remains a question mark.
“Outlaw racing will be racing here,” he said. “But we will have to see if it is every week or if its special events. They will be here, and if there are fewer races, there will be more money. It’s all going to depend on car count.
“I want to see it survive. Super Late Model racing is my favorite racing as a promoter. You stand up on top of the tower and see those Late Models go around the track, it’s awesome. There is no bigger rush than that."
Car owner Terry Gentry of Holland is optimistic about the division’s future. He fields cars for Terry Senneker Jr. and Steve Needles. Senneker won the track championship at Kalamazoo Speedway a year ago.
“The economy has hurt the number of Late Models. Fortunately, the lower classes have good numbers,” Gentry said. “I’m disappointed, but I think it is going to come back once the economy comes back. That’s the crutch of the problem right now.
“(Blackmer) is doing a tremendous job here and he has the track headed in the right direction. The economy has to turn around, and people will come back to the track to spend some money when it does.”
THE BUZZ
Saturday’s stars: Weston Jewett (Pro Stocks), Andrew Nylaan (Super Stocks), Lou Caposey (VROA) won feature races. Terry VanHaitsma won the 100-lap Late Model main.
Did you see that? Rookie Lauren Bush of Hastings, 16, started on the pole of the Pro Stock feature and led the first 24 laps. However, she spun out on a Lap 24 restart and finished 17th.
Did you hear that? "Toward the end of last year, my brother and I figured something out with the setup and we ended up winning three of the last five races or something like that. I was hoping over the winter, I would be able to come back and keep that momentum going." -- Pro Stock winner Weston Jewett.
Up next: The Auto Value Super Sprints will make its first Berlin Raceway appearance next Saturday. The program will include the USA Modifieds, Pro Stocks and 4 Cylinders.
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
MARNE -- Berlin Raceway officials offered a 100-lap Late Model feature race Saturday night, then waved a $2,000-to-win check in front of the field.
A program such as this would have likely attracted more than 30 cars a decade ago, but times have changed. Only 14 cars took the green flag Saturday.
Drivers and car owners pointed to the economy for the steady drop off in Late Models in recent years. The car counts for Berlin’s Super Stock, Pro Stock and 4 Cylinder classes remain solid. However, the Late Models are the track’s fastest class, and the cars are the most expensive.
"The economy is taking its toll on a lot of them,” said veteran Lee Van Dyk of Grand Rapids, who drives the No. 24 Late Model. “And drivers from other tracks don’t want to come here because these boys are bad fast.
“You are going to spend $50,000 on a car, and then you are going to spend a $1,000 a night racing. We don’t do it for the money.”
Tracks nationwide also have seen a decline in the Outlaw Late Models. The downward trend has Berlin second-year promoter Mike Blackmer concerned about the division’s future. The class is scheduled to race 12 times this season at Berlin, and Blackmer said what the future years holds remains a question mark.
“Outlaw racing will be racing here,” he said. “But we will have to see if it is every week or if its special events. They will be here, and if there are fewer races, there will be more money. It’s all going to depend on car count.
“I want to see it survive. Super Late Model racing is my favorite racing as a promoter. You stand up on top of the tower and see those Late Models go around the track, it’s awesome. There is no bigger rush than that."
Car owner Terry Gentry of Holland is optimistic about the division’s future. He fields cars for Terry Senneker Jr. and Steve Needles. Senneker won the track championship at Kalamazoo Speedway a year ago.
“The economy has hurt the number of Late Models. Fortunately, the lower classes have good numbers,” Gentry said. “I’m disappointed, but I think it is going to come back once the economy comes back. That’s the crutch of the problem right now.
“(Blackmer) is doing a tremendous job here and he has the track headed in the right direction. The economy has to turn around, and people will come back to the track to spend some money when it does.”
THE BUZZ
Saturday’s stars: Weston Jewett (Pro Stocks), Andrew Nylaan (Super Stocks), Lou Caposey (VROA) won feature races. Terry VanHaitsma won the 100-lap Late Model main.
Did you see that? Rookie Lauren Bush of Hastings, 16, started on the pole of the Pro Stock feature and led the first 24 laps. However, she spun out on a Lap 24 restart and finished 17th.
Did you hear that? "Toward the end of last year, my brother and I figured something out with the setup and we ended up winning three of the last five races or something like that. I was hoping over the winter, I would be able to come back and keep that momentum going." -- Pro Stock winner Weston Jewett.
Up next: The Auto Value Super Sprints will make its first Berlin Raceway appearance next Saturday. The program will include the USA Modifieds, Pro Stocks and 4 Cylinders.
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