When people think Traverse City, they generally think about getting away from work. A vacation up north where they might do some boating, some skiing or some time at the beach or on the dunes. Another thing that people generally think of are Cherries.
Traverse City is considered the Cherry Capital of the World and therefore its no surprise that the local short track is named “Cherry Raceway”.
Owned and operated by Jim Coil, Cherry Raceway is one of the north's finest short track facilities and features some of the best dirt track racing in Michigan.
Talking to Jim, he expressed a lot of optimism towards the 2009 racing season, “We're going to have a good year. Talking with the fans, advertisers and just a feeling that this will be a really good season at Cherry.”
The economy is tough all over Michigan, and while that might help some of the southern tracks, some worry that a track located in a vacation area might be adversely effected, but Jim is confident in his fans and his drivers. “Our guys always find a way to come through for the fans. The fans know that and they appreciate it.”
Helping the driver's is one of the reason's Coil went with UMP sanctioning at Cherry for the 2009 season. When tracks have different rules, it costs the drivers money. Going to common rules and running common tires will make it possible for more folks to give Cherry a try and will let those hometown heroes test their mettle at some of the down state tracks.
For the fans, one rule change which is going to liven up the action is the elimination of qualifying. “No more locked in positions” said Coil.
Cherry Raceway is working on some special promotions this year, Jim isn't one to rock the boat too much, but there are going to be interviews of the drivers with some of the local radio personalities and that should be good for them as well as the fans.
Coil is back running the track after a couple of years of the track under Al Lardie. He emphasized that Cherry Raceway is a family oriented place, the atmosphere is family centered. Drivers know it, They are a good group of guys. There should be NO concern about what your kids will see or hear at the track.
He also wanted to send a message to his drivers, “They are going to all be treated fairly! Everyone knows me pretty well, I have no secrets”. Coil has a taken many rolls in the racing community. He has been involved in several race teams, is a former driver, and of course running the track.
While Jim doesn't have an favorites at the track, he does admire guys who drive like NASCAR's Tim Richmond or Northern Michigan's own Mike Eddy.
Every race weekend is important at Cherry Raceway, but one of the highlight events for the 2009 season is the arrival of the SOD Sprints.
A little teaser is that the Head Announcer this season is Rebecca Pruyne. Yup, he's a LADY. Her side kick is a gentleman. She is a long time race fan...knows the drivers. Her husband owns the safety team there at Cherry Raceway. She is a fantastic singer and an EMT as well which is good to have in the stands as far as Jim is concerned.
Racing is Friday nights for Cherry Raceway. Gates open at 615pm. Racing starts at 715pm.
