Cherry Raceway Results for Friday August 17th, 2012
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, August 17th, 2012): After a rain out last week, the gates to Cherry Raceway opened to fans and drivers who were eager to take part in the full program that was on hand on Friday night. The show was headlined by the high-powered UMP Super Late Models who returned after a four week hiatus the fastest dirt track in the “great white north”. Also on hand were the UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts.
The first main event to roll out was the Cruiser Bomber division. The field was led to green by the front row of Alicia Roszczewski and 14 year old Jimmy Hiller. Hiller would be the leader of lap number one. However on lap eight Hiller would see his car break sending home for the night. That would relinquish the lead to Charlie Woebbeking, would lead until lap twelve where he would lose control of his machine and bring the caution out. The lead would then fall to his brother Jeremiah Woebbeking who would go on to pick up the win.
Woebbeking would take his The Raschi Exteriors / Pontiac Trans Am #94 to the winners circle for his first ever racing victory for the Kingsley, Michigan driver. John McCaul Jr. was second, Alicia Roszczewski was third, Roger McQueen, and Charlie Woebbeking completed the top five. Jimmy Hiller won the lone heat event.
The next feature out was the 15-lap Four-Cylinder Compact’s main event. The front row consisted of Ryan Andras, and defending track champion Autumn Beeman who led the field out to the green. Beeman would manage to lead the opening lap. However a few laps into it Chris Casey would manage to get around Beeman and go on to pick up the win.
This would be the sixth win of the year for the Wilson Plumbing / Mercury XR7 Cougar, and its Williamsburg, Michigan driver who finished ahead of Dalton Bouscher who was second, Beeman would have to settle for third, with Dylan Roush, and Andras making up the top five. Casey won the heat.
The Four-Cylinder Warrior class was out next for a 15-lap feature. The front would see the presence of Andrew Austin and Nick Olds who would have the pleasure of bringing the field to the start. Early on it would be John Edingfield fighting his way to the front and taking the lead. He would a challenge from Austin about halfway through the event, but with Austin getting involved in a caution, the 16 year old would have no problems finishing the start/finish line in first.
The driver from Traverse, City Michigan in the Gene’s Auto Parts / Acura Integra would get his third win of the season. Jim Durga would have to settle for second spot, Olds was third, Austin, and Shawn Alwarden rounded out the top five. The heats went to Austin, and Durga
It was then time for the 20-lap UMP Super Late Model main event. It would be Brandon Thirlby and Greg Gokey leading the field to chief starter Tim Beebe’s green flag. Thirlby would jump right out front taking the early advantage. Gokey would do everything he could to try and challenge for the top spot, but Thirlby would have no issues as he went on to get the victory.
This was the sixth win of the year for the Thirlby Automotive / Mastersbilt racecars #m14 Traverse City, Michigan native as he got the win over Greg Gokey who finished in the runner up position. Charlie Liggett came home in third while Steve Zakrajsek, and Brett Chalker rounded out the top five. Jeff Hubbard, and Thirlby picked up the heat wins.
The Street Stocks were next and they went at it in a 20-lap main event. Dan Hersey and Mark Phillips made up the front row. However taking the early would be Tim Tabaczka as he would lead the opening lap. Despite many efforts, he would not be denied the trip to victory lane.
Tabackza would take his Parkville Auto / Chevrolet Monte Carlo #45t to the winners circle for the Manistee, Michigan native’s third time this season. He was followed by T.J. Erickson who took second, Bob Green settled for third, with Kevin Newberry, and Hersey capping off the top five finishers. Tabaczka, and James Clem got the heat race victories.
The Final event of the night was courtesy of the UMP Modifieds for their 20-lap A-main. The field was led to green by Joe Rokos and Dennis Taghon. It would be Taghon leading lap 1. However he would not stop John McCaul as he would charge through the front of the field and take the lead on lap 4. There was no stopping the Montague, Michigan driver as he would go on to the checkered flag.
This was the eighth trip to the Engine Pro winners circle for the Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecar #27. Finishing in the runner up spot was Dennis Taghon, Joe Rokos was third, with Larry Cade, and Paul Johnson finishing off the top five. McCaul, and Rokos won the heats.
This Friday August 24th, will mark the second and final appearance of the fire breathing winged warriors of the Engine Pro ASCS Sprints On Dirt, who will be making the haul back to their favorite track during the 2011 season, the Cherry Raceway. Joining them will be the Street Stocks, Curiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts.
Ticket Prices for Friday August 24th are: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12): $5.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00.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 approximately 7:15p.m.
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
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Northeastern Legend Danny Johnson Scores Super DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds Series 100-Lap Feature Win At I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, Michigan (Tuesday, August 7th, 2012): The superstars of Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada, the high-powered Big Block Modifieds Super DIRTcar Series made their first ever appearance in the state of Michigan on the famed 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval of I-96 Speedway, located east of Grand Rapids and West of Lansing in Lake Odessa, Michigan on a special Tuesday night, August 7th.
The first Feature of the night and the first feature on the 1/2 mile since Memorial Day Monday in 2011 would be the 15-lap main which served as the Pro Stocks / Pro Trucks Invitational and the front row would be a pair of regulars in the Rudd's Septic Service UMP Street Stocks on Saturday nights, Defending Track Champion Bill Brandt Jr., and Current Points Leader Josh Frye lead the 15-car/truck field to Chief Starter Brett Farmer's green flag.
Frye would lead lap one while Brandt Jr., had a pair of Pro Trucks on his back bumper as Carl Thayer and Brad Roberts were on his back bumper. One of the hardest crashes of the evening occurred on lap four as the second through fourth place machines of Roberts, Brandt Jr., and 2010 UMP Street Stocks Track Champion Gary Vandermark all slammed the turn four wall. All three were ok but done for the evening.
Throughout the event, Frye would be up to the challenge of taking on the Pro Stocks & Pro Trucks invaders as the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction / Chevrolet UMP Street Stock would fend off the hard chargers and score the big Feature Win. Dick Reynolds finished second over Jake Headley, one more UMP Street Stocks regular Ron Harper, and Mike Seaman were the top five. Mike Husted finished sixth as Luke Hubbell, Jason Playter Jr., Thayer, and Brandt Jr., wrapped up the top 10. Earlier in the Heat Races it was Vandermark and Roberts scoring those victories.
The second Feature of the night would be the 25-lap main event for the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds and it was Brian Ruhlman and John McClure leading the 20-car field to the green. At the start it would be Ruhlman beating the rest of the field to the first corner to snare the lead from the rest of the field and immediately began pulling away from the rest of the field.
Defending Track Champion and Reigning UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Michigan State Champion, Jacob Poel would climb up into second place and began slowly but surely reeling in Ruhlman who had built up a comfortable lead around the 1/2 mile. As Poel tried desperately tried to bring Ruhlman closer to him to battle it would be Ruhlman who would keep enough real estate between himself and Poel to stay out in front.
In the end, Ruhlman's #49 Malcuit Racing Engines / Rocket Chassis by Ruhlman machine would go on to lead all 20 laps to score the impressive Feature triumph over Poel who finished second. Curt Spalding would come home third ahead of J.R. Hotovy while Current Points Leader Zack Olger finished off the top five. Mark Anderson was sixth as McClure, Two-Time Track Champion Todd Feutz, Jared Guinn and Tim Dalman were the final top 10. Olger, Anderson, and Ruhlman would collect the Heat Race triumphs.
Then it was time for the main event of the evening; The 100-Lap Feature for the traveling invaders of the Big Block Modifieds Super DIRTcar Series and as legendary starter, Dave Farney of Syracuse, New York waved the green flag it was Tyler Siri and Rick Scagliotta leading the field into turns one and two. Jimmy Phelps, who started third slid underneath the front row to grab the lead out of turn two and he would pass the field for the first half of the event setting a torrid pace in the process.
Four-Time Series Champion, Danny Johnson, who started fifth began chipping away at Phelps' lead and on lap 53, the legendary Empire State driver would grab the lead away using a daring three-wide pass for the top spot as he, a lapped car, and Phelps were three abreast coming out of turn four. Johnson took the lead but soon had Two-Time Defending Series Champion Matt Sheppard to deal with as Sheppard began his charge from his 10th starting spot.
However Johnson wouldn't be denied as the Rochester, New York legend in his #27j Honeoye Auto Parts / Bicknell Chassis would cross the start / finish line first to collect the $7,500 payday! Sheppard settled for second with Billy Dunn, Gary Tomkins, and Phelps completing the top five. Vince Vitale started 11th and finished sixth while Mat Williamson, Justin Haers, Rob Bellinger, and Tim Currier were the final top 10. Earlier in the evening, Britten established the Big Block Mods Track Record in Qualifying as he went an 18.531 which measures out to 97.1325mph. In the Qualifier Heat Races, Britten and Phelps would pick up the wins.
The second BIG event in just three days in Lake Odessa, Michigan features the return of the United States Auto Club (USAC) AMSOil National Sprint Cars Series on the special “Flashback Friday” (Friday, August 10th, 2012). Superstars like Five Time & Defending Series Champion Levi Jones as well as Indy 500 starter Bryan Clauson, Current Points Leader Jon Stanbrough, Veterans Dave Darland, Tracy Hines, rising superstar Kyle Larson and more take on the famed 1/2 mile in the series' first appearance at I-96 since 1996.
Joining the USAC AMSOil National Sprint Cars Series on the famed 1/2 mile will be three of the tracks weekly divisions within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series as the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds, Rudd's Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts as all three weekly classes will get the chance to conquer the historic 1/2 mile dirt oval.
For this special event the pit gates will open at 2:00pm. Grandstands will swing open at 4:00pm. Practice will start at 6:00pm., with qualifying for the USAC sprints beginning at 7:00pm. Then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing is set to begin at 7:30p.m. Get your tickets early for this event at the link below: http://www.showclix.com/event/226174
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.
The first Feature of the night and the first feature on the 1/2 mile since Memorial Day Monday in 2011 would be the 15-lap main which served as the Pro Stocks / Pro Trucks Invitational and the front row would be a pair of regulars in the Rudd's Septic Service UMP Street Stocks on Saturday nights, Defending Track Champion Bill Brandt Jr., and Current Points Leader Josh Frye lead the 15-car/truck field to Chief Starter Brett Farmer's green flag.
Frye would lead lap one while Brandt Jr., had a pair of Pro Trucks on his back bumper as Carl Thayer and Brad Roberts were on his back bumper. One of the hardest crashes of the evening occurred on lap four as the second through fourth place machines of Roberts, Brandt Jr., and 2010 UMP Street Stocks Track Champion Gary Vandermark all slammed the turn four wall. All three were ok but done for the evening.
Throughout the event, Frye would be up to the challenge of taking on the Pro Stocks & Pro Trucks invaders as the Coopersville, Michigan driver in his #44 Rhino Roofing & Construction / Chevrolet UMP Street Stock would fend off the hard chargers and score the big Feature Win. Dick Reynolds finished second over Jake Headley, one more UMP Street Stocks regular Ron Harper, and Mike Seaman were the top five. Mike Husted finished sixth as Luke Hubbell, Jason Playter Jr., Thayer, and Brandt Jr., wrapped up the top 10. Earlier in the Heat Races it was Vandermark and Roberts scoring those victories.
The second Feature of the night would be the 25-lap main event for the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds and it was Brian Ruhlman and John McClure leading the 20-car field to the green. At the start it would be Ruhlman beating the rest of the field to the first corner to snare the lead from the rest of the field and immediately began pulling away from the rest of the field.
Defending Track Champion and Reigning UMP DIRTcar Racing Series Michigan State Champion, Jacob Poel would climb up into second place and began slowly but surely reeling in Ruhlman who had built up a comfortable lead around the 1/2 mile. As Poel tried desperately tried to bring Ruhlman closer to him to battle it would be Ruhlman who would keep enough real estate between himself and Poel to stay out in front.
In the end, Ruhlman's #49 Malcuit Racing Engines / Rocket Chassis by Ruhlman machine would go on to lead all 20 laps to score the impressive Feature triumph over Poel who finished second. Curt Spalding would come home third ahead of J.R. Hotovy while Current Points Leader Zack Olger finished off the top five. Mark Anderson was sixth as McClure, Two-Time Track Champion Todd Feutz, Jared Guinn and Tim Dalman were the final top 10. Olger, Anderson, and Ruhlman would collect the Heat Race triumphs.
Then it was time for the main event of the evening; The 100-Lap Feature for the traveling invaders of the Big Block Modifieds Super DIRTcar Series and as legendary starter, Dave Farney of Syracuse, New York waved the green flag it was Tyler Siri and Rick Scagliotta leading the field into turns one and two. Jimmy Phelps, who started third slid underneath the front row to grab the lead out of turn two and he would pass the field for the first half of the event setting a torrid pace in the process.
Four-Time Series Champion, Danny Johnson, who started fifth began chipping away at Phelps' lead and on lap 53, the legendary Empire State driver would grab the lead away using a daring three-wide pass for the top spot as he, a lapped car, and Phelps were three abreast coming out of turn four. Johnson took the lead but soon had Two-Time Defending Series Champion Matt Sheppard to deal with as Sheppard began his charge from his 10th starting spot.
However Johnson wouldn't be denied as the Rochester, New York legend in his #27j Honeoye Auto Parts / Bicknell Chassis would cross the start / finish line first to collect the $7,500 payday! Sheppard settled for second with Billy Dunn, Gary Tomkins, and Phelps completing the top five. Vince Vitale started 11th and finished sixth while Mat Williamson, Justin Haers, Rob Bellinger, and Tim Currier were the final top 10. Earlier in the evening, Britten established the Big Block Mods Track Record in Qualifying as he went an 18.531 which measures out to 97.1325mph. In the Qualifier Heat Races, Britten and Phelps would pick up the wins.
The second BIG event in just three days in Lake Odessa, Michigan features the return of the United States Auto Club (USAC) AMSOil National Sprint Cars Series on the special “Flashback Friday” (Friday, August 10th, 2012). Superstars like Five Time & Defending Series Champion Levi Jones as well as Indy 500 starter Bryan Clauson, Current Points Leader Jon Stanbrough, Veterans Dave Darland, Tracy Hines, rising superstar Kyle Larson and more take on the famed 1/2 mile in the series' first appearance at I-96 since 1996.
Joining the USAC AMSOil National Sprint Cars Series on the famed 1/2 mile will be three of the tracks weekly divisions within the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar Racing Series as the Accurate Engines UMP Modifieds, Rudd's Septic Service UMP Street Stocks, and Smyrna Bar & Restaurant UMP Sport Compacts as all three weekly classes will get the chance to conquer the historic 1/2 mile dirt oval.
For this special event the pit gates will open at 2:00pm. Grandstands will swing open at 4:00pm. Practice will start at 6:00pm., with qualifying for the USAC sprints beginning at 7:00pm. Then after Pre-Race Ceremonies / Invocation / National Anthem(s), Racing is set to begin at 7:30p.m. Get your tickets early for this event at the link below: http://www.showclix.com/event/226174
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.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Berlin Raceway general manager goes from running track to winning race Saturday
By Steve Ungrey |
The Grand Rapids Press MLive.com
MARNE, MI – Mike Bursley may be in a different role this year at Berlin Raceway, but there is no question where his heart belongs.
It belongs in a car.
In just his second time in a CRA Super Series vehicle, Bursley overcame the field and won the 100-lap feature event Saturday night, capturing his first victory in at least two years. The Holland driver beat Daniel Hemric by 1.73 seconds for the title.
When asked how he did the first time in Super Series action, Bursley jokingly pleaded the Fifth Amendment. The second time turned out to be the charm.
“Big win,” Bursley said. “I wasn’t aware that Daniel was having trouble with his car toward the end. I saw him getting looser and looser and thought now is my time to overcome him. Lap traffic played a factor but once we got around that it was all right. It helped me catch up with him.
“You know, just to come out and have a good time… I wish the weather didn’t play a factor, else we would have had more butts in the seats, but it happens. The car was pretty good, and this feels pretty special.”
The win is big for Bursley, a former Super Stocks champion in 2007 who moved to the front office last fall when he was named the track’s general manager. He has been at the front of an upswing in attendance and enthusiasm this season.
“My role is completely different now, and I understand it,” Bursley said in a pre-race interview. “It was a whole new challenge for me that I welcomed. We really haven’t battled weather all season, but we’ve had phenomenal crowds in the last month. We’ve had weekly crowds of about 4,000 this year. It’s different getting back behind the wheel. Now it’s a question of whether I can last 100 laps.”
Once in the car, there was no problem at all. Bursley lasted the entire 100 laps and took the checkered.
Campbell, a Wyoming resident, has won two CRA races this season. For one night, he didn’t mind trading places as Bursley took the wheel while Campbell stood and watched.
“I tried getting him to go to Indianapolis a couple weeks ago but he didn’t want to go,” Campbell said. “Up here at Berlin, he asked me if he could get in the car and race while I was watching (from the sidelines). If there is any race he should take part in, it’s this one. With these guys and that car… we put a good car out there for him.”
Still, Campbell has gotten the question a lot this week: Why aren’t you behind the wheel?
“I’ve gotten it asked several times,” Campbell said. “But I’m all right with it. I’m just fine with him being in the vehicle this week. Bursley’s a lot better than people give him credit for… it’s like a bike. You just keep on getting on it and you always do very good.”
Mother Nature intervened and brought an early end to the night’s action following the Sportsman feature, with just 21 of the 25 laps completed.
Randy Veldman defeated Brian Tillema by 1.095 seconds for the checkered flag, with Tony Davis finishing in third. Dave Cutler and Garison Jewett rounded out the top five.
JEGS-CRA SUPER SERIES (100 laps)
1. Mike Bursley (42 minutes, 14.248 seconds), 2. Daniel Hemric, 3. Kenzie Ruston, 4. Jordan Dahlke, 5. Chris Koslek, 6. Erik Jones, 7. Brent Downey, 8. Anderson Bowen, 9. Terry VanHaitsma, 10. Brandon Hermiller, 11. Josh Nelms, 12. Josh Hobson, 13. Tom Woodin, 14. Mike Root, 15. Jerrod Foley, 16. Lauren Bush, 17. Dan Vander Molen, 18. Chad Finley, 19. Seth Moody, 20. Caleb Bisacky, 21. Jay Sommers, 22. Wes Griffith Jr., 23. Justin Regnerus.
SPORTSMAN (21 laps)
1. Randy Veldman (15:20.557), 2. Brian Tillema, 3. Tony Davis, 4. Dave Cutler, 5. Garison Jewett, 6. Allen Davis, 7. Kirk Meissner, 8. Tyler Nawrocki, 9. Brian Thome, 10. Gerry Shepard, 11. Mitch Meppelink, 12. Tyler Sterken, 13. Scott Root, 14. Nick Sherrington.
QUALIFYING
JEGS-CRA All-Stars: Daniel Hemric
Modified: Kevin DeGood
Sportsman: Tony Davis
Super Stock: Justin Ryan
Cherry See’s Six Big Winners on Mini Sprint Night
Cherry See’s Six Big Winners on Mini Sprint Night
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, August 3rd, 2012): After having last week’s program canceled due to weather, both drivers and fans were eager to see some racing action at the Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan. The show was highlighted by the third and final appearance of the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints, along with the UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and the Four-Cylinder Compacts.
The first main event of the evening was put on courtesy of the four-cylinder compacts for their 15-lap main event. It would be Chris Casey jumping out front to the early race lead, and he would never look back from there as he would go on to pick up the checkered flag as he finished first.
This would be the fifth win in 2012 for the Wilson Plumbing / Mercury XR7 Cougar driven by the 14-year old of Williamsburg, Michigan. Defending track champion Autumn Beeman was second. Ryan Andras went home in third. Dylan Rousch, and Dalton Bouscher made up the top five. Casey won the lone heat race.
It was then time for the Street Stock 15-lap A-main feature. Right after Tim Beebe’s green flag it would be James Clem jumping out with the advantage. He would then go on with no worries at all picking up the main event win.
The 17-year old Kalkaska, Michigan native would take his Clem Welding / Chevrolet Monte Carlo to victory lane for the second time this year. Allen Oyer would have to settle for second, Jeff Chalker, Andy Nickerson III, and Bob Green finished off the top five finishers. The heat race race victories went to Clem and Green.
Next up it was the Four-Cylinder Warrior divison competing in a 15-lap main event. John Edingfield would have the race lead after lap 1. He would see consistent challenge from Andrew Austin but it would be Edingfield making the trip to victory lane as the winner.
It was the 16-year olds second victory of the year in his Gene’s Auto Parts / Acura Integra from Traverse City, Michigan. Austin finished in the runner up spot, Bob Craycraft finished third, Jim Durga, and Shawn Alworden completed the top five. Austin and Durga were the heat winners.
The Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints were up next for their final of three appearances in the “Great White North” in 2012. It was Chuck Erickson leading lap 1. However about halfway through it would be Bruce Dewzelski managing to overtake the Erickson for the top spot, and go on to get the win. Bill Dunham was the runner up, Rusty Reyelts was third, Justin Ward fourth, and Mac Erickson finished off the top five. Dunham and Dewzelski won the heats.
The final main event of the evening featured action from the UMP Modified division as they fought hard in a 20-lap feature. Defending track champion Joe Rokos would be the race leader after lap number one. Rokos looked to have the race in the palm of his hand. However on lap 14 his motor would blow causing him to leave the race and give the lead to current point leader John McCaul. McCaul would then go on to finish as the winner.
This would be the seventh victory of the season for the Montague, Michigan native in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecar. Dennis Taghon settled for second, Paul Johnson third, with Davin Reckow, and Jeremy Metdepenningen rounding out the top five. Taghon, and McCaul were the heat race winners.
Next week at the Cherry Raceway on Friday August 10th it will be the first ever appearance from the Flint, Michigan based All-star Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Model tour presented by Lane Automotive. This will be the group’s first trip to the “Great White North’s” fastest dirt track. Also set to go next week are the Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts.
Ticket Prices for Friday August 10th are: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12): $5.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00.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 approximately 7:15p.m.
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
Fife Lake, Michigan (Friday, August 3rd, 2012): After having last week’s program canceled due to weather, both drivers and fans were eager to see some racing action at the Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan. The show was highlighted by the third and final appearance of the Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints, along with the UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and the Four-Cylinder Compacts.
The first main event of the evening was put on courtesy of the four-cylinder compacts for their 15-lap main event. It would be Chris Casey jumping out front to the early race lead, and he would never look back from there as he would go on to pick up the checkered flag as he finished first.
This would be the fifth win in 2012 for the Wilson Plumbing / Mercury XR7 Cougar driven by the 14-year old of Williamsburg, Michigan. Defending track champion Autumn Beeman was second. Ryan Andras went home in third. Dylan Rousch, and Dalton Bouscher made up the top five. Casey won the lone heat race.
It was then time for the Street Stock 15-lap A-main feature. Right after Tim Beebe’s green flag it would be James Clem jumping out with the advantage. He would then go on with no worries at all picking up the main event win.
The 17-year old Kalkaska, Michigan native would take his Clem Welding / Chevrolet Monte Carlo to victory lane for the second time this year. Allen Oyer would have to settle for second, Jeff Chalker, Andy Nickerson III, and Bob Green finished off the top five finishers. The heat race race victories went to Clem and Green.
Next up it was the Four-Cylinder Warrior divison competing in a 15-lap main event. John Edingfield would have the race lead after lap 1. He would see consistent challenge from Andrew Austin but it would be Edingfield making the trip to victory lane as the winner.
It was the 16-year olds second victory of the year in his Gene’s Auto Parts / Acura Integra from Traverse City, Michigan. Austin finished in the runner up spot, Bob Craycraft finished third, Jim Durga, and Shawn Alworden completed the top five. Austin and Durga were the heat winners.
The Mid-Michigan Mini Sprints were up next for their final of three appearances in the “Great White North” in 2012. It was Chuck Erickson leading lap 1. However about halfway through it would be Bruce Dewzelski managing to overtake the Erickson for the top spot, and go on to get the win. Bill Dunham was the runner up, Rusty Reyelts was third, Justin Ward fourth, and Mac Erickson finished off the top five. Dunham and Dewzelski won the heats.
The final main event of the evening featured action from the UMP Modified division as they fought hard in a 20-lap feature. Defending track champion Joe Rokos would be the race leader after lap number one. Rokos looked to have the race in the palm of his hand. However on lap 14 his motor would blow causing him to leave the race and give the lead to current point leader John McCaul. McCaul would then go on to finish as the winner.
This would be the seventh victory of the season for the Montague, Michigan native in his Stuberg Construction / Xtreme Racecar. Dennis Taghon settled for second, Paul Johnson third, with Davin Reckow, and Jeremy Metdepenningen rounding out the top five. Taghon, and McCaul were the heat race winners.
Next week at the Cherry Raceway on Friday August 10th it will be the first ever appearance from the Flint, Michigan based All-star Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Late Model tour presented by Lane Automotive. This will be the group’s first trip to the “Great White North’s” fastest dirt track. Also set to go next week are the Street Stocks, Cruiser Bombers, Four-Cylinder Warriors, and Four-Cylinder Compacts.
Ticket Prices for Friday August 10th are: Adults (13-59): $15.00 – Seniors (60 and Over): $12.00 – Children (6-12): $5.00 – Kids (5 and Under): FREE – Pit Passes: $25.00.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 approximately 7:15p.m.
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
Mike Bursley wins CRA JEGS All Stars Tour race
Marne, MI - With weather approaching, the decision was made to cut the heat races and shuffle the features around so the fans would get to see the CRA JEGS All Stars Tour. The rain held off long enough for everyone to see Mike Bursley take the checkered flag in the CRA JEGS All Stars Tour race; they also got to see Randy Veldman notch another in the win column in the Kerkstra Services Sportsman race.
The CRA JEGS All Stars Tour was up first for the 100-lap feature; #23 Chris Koslek and #101 Lauren Bush would lead the field to the stripe. Before a lap was complete, Bush spun on the backstretch in front of the field and cars were spinning off of the backstretch and across the track. Once the field was reset, Koslek got a good jump as Bush fell back to sixth. Koslek was able to break away from the field and the battle was on for second between #21 Terry VanHaitsma and #20 Mike Bursley. Bursley used the high lane to get around VanHaitsma and he had almost a two second lead to knock down. Ten laps in, the field was spread out and Koslek was just laps away from catching the field. The #54 of Daniel Hemric was looking to take second away from Bursley and he did just that as Koslek was in traffic. Lap 29 saw the first official caution of the race, the #25 of Anderson Bowen came to a stop at the top of the exit of turn 4. Koslek was able to maintain his lead on the restart, but Hemric was able to stay with him. There was a three-car breakaway on lap 35; the leaders we able to pull away from the field. After working on Koslek for a number of laps, Hemric was able to make the pass for the lead on lap 39. Bursley was looking to follow though, but Koslek wouldn't make it easy on him. They battled almost ten laps side by side before Bursley made the pass; he then began to run down Hemric who was coming up on heavy traffic. Lap 63 saw caution number two when Bush, #72 Tom Woodin and #04 Jerrod Foley got together at the exit of turn 4. This caution would allow Bursley to restart side by side with Hemric. Hemric was quick to keep the competition behind him, but with ten laps to go, Bursley was catching Hemric and they were running nose to tail. Bursley took the lead on lap 94 and he drove away from field to take the win. Hemric finished second and the rest of the top ten were #39 Kenzie Ruston, #99 Jordan Dahlke, Koslek, #4 Erik Jones, #25 Brent Downey, Bowen, VanHaitsma and #6 Brandon Hermiller.
The Kerkstra Services Sportsman 25-lap feature was up next with #18 Mitch Meppelink and #40 Dave Cutler on the front row. Cutler jumped on the lead and pulled out to almost two-seconds in front of second place while the field was racing hard behind him. The first caution of the race happened on lap 6 when Meppelink spun in turn 3. After the restart, it was #76 Brian Tillema who grabbed the lead, but just behind him were the cars of #1 Randy Veldman and #88 Tony Davis. Using the low lane, Veldman was making a run on Tillema, but it would have to wait as the caution flew on lap 16; #52 Nick Sherrington's car was smoking. Veldman took the lead on the restart and just one lap later, the caution was out again, this time for the #09 of Tyler Sterken who spun across the frontstretch. Veldman was able to pull away from the field after the restart, but on lap 21, the rain finally showed up in Marne, forcing the end of the race and of the night.
Next Saturday, August 11, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will invade Berlin Raceway and they will be joined by the Kerkstra Service Sportsman and the Vintage Racing Organization of America. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event for adults while kids 11 and under get in for free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m.
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Lisa Walker
Berlin Raceway
lwalker@berlinraceway.com
The CRA JEGS All Stars Tour was up first for the 100-lap feature; #23 Chris Koslek and #101 Lauren Bush would lead the field to the stripe. Before a lap was complete, Bush spun on the backstretch in front of the field and cars were spinning off of the backstretch and across the track. Once the field was reset, Koslek got a good jump as Bush fell back to sixth. Koslek was able to break away from the field and the battle was on for second between #21 Terry VanHaitsma and #20 Mike Bursley. Bursley used the high lane to get around VanHaitsma and he had almost a two second lead to knock down. Ten laps in, the field was spread out and Koslek was just laps away from catching the field. The #54 of Daniel Hemric was looking to take second away from Bursley and he did just that as Koslek was in traffic. Lap 29 saw the first official caution of the race, the #25 of Anderson Bowen came to a stop at the top of the exit of turn 4. Koslek was able to maintain his lead on the restart, but Hemric was able to stay with him. There was a three-car breakaway on lap 35; the leaders we able to pull away from the field. After working on Koslek for a number of laps, Hemric was able to make the pass for the lead on lap 39. Bursley was looking to follow though, but Koslek wouldn't make it easy on him. They battled almost ten laps side by side before Bursley made the pass; he then began to run down Hemric who was coming up on heavy traffic. Lap 63 saw caution number two when Bush, #72 Tom Woodin and #04 Jerrod Foley got together at the exit of turn 4. This caution would allow Bursley to restart side by side with Hemric. Hemric was quick to keep the competition behind him, but with ten laps to go, Bursley was catching Hemric and they were running nose to tail. Bursley took the lead on lap 94 and he drove away from field to take the win. Hemric finished second and the rest of the top ten were #39 Kenzie Ruston, #99 Jordan Dahlke, Koslek, #4 Erik Jones, #25 Brent Downey, Bowen, VanHaitsma and #6 Brandon Hermiller.
The Kerkstra Services Sportsman 25-lap feature was up next with #18 Mitch Meppelink and #40 Dave Cutler on the front row. Cutler jumped on the lead and pulled out to almost two-seconds in front of second place while the field was racing hard behind him. The first caution of the race happened on lap 6 when Meppelink spun in turn 3. After the restart, it was #76 Brian Tillema who grabbed the lead, but just behind him were the cars of #1 Randy Veldman and #88 Tony Davis. Using the low lane, Veldman was making a run on Tillema, but it would have to wait as the caution flew on lap 16; #52 Nick Sherrington's car was smoking. Veldman took the lead on the restart and just one lap later, the caution was out again, this time for the #09 of Tyler Sterken who spun across the frontstretch. Veldman was able to pull away from the field after the restart, but on lap 21, the rain finally showed up in Marne, forcing the end of the race and of the night.
Next Saturday, August 11, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will invade Berlin Raceway and they will be joined by the Kerkstra Service Sportsman and the Vintage Racing Organization of America. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event for adults while kids 11 and under get in for free; racing starts at 7:00 p.m.
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Lisa Walker
Berlin Raceway
lwalker@berlinraceway.com
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