From Berlin
Marne, MI – Due to inclement weather that has plagued the past two years of operation for track owner Mike Blackmer, the track’s 60th Anniversary championship night has been moved to this Saturday night, September 18.
With the re-alignment of the schedule, NASCAR Champion Johnny Benson Jr. will be able to return home and compete at Berlin Raceway for the next two events.
Benson will first race for 100-laps this weekend in the Late Model division and try to take the $2,000-to-win prize away from regulars, including championship contenders Ross Meeuwsen, Terry VanHaitsma and Chris Anthony. Shake it Up Saturday presented by Van Andel Propane will also feature the touring ASA Late Model Series for 100-laps and final point events for the Engine Pro Super Stocks, Kerkstra Services Pro Stocks and Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinders. Tickets for adults are $13.00, seniors 60+ $11.00, kids 6-12 $5.00 and 5-under free.
The Great Lakes Outlaw Late Model Series, which has raced at Berlin one time already in 2010, was scheduled to make a return visit this weekend. Due to the rainy weather and forced postponement of championship night, Berlin is looking to reschedule the canceled Great Lakes Outlaw Late Model Series event with a special show on October 9.
The annual Open Wheel Showdown, presented by Engine Pro, is scheduled for September 25 and is a clear favorite amongst area fans, who flock to Berlin Raceway for the huge night of the fastest racing action in the state of Michigan.
Johnny Benson Jr. has also announced his intentions to compete at the 7/16th mile oval, behind the wheel of an ISMA SuperModified. Benson, who cut his teeth on Berlin Raceway’s asphalt, will make his first attempt driving a SuperModified at Berlin since his fiery crash in June of 2009 that sidelined the driver from racing competition. Johnny has no reservations about returning to the track and is anxious to try and return to Mountain Dew victory lane.
Blackmer recently added the Must See Xtreme Sprint Series to the Open Wheels Showdown’s racing lineup, and that has made race fans across the Midwest making plans to attend. The Must See Xtreme Sprint Series features the nation’s top drivers as it is the newest and most exciting open wheel shows to tour the Midwest. The inaugural ‘Must See Racing Invitational’ will mark the tour’s final stop before the long cold winter. Being coupled with the USAC Regional Midgets, ISMA SuperModifieds and the Model Coverall Modified Championship Night; this race will surely bring out the best of the best. Tickets for adults are only $20.00, seniors $18.00, kids 6-12 $5.00 and 5-under free.
“All of us at Must See Racing are excited about becoming a part of this spectacular event at Berlin Raceway,” said Jim Hanks of the Xtreme Sprint Series. “The race fans are in for a great night of wheel to wheel, bumper to bumper close racing with the fastest short track cars on the planet.”
Fans are encouraged to make plans on attending the remaining events at Berlin Raceway which will be star studded from start to finish. More information on the remainder of the 2010 Berlin Raceway season can be found at www.berlinraceway.com or by calling 616-662-2051.