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The second rain out of the young season for Berlin Raceway on Saturday night left track staff, crews, and drivers with the night free. This time they had an advance notice with which to plan their evening, and with some clear skies in the area in the afternoon options on the day before Mother’s Day were more plentiful.

By the time I talked to Larry Bush, the track Chaplain and pastor of Fast Track Ministries, he was spending the afternoon working on some drywalling in the basement with his son. Earlier, at about 10 a.m., he and his wife Marilyn, who hands out transponders to the drivers as well as running the payout window, reported for work at the track where drivers had started to arrive. “Based on the weather at the time, as well as up to the moment radar images and a lot of consultation, Mike (Blackmer; Berlin owner) made the hard call to cancel.” Larry said.

So let's look forward a bit. There will be an open practice on Wednesday May 13th, from 4-9 p.m. The  gates will open at 3 p.m. That will be leading up to Saturday’s Modified Madness with USA Modifieds, Prostocks, and 4cylinders taking the track along with a Modified’s autograph session. It promises to be a screaming evening. A week later it’s already time for the Budweiser Spring Championship.

Mike Blackmer and Wolverine Power Systems recently announced that Wolverine will sponsor the ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Berlin Raceway on July 25th. The 200 lap event is race number 13 on the ARCA national campaign.

USA Modifieds have partnered together with the track to create the ‘Berlin Open Wheel Challenge’. Four USA Modified dates have been scheduled at Berlin for 2009, including May 16, July 4, and September 11 and 12. These four events will have their own points system, as well as counting towards the season long USA championship battle. The champion will be crowned on Saturday night September 12, and will receive a handsome $1,500 bonus as well as a brand new Demon Carburetor. Second place will earn $600, and third $400.

In news that is sure to generate fan interest and involvement, we can now feel the rush as we ride around the track at full speed in a specially designed ‘two seat’ racecar.  Choose a driver and hold on tight!  Cost is $100 per ride (must be 14 years or older, pit pass purchase required). Interesed folks can call Kevin at 616-662-2051 or E-Mail for booking information today!

After rain washed away the races a couple of weeks ago, the weather cooperated and a great crowd was on hand last week to witness a thrilling night of racing.  As previously reported, Dan Reimersma took the checkers in the Burnips Equipment 4-Cylinder division, Brian Tillema was victorious in the Kerkstra Services Pro Stock, and Warren Speet visited Victory Lane after a 75-lap Engine Pro Super Stock race.

I emailed Rob Vander Sloot of Thomas Racing, along with several others from the Michigan racing scene, to ask what the cancelation did to their family’s evening. The responses varied  in content, but Rob’s comments were a good example: “My wife Jane and I had a very busy week and were looking forward to  hitting the track tonight (Saturday) to relax. Around noon when the  sun came out, we were discussing whether or not to go out and buy ear protection for our 3-year old daughter, Laura, so that she could come with us to see Uncle Tom and Uncle Scott race for the first time. Before we'd made up our minds, my Mom called with the bad news about Berlin's cancellation. We were pretty bummed and felt that the cancellation might be premature.

With our night opened up, we decided to check out the new Sonic drive-in restaurant. When we got there, the line looked like a full field line-up - 12 cars deep, 2 cars wide. A half hour later, we had our food and Laura still had a first - her first meal at a car hop. Right now (9 p.m.), I'm catching up on my email with the cup race on in the background.”

Good story right; It’s got two Moms, a three year old daughter who wants to see her uncles race, a family’s love of short track Berlin style racing, the disappointment of a rain out with just a hint of good natured questioning, a happy ending 12 cars deep, 2 cars wide, a first meal at a car hop (only in America), and a classic like Mark Martin not bringing up the rear.

m.m.