Terry VanHaitsma pulls out the rope-a-dope on the Berlin Raceway field
By Steve Kaminski
Skaminsk@mlive.com MLive.com
MARNE – The rope-a-dope is a term usually associated with boxing, but Berlin Raceway Super Late Model driver Terry VanHaitsma showed Saturday night that it can be equally effective in stock car racing.
VanHaitsma, of Hudsonville, won the 125-lap feature race at the Marne half-mile, and he credited his strategy for being the difference.
The veteran driver started second in the 24-car field, but he backed off at the race’s start and played it cool. It turned out that VanHaitsma was just playing possum all along because he poured it on at the end.
VanHaitsma stormed back, grabbing the lead from Chris Anthony with 30 laps to go. He went on to beat out Tom Thomas, Ross Meeuwsen, Anthony and Moody for his first win of the season.
“These tires, especially when it’s this hot out, it’s easy to wear them out here,” VanHaitsma said. “I was trying to run really hard, but I didn’t want to run the same pace the guys up front were running. I dropped back a little bit and came to the front at the end when it really matters.”
The fact that VanHaitsma saved his tires early proved especially beneficial late because caution waved with five laps to go. However, VanHaitsma pulled away from the field on the restart.
“I was really worried about the restart because I know Tom has a little bit more motor than I have,” VanHaitsma said. “I didn’t want him to sneak around me on the outside, so I had to make sure I had a really good restart. I knew once I got in front of him that we would be fine. The car was really good all day, so I wasn’t worried about giving up the track position.”
Super Stock class has a first time winner
Will Olmsted could use a little practice when it comes to spinning donuts in his No. 78 Super Stock.
If he keeps driving like he did Saturday night, though, the 26-year old Marne native will have plenty more opportunities to work on his celebrations. Saturday’s victory in Berlin Raceway’s 30-lap Super Stock feature was the first win of his four-year career, and he beat out the track's hottest driver, Justin Ryan, to do it.
“I was trying to put on a little show here, but I broke the master cylinder,” said Olmsted, who needed to be pushed to Victory Lane after stalling his stock car on the Berlin frontstretch.
Olmsted didn’t need to spin donuts to put on a show, though. He had already done that earlier with his driving style. Justin Ryan had won the season’ first three Super Stock features before Olmsted snapped Ryan’s winning streak Saturday. Olmsted passed Ryan on lap 14, then held off Ryan by 0.687 seconds.
“I will probably remember this as long as I live,” Olmsted said.
It was a very good tonight for Kevin DeGood
While Olmsted won his first main, Kevin DeGood of Jenison captured his first win in Berlin’s Modified division. DeGood, who had previously won three Sportsman mains, is racing for the Racingawareness.com team this year. DeGood worked on the team’s crew a year ago, which won a championship with Dave Lake.
“This is phenomenal,” DeGood said. “The competition is really strong. There are not many cars in this class, but the guys that are here are really good. It’s nice to beat guys in this class that have been racing for a few years, and this is my fourth night in it.
“We have just been doing our maintenance and doing our homework back at the shop this week. We have done a lot of work to the car, fixing the little damage we got to it last week.”
Speedy Speet
Mike Speet of Holland captured his third 4 Cylinder feature of the season, and it was arguably his most challenging win. The race was stopped after seven laps due to the length of the event, which was marred by two lengthy caution periods. However, Speet was able to make the pass on Jackson Walker for the lead on lap five and was able to pull out to a 1.6 second lead over Walker when the final caution fell.
Speet said he did not make it through the race unscathed “I did touch somebody,” Speet said. “I got a little bit of damage, but we made it through. I heard them a couple of times that (they were going to stop the race). I started way in the back, so I was a little concerned, but I felt like I had the car to do it.
“I was having trouble earlier. The car wasn’t any good. But it was totally different (for the feature).”
Also Saturday, Jimmy Lawson won the 18-lap Vintage Racing Organization of America feature, holding off Billy Eppink at the stripe.
SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS
SUPER LATE MODELS (125 LAPS) – 1. Terry VanHaitsma, 2. Tom Thomas, 3. Ross Meeuwsen, 4. Chris Anthony, 5. Seth Moody, 6. Josh Hobson, 7. Dave Lake, 8. Lauren Bush, 9. Jay Niewiek, 10. Lee VanDyk, 11. Ben Klies, 12. Alan Troup, 13. Dan Vandermolen, 14. Justin Ryan, 15. Jordan Dahlke, 16. Justin Regnerus, 17. Tim DeVos, 18. Alec Carll, 19. Chris Muyskens, 20. Tim Green, 21. Keith Herp, 22. Nick Szotko, 23. Jerry Andrews, 24. Caleb Bisacky
SUPER STOCKS (30 LAPS) – 1. Will Olmsted, 2. Justin Ryan, 3. Seth Moody, 4. Nate Walton, 5. Joel Baker, 6. Andrew Nylaan, 7. Dave Hull, 8. Warren Speet, 9. Bob Bliss, 10. Jeremy Munniksma, 11. Denny Anderson, 12. Nick Bonstell, 13. Cole Roelofs, 14. Dennis Mann, 15. Trever McCoy
MODIFIEDS (30 LAPS) – 1. Kevin DeGood, 2. Ryan Hamm, 3. Billy Shotko, 4. Billy Eppink, 5. Randy DeBoer, 6. Adam Chase, 7. Jeff Vrsek, 8. Ben Welch, 9. Rob Shoemaker
4 CYLINDERS (7 LAPS) – 1. Mike Speet, 2. Jackson Walker, 3. Zack Clark, 4. Darrell Holtzlander, 5. Jason Essex, 6. Charlie DeJong, 7. Seth VanHorssen, 8. Jake Loesch, 9. Paul Ritchie, 10. Rob Ream, 11. Jerry Smith, 12. Sierra Lantz, 13. Robbie Ream, 14. Dan Schoenborn, 15. Bill Krupp
VROA (18 LAPS) – 1. Jimmy Lawson, 2. Billy Eppink, 3. Terry Byrne, 4. Don Smith, 5. Randy Pierson, 6. Jason Burrus, 7. Arnie Snyder, 8. John Evans, 9. Larry Mollohan, 10. Max Wirebaugh, 11. Don Deyman, 12. Andrew Bartoszek, 13. Michael Becker, 14. Loren Peterson, 15. Rob Parker
HEAT WINNERS: Warren Speet, Andrew Nylaan (Super Stocks); Ryan Hamm (Modifieds); Bill Krupp, Sierra Lantz (4 Cylinders);
QUALIFYING – Tim DeVos (Super Late Models) 97.381 mph; Joel Baker (Super Stocsk) 90.892 mph; Billy Eppink (Modifieds) 91.097 mph; Bill Krupp (4 Cylinders) 76.932 mph; Terry Byrne (VROA) 81.797 mph
Monday, May 21, 2012
Brandon Thirlby Wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Race At I-96 Speedway
Brandon Thirlby Wins Inaugural Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Race At I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, May 19th, 2012): It was a historic night at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, May 19th as the Inaugural race for the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive occurred at the fast and newly revamped 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. The MDC Late Models went head-to-head with the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in a thrilling showdown.
The first feature to roll out onto the speedway would be the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks 20-lap A Main as Josh Frye and Landon Hidy brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Frye leading the field into the first corner. Frye held on until lap nine when the Gary Vandermark would take the top spot from him. However, just three laps later it was Frye reclaiming the lead, and from there, the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet went on to win the first feature of the 2012 season.
Jim Beltz put up a nice fight to take Second while Hidy, Ron Harper, and Vandermark completed the top five. Defending Track Champion, Bill Brandt Jr., was sixth over 16-year-old Carlind Forsythe, Sadie Klein, Randy Wellman, and Bill Brandt Sr., rounded out the top 10. Frye, Derek Poland, and Vandermark won the Heat Races.
The 40-lap Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive / Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models Feature was brought down to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by the front row of the Defending Track Champion, Tom Sprague Jr., and Brandon Thirlby. It would be Thirlby who would lead early on as the race saw several cautions in the first 10 laps.
After which, Thirlby would go unchallenged as the Traverse City, Michigan standout was able to lead the entire feature and take his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars machine to victory lane. This was the second Feature win in two nights for Thirlby as he also picked up the Feature win at Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan the previous night.
Zack Olger put up a strong fight to finish second while Sammy Epling finished third ahead of Rich Neiser and Curt Spalding rounded out the top five. Kris Patterson Jr., who earlier in the night won the B Main to transfer into the Feature finished sixth ahead of Billy Bray, Mark Andersen, Former Two-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler, and Keith Gentz who completed the top 10. Sprague Jr., Olger, and Thirlby picked up the wins in the Qualifier Heat Races while Patterson Jr. won the B-Main over Alvie Haynes, Bruce Vance, and Gentz as all four transferred into the feature.
The final race of the night would be the 20-lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature. Dan Reimersma and Rookie Nick Jenema made up the front row. Reimersma shot out in front of the pack like a cannon ball and the Ada, Michigan driver, a former Track Champion back in 2010, would steer his Enterprise Iron & Metal Honda into victory lane for his second consecutive Feature Win.
Jenema picked up the runner up spot while Defending Track Champion Rick Peck would finish third over Scott Rumsey and 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., who wrapped up the top five. Tim Horvath II finished sixth ahead of Kyle Brigance, Bob Wolf, 18-year-old Joe Pironello, and 11-year-old Christopher Joyce rounded out the top 10. Reimersma and Jenema would pick up the Heat Race Wins.
This Saturday, May 26th will feature a special five in one night of racing as the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will highlight the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Extravaganza. The chase for those coveted UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National & State Points as well as the 2012 Track Championship title chases will continue for all four weekly UMP divisions.
Joining the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will be the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds who return after taking this past weekend off. Also the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, and Spectator Drags will cap off the night in celebration of the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, May 26th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00 – Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Family Pass $32.00 (*A family pass will get 2 adults and 2 children into the races. Once inside, the Kid’s Club is Free for the Kids!) – Pit Passes: $25.00 (for any age that can walk, infants are free). Get your tickets exclusively with ShowClix! Click on the link for more information: http://www.showclix.com/event/223083
Every Saturday night throughout the 2012 racing season, unless otherwise noted; Pit Gates will Open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstand Gates will open at 5:00p.m., as Practice will start at 6:00p.m. Each UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Division will get one Practice Session apiece. Then after the Drivers Meeting at 6:30p.m., followed by Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing will begin at 7:00p.m.
I-96 Speedway is located at 3823 Portland Road in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For more information about the on-going 2012 racing season, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow along all season long by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com/i96speedway and click on “Like” button. You can even follow us on Twitter as well, just go to: www.twitter.com/i96speedway and “Follow” us today.
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Saturday, May 19th, 2012): It was a historic night at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Saturday, May 19th as the Inaugural race for the Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive occurred at the fast and newly revamped 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval. The MDC Late Models went head-to-head with the tracks Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models in a thrilling showdown.
The first feature to roll out onto the speedway would be the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks 20-lap A Main as Josh Frye and Landon Hidy brought the field down to the green flag and it would be Frye leading the field into the first corner. Frye held on until lap nine when the Gary Vandermark would take the top spot from him. However, just three laps later it was Frye reclaiming the lead, and from there, the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction Chevrolet went on to win the first feature of the 2012 season.
Jim Beltz put up a nice fight to take Second while Hidy, Ron Harper, and Vandermark completed the top five. Defending Track Champion, Bill Brandt Jr., was sixth over 16-year-old Carlind Forsythe, Sadie Klein, Randy Wellman, and Bill Brandt Sr., rounded out the top 10. Frye, Derek Poland, and Vandermark won the Heat Races.
The 40-lap Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models Tour Presented by Lane Automotive / Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models Feature was brought down to Chief Starter, Brett Farmer’s green flag by the front row of the Defending Track Champion, Tom Sprague Jr., and Brandon Thirlby. It would be Thirlby who would lead early on as the race saw several cautions in the first 10 laps.
After which, Thirlby would go unchallenged as the Traverse City, Michigan standout was able to lead the entire feature and take his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars machine to victory lane. This was the second Feature win in two nights for Thirlby as he also picked up the Feature win at Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan the previous night.
Zack Olger put up a strong fight to finish second while Sammy Epling finished third ahead of Rich Neiser and Curt Spalding rounded out the top five. Kris Patterson Jr., who earlier in the night won the B Main to transfer into the Feature finished sixth ahead of Billy Bray, Mark Andersen, Former Two-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler, and Keith Gentz who completed the top 10. Sprague Jr., Olger, and Thirlby picked up the wins in the Qualifier Heat Races while Patterson Jr. won the B-Main over Alvie Haynes, Bruce Vance, and Gentz as all four transferred into the feature.
The final race of the night would be the 20-lap Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts Feature. Dan Reimersma and Rookie Nick Jenema made up the front row. Reimersma shot out in front of the pack like a cannon ball and the Ada, Michigan driver, a former Track Champion back in 2010, would steer his Enterprise Iron & Metal Honda into victory lane for his second consecutive Feature Win.
Jenema picked up the runner up spot while Defending Track Champion Rick Peck would finish third over Scott Rumsey and 18-year-old Terry Henderson Jr., who wrapped up the top five. Tim Horvath II finished sixth ahead of Kyle Brigance, Bob Wolf, 18-year-old Joe Pironello, and 11-year-old Christopher Joyce rounded out the top 10. Reimersma and Jenema would pick up the Heat Race Wins.
This Saturday, May 26th will feature a special five in one night of racing as the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will highlight the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Extravaganza. The chase for those coveted UMP DIRTcar Racing Series National & State Points as well as the 2012 Track Championship title chases will continue for all four weekly UMP divisions.
Joining the Miller Lite UMP Super Late Models will be the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds who return after taking this past weekend off. Also the Rudd’s Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts, and Spectator Drags will cap off the night in celebration of the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.
Ticket Prices for Saturday, May 26th are: Adults (13-61): $12.00 – Seniors (62 and Over): $10.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Family Pass $32.00 (*A family pass will get 2 adults and 2 children into the races. Once inside, the Kid’s Club is Free for the Kids!) – Pit Passes: $25.00 (for any age that can walk, infants are free). Get your tickets exclusively with ShowClix! Click on the link for more information: http://www.showclix.com/event/223083
Every Saturday night throughout the 2012 racing season, unless otherwise noted; Pit Gates will Open at 3:00p.m., the Grandstand Gates will open at 5:00p.m., as Practice will start at 6:00p.m. Each UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Division will get one Practice Session apiece. Then after the Drivers Meeting at 6:30p.m., followed by Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing will begin at 7:00p.m.
I-96 Speedway is located at 3823 Portland Road in Lake Odessa, Michigan. For more information about the on-going 2012 racing season, please call: 1 (616) 642-0555 or visit the website at: www.i96speedway.com You can also follow along all season long by becoming a fan on the tracks Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com/i96speedway and click on “Like” button. You can even follow us on Twitter as well, just go to: www.twitter.com/i96speedway and “Follow” us today.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Opening Night / Best Looking Car(s) Contest Kicks Off 2012 Racing Season At Cherry Raceway
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, May 18th, 2012): The 2012 Racing Season roared to life at the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile high-banked dirt oval of Cherry Raceway, located southeast of Traverse City in Fife Lake, Michigan as it was Opening Night 2012 / Best Looking Car(s) Contest as the 2012 campaign kicked off with s Huge Six in One show to jump start the new season up in the “Great White North.”
The first Feature of the night would be for the Four-Cylinder Compacts as it would be 13-year-old Chris Casey and 14-year-old Rheanna Doberstein leading the field to the green. However it would be 14-year-old Ryan Andras who would lead the first lap before Casey regrouped and overtook Andras on lap five and from there, the Williamsburg, Michigan driver in his Wilson Plumbing Mercury would score his first career Feature triumph.
Doberstein finished second as 16-year-old Cara Nevereth and Andras rounded out the field. Casey would also win the lone Heat Race as Doberstein took the honors of Best Appearing Car for Opening Night 2012.
The Street Stocks rolled out next for their Feature as it would be Dan Klinglesmith and Rookie Jason Halcomb starting on the front row. Klinglesmith would lead the first three laps before Bob Green took over the point and from there the Fife Lake, Michigan veteran in his Olson’s Auto Body Chevrolet would fight off a hard-charging Tim Tabaczka to score the Feature Win to add to winning the Best Appearing Car Award he won earlier in the evening.
Tabaczka finished second but was disqualified in post-race tech, giving the runner-up spot to 17-year-old rookie James Clem. Mark Phillips inherited third while Klinglesmith and 17-year-old Andy Nickerson III would finish off the top five. Clem and Green would pick up the Heat Race triumphs.
The Four-Cylinders Warriors were up next and the front row consisted of Mark Nienhouse and Rookie Andrew Austin sitting on the front row. Nienhouse would make short work of the field as the Traverse City, Michigan driver in his Brickyard Towing Dodge would walk away with the Feature victory in convincing fashion.
16-year-old John Edingfield, who earlier in the night won the Best Appearing Car Award finished second with Rookie Jim Durga third. 15-year-old Nick Olds was fourth while Austin rounded out the top five. Nienhouse would also win the Heat Race.
Up next would be the Cruiser Bombers and it would be Rookie David Harrington and Josh Hutchinson bringing the field to the green. Hutchinson grabbed the early lead only to lose it on lap seven to 14-year-old Jimmy Hiller. From there it was all Hiller as the 14-year-old from Kalkaska, Michigan in his Forest Area Car Company Chevrolet would fight off the advances of Defending Track Champion Emery Smith to win his first career Feature.
Smith finished second while Rookie Alicia Roszczewski was third over Hutchinson and Harrington finished off the top five. Hiller and Roszczewski would collect the Heat Race Wins.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series, the UMP Super Late Models would find Rookie Alex Beeman and Veteran Butch Strait leading the field to Chief Starter Tim Beebe’s green flag. Beeman led for the first lap until Jeremy Tulick got by on lap two. A caution the next lap took Tulick and Strait out of competition giving the lead back to Beeman. However on the restart, Brandon Thirlby, who earlier in the night won the Best Appearing Car Award, shot around the freshman to take over the top spot.
After that it was all Thirlby as the Traverse City, Michigan driver in his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars entry would bring home the Feature Win on his home track over Greg Gokey who finished second. Defending Track Champion Ben Hidy was third while Beeman and Steve Nieuwenhuis wrapped up the top five. Thirlby and former Seven-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler won the Heat Races.
The final Feature of the night would be for the UMP Modifieds as Veteran John McCaul and Defending Track Champion Joe Rokos sat on the front row. McCaul grabbed the early lead while Rokos was busy fending off the advances of a hard-charging Collin Thirlby who came into the weekend seventh in the Nation in the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series points chase.
While Rokos and Thirlby were battling, McCaul would slowly pull away and in the end, the Montague, Michigan veteran in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecars machine would score the Feature Win. Rokos finished second over Best Appearing Car Award Winner Thirlby. Tony Gokey was fourth as Paul Johnson would wrap up the top five. McCaul and Rokos won the Heat Races.
This Friday, May 25th, kick off the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend celebration at Cherry Raceway with the first of four appearances by the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints. They’ll be joined by the UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts. The UMP Super Late Models will have the night of.
Ticket Prices for Friday, May 25th are: Adults (13-59): $12.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $9.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. On Friday nights throughout the 2012 racing season, the Pit Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 6:00p.m. Practice also Starts at 6:00p.m., and then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins at 7:15p.m.
Coming up on a special Saturday night, June 2nd, the hi-flying Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP will come to town for a rare Saturday night event in Fife Lake, Michigan. The Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts will also be a part of this very special event.
Cherry Raceway is located at: 8649 East M-113 in Fife Lake, Michigan. For more information, please call: 1 (231) 468-1477. Don’t forget to check out the track website at: www.cherryraceway.com You can also follow us on Facebook by going to: www.facebook.com/cherryraceway and clicking on the “Like” button as well as on Twitter by going to: www.twitter.com/cherryraceway
The first Feature of the night would be for the Four-Cylinder Compacts as it would be 13-year-old Chris Casey and 14-year-old Rheanna Doberstein leading the field to the green. However it would be 14-year-old Ryan Andras who would lead the first lap before Casey regrouped and overtook Andras on lap five and from there, the Williamsburg, Michigan driver in his Wilson Plumbing Mercury would score his first career Feature triumph.
Doberstein finished second as 16-year-old Cara Nevereth and Andras rounded out the field. Casey would also win the lone Heat Race as Doberstein took the honors of Best Appearing Car for Opening Night 2012.
The Street Stocks rolled out next for their Feature as it would be Dan Klinglesmith and Rookie Jason Halcomb starting on the front row. Klinglesmith would lead the first three laps before Bob Green took over the point and from there the Fife Lake, Michigan veteran in his Olson’s Auto Body Chevrolet would fight off a hard-charging Tim Tabaczka to score the Feature Win to add to winning the Best Appearing Car Award he won earlier in the evening.
Tabaczka finished second but was disqualified in post-race tech, giving the runner-up spot to 17-year-old rookie James Clem. Mark Phillips inherited third while Klinglesmith and 17-year-old Andy Nickerson III would finish off the top five. Clem and Green would pick up the Heat Race triumphs.
The Four-Cylinders Warriors were up next and the front row consisted of Mark Nienhouse and Rookie Andrew Austin sitting on the front row. Nienhouse would make short work of the field as the Traverse City, Michigan driver in his Brickyard Towing Dodge would walk away with the Feature victory in convincing fashion.
16-year-old John Edingfield, who earlier in the night won the Best Appearing Car Award finished second with Rookie Jim Durga third. 15-year-old Nick Olds was fourth while Austin rounded out the top five. Nienhouse would also win the Heat Race.
Up next would be the Cruiser Bombers and it would be Rookie David Harrington and Josh Hutchinson bringing the field to the green. Hutchinson grabbed the early lead only to lose it on lap seven to 14-year-old Jimmy Hiller. From there it was all Hiller as the 14-year-old from Kalkaska, Michigan in his Forest Area Car Company Chevrolet would fight off the advances of Defending Track Champion Emery Smith to win his first career Feature.
Smith finished second while Rookie Alicia Roszczewski was third over Hutchinson and Harrington finished off the top five. Hiller and Roszczewski would collect the Heat Race Wins.
The premier division within the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series, the UMP Super Late Models would find Rookie Alex Beeman and Veteran Butch Strait leading the field to Chief Starter Tim Beebe’s green flag. Beeman led for the first lap until Jeremy Tulick got by on lap two. A caution the next lap took Tulick and Strait out of competition giving the lead back to Beeman. However on the restart, Brandon Thirlby, who earlier in the night won the Best Appearing Car Award, shot around the freshman to take over the top spot.
After that it was all Thirlby as the Traverse City, Michigan driver in his Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt Racecars entry would bring home the Feature Win on his home track over Greg Gokey who finished second. Defending Track Champion Ben Hidy was third while Beeman and Steve Nieuwenhuis wrapped up the top five. Thirlby and former Seven-Time Track Champion Eric Spangler won the Heat Races.
The final Feature of the night would be for the UMP Modifieds as Veteran John McCaul and Defending Track Champion Joe Rokos sat on the front row. McCaul grabbed the early lead while Rokos was busy fending off the advances of a hard-charging Collin Thirlby who came into the weekend seventh in the Nation in the UMP DIRTcar Racing Series points chase.
While Rokos and Thirlby were battling, McCaul would slowly pull away and in the end, the Montague, Michigan veteran in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecars machine would score the Feature Win. Rokos finished second over Best Appearing Car Award Winner Thirlby. Tony Gokey was fourth as Paul Johnson would wrap up the top five. McCaul and Rokos won the Heat Races.
This Friday, May 25th, kick off the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend celebration at Cherry Raceway with the first of four appearances by the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints. They’ll be joined by the UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts. The UMP Super Late Models will have the night of.
Ticket Prices for Friday, May 25th are: Adults (13-59): $12.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $9.00 – Children (6-12) $6.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00. On Friday nights throughout the 2012 racing season, the Pit Gates Open at 5:00p.m. Grandstand Gates Open at 6:00p.m. Practice also Starts at 6:00p.m., and then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing Begins at 7:15p.m.
Coming up on a special Saturday night, June 2nd, the hi-flying Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt Presented by ARP will come to town for a rare Saturday night event in Fife Lake, Michigan. The Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts will also be a part of this very special event.
Cherry Raceway is located at: 8649 East M-113 in Fife Lake, Michigan. For more information, please call: 1 (231) 468-1477. Don’t forget to check out the track website at: www.cherryraceway.com You can also follow us on Facebook by going to: www.facebook.com/cherryraceway and clicking on the “Like” button as well as on Twitter by going to: www.twitter.com/cherryraceway
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Third Annual Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Night to take place at Berlin Raceway June 30
RacingAwareness.com and Berlin Raceway are excited to announce the date and details of the third-annual RacingAwareness.com Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Night presented by Keith Alexis, agent for State Farm Insurance. RacingAwarenss.com and Berlin Raceway have once again partnered to host patients, both past and present, as well as families and staff of the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Berlin on Saturday, June 30, 2012. This special event has been a highlight of both the RA and Berlin schedules since 2010 and has entertained over 2,000 people associated with HDVCH over the past two years. The 2012 event will be no exception and is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
"This is always such a special night when we can bring the kids to the track and provide them with the opportunity to have fun. We have a great relationship with both the track and the hospital, and this promises to be another wonderful event," said Jeff Striegle, President of RacingAwarness.com.
Berlin Raceway General Manager Mike Bursley added, "supporting our community is something we feel very strongly about. Partnering with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and RacingAwreness.com gives us that opportunity. We have the chance to host children and their families and raise money in support of a very necessary West Michigan based facility."
The RacingAwareness.com Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Night presented by Keith Alexis, agent for State Farm Insurance.
-Saturday June 30, 2012
-Divisions in action - Coors Light Super Late Models, Engine Pro Super -Stocks, Model Coverall Modifieds, Kerkstra Services Sportsman and the -Burnips Equipment 4 Cylinders
-Racing begins at 7:00 pm
-All seats are general admission. $12 for adults and children 11 years and under are free.
-The evening's highlight is expected to be the presentation of the check (from Keith Alexis, agent for State Farm Insurance, Berlin Raceway and funds raised through RA merchandise sales and a raffle to be held) to HDVCH.
-Children associated with HDVCH attending the race may have opportunities to meet the drivers, take pace car rides, wave the green flag and deliver the command.
Established in March of 2010, RacingAwareness.com is a Michigan based 501 c3 nonprofit charity based in Grand Rapids Michigan raising awareness and funds in support of HDVCH. To date, more than $80,000 has been raised by RacingAwareness.com supporting programs and services provided by Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation.
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes nearly 200 pediatric physicians with specialized training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 50 pediatric specialties and programs.
In its 62nd year of operation, Berlin Raceway has played host to some of the biggest names in stock car racing. Its rich tradition of quality racing has positioned Berlin Raceway as one of the country's top short tracks throughout its storied history.
For additional information regarding RacingAwareness.com visit
www.racingawareness.com, on Facebook, search RacingAwareness.com supporting Helen DeVos Children's Hospital or contact at
talktous@racingawareness.com
"This is always such a special night when we can bring the kids to the track and provide them with the opportunity to have fun. We have a great relationship with both the track and the hospital, and this promises to be another wonderful event," said Jeff Striegle, President of RacingAwarness.com.
Berlin Raceway General Manager Mike Bursley added, "supporting our community is something we feel very strongly about. Partnering with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and RacingAwreness.com gives us that opportunity. We have the chance to host children and their families and raise money in support of a very necessary West Michigan based facility."
The RacingAwareness.com Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Night presented by Keith Alexis, agent for State Farm Insurance.
-Saturday June 30, 2012
-Divisions in action - Coors Light Super Late Models, Engine Pro Super -Stocks, Model Coverall Modifieds, Kerkstra Services Sportsman and the -Burnips Equipment 4 Cylinders
-Racing begins at 7:00 pm
-All seats are general admission. $12 for adults and children 11 years and under are free.
-The evening's highlight is expected to be the presentation of the check (from Keith Alexis, agent for State Farm Insurance, Berlin Raceway and funds raised through RA merchandise sales and a raffle to be held) to HDVCH.
-Children associated with HDVCH attending the race may have opportunities to meet the drivers, take pace car rides, wave the green flag and deliver the command.
Established in March of 2010, RacingAwareness.com is a Michigan based 501 c3 nonprofit charity based in Grand Rapids Michigan raising awareness and funds in support of HDVCH. To date, more than $80,000 has been raised by RacingAwareness.com supporting programs and services provided by Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation.
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes nearly 200 pediatric physicians with specialized training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 50 pediatric specialties and programs.
In its 62nd year of operation, Berlin Raceway has played host to some of the biggest names in stock car racing. Its rich tradition of quality racing has positioned Berlin Raceway as one of the country's top short tracks throughout its storied history.
For additional information regarding RacingAwareness.com visit
www.racingawareness.com, on Facebook, search RacingAwareness.com supporting Helen DeVos Children's Hospital or contact at
talktous@racingawareness.com
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
15-Year-Old Comes Up Just Short of ARCA/CRA Super Series Victory
15-Year-Old Comes Up Just Short of ARCA/CRA Super Series Victory
51 Sports PR
It is a rare thing to be pleased with coming in second place, but for 15-year old Erik Jones, that disappointment was replaced this weekend at Michigan’s Berlin Raceway when he put on an outstanding battle with short track legend, Brian Campbell.
The Byron, Michigan native qualified sixth out of the 43 cars that came out to Berlin Raceway on Saturday May 12 for the ARCA/CRA Super Series event. Jones found a comfortable pace running fourth for the first 70 laps. As the race heated up, cautions came out and the double file restarts opened the opportunity to hook up with the leader. On lap 110, Jones brought the crowd to their feet cheering, as he jumped to the high side and took the lead away from Campbell. Jones led for one lap before Campbell reclaimed the lead. With the checkered flag in sight, the two drivers were door to door. Jones made one last daring dive to the inside of Campbell, going through the grass sideways out of turn four, straightened out the car and then finished a mere .692 seconds behind Campbell. Although the young gun didn’t hit the finish line first, he emerged from his car with a huge smile on his face.
“We had a really good car going into the race, thanks to Scott (Hantz, crew chief) and the crew,” proclaimed Jones. “For the first 70 laps we were just running laps saving tires. The plan was to get in third and ride around with Campbell. After a restart towards the end he slowed up a bit and we were able to take him on the high side. He was a little bit better on the short runs and we were a little better on the long runs, but with cautions we didn’t get our opportunity. It was a really fun race racing hard and clean like that. I’m really looking forward to trying again at the Rowdy (NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s signature event at Berlin in June).”
This was Jones’ second ARCA/CRA Super Series appearance for the 2012 season. He has been filling his time behind the wheel of a Venturini Motorsports ARCA Racing Series car and his JEGS/CRA All-Star Tour car. Next on the schedule will be the ARCA Menards 200 race at Toledo Speedway on May 20. This race will be Jones’ first race broadcast on SPEED and his last as a 15-year old, since his birthday will follow the week after.
Erik Jones and his #4 Chevrolet Impala are accompanied with an unparalleled pit crew that consists of: Scott Hantz, Branden Lines, Adam Chase, and Barry Bramblett. As well as the finest sponsorships from Paragon Corvette Reproductions, McGunnegil Engine Performance, CG Financial, Simpson Race Products, and Penske Race Shocks, Fram/Autolite, and Power Balance.
To learn more about Erik Jones Racing check out www.erikjonesracing.com, follow him on Twitter @erik_jones, and “Like” him on Facebook. For more media information please contact Stephanie Bigelow, sbigelow@erikjonesracing.com or Elgin Traylor at 51 Sports, elgin@51sports.net.
51 Sports PR
It is a rare thing to be pleased with coming in second place, but for 15-year old Erik Jones, that disappointment was replaced this weekend at Michigan’s Berlin Raceway when he put on an outstanding battle with short track legend, Brian Campbell.
The Byron, Michigan native qualified sixth out of the 43 cars that came out to Berlin Raceway on Saturday May 12 for the ARCA/CRA Super Series event. Jones found a comfortable pace running fourth for the first 70 laps. As the race heated up, cautions came out and the double file restarts opened the opportunity to hook up with the leader. On lap 110, Jones brought the crowd to their feet cheering, as he jumped to the high side and took the lead away from Campbell. Jones led for one lap before Campbell reclaimed the lead. With the checkered flag in sight, the two drivers were door to door. Jones made one last daring dive to the inside of Campbell, going through the grass sideways out of turn four, straightened out the car and then finished a mere .692 seconds behind Campbell. Although the young gun didn’t hit the finish line first, he emerged from his car with a huge smile on his face.
“We had a really good car going into the race, thanks to Scott (Hantz, crew chief) and the crew,” proclaimed Jones. “For the first 70 laps we were just running laps saving tires. The plan was to get in third and ride around with Campbell. After a restart towards the end he slowed up a bit and we were able to take him on the high side. He was a little bit better on the short runs and we were a little better on the long runs, but with cautions we didn’t get our opportunity. It was a really fun race racing hard and clean like that. I’m really looking forward to trying again at the Rowdy (NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s signature event at Berlin in June).”
This was Jones’ second ARCA/CRA Super Series appearance for the 2012 season. He has been filling his time behind the wheel of a Venturini Motorsports ARCA Racing Series car and his JEGS/CRA All-Star Tour car. Next on the schedule will be the ARCA Menards 200 race at Toledo Speedway on May 20. This race will be Jones’ first race broadcast on SPEED and his last as a 15-year old, since his birthday will follow the week after.
Erik Jones and his #4 Chevrolet Impala are accompanied with an unparalleled pit crew that consists of: Scott Hantz, Branden Lines, Adam Chase, and Barry Bramblett. As well as the finest sponsorships from Paragon Corvette Reproductions, McGunnegil Engine Performance, CG Financial, Simpson Race Products, and Penske Race Shocks, Fram/Autolite, and Power Balance.
To learn more about Erik Jones Racing check out www.erikjonesracing.com, follow him on Twitter @erik_jones, and “Like” him on Facebook. For more media information please contact Stephanie Bigelow, sbigelow@erikjonesracing.com or Elgin Traylor at 51 Sports, elgin@51sports.net.
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