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The 2008 season ended with one of the bigger news stories of the season: Mike Blackmer of Boyne Machine Co., had purchased Berlin Raceway.  Berlin Raceway has only ever had two other owner's in its history, so for Blackmer, this was not only a great opportunity but an honor as well.

A racer to the bone, Mike felt it was the right time for him to lead West Michigan's favorite track.

Racers and race fans alike sounded their approval by packing the stands and the pits for "Boyne at Berlin," the 2008 season-ending race that officially marked the transition from the West Michigan Whitecap's ownership group to Blackmer.  It was a positive statement by the racing community about Blackmer and the future of Berlin Raceway.

The 2009 season brings many improvements, including minor rule changes designed to save racers money by outlawing traction control, combining the Sportsman and Pro Stock divisions, and stronger enforcement of the "Spinner/Spinnee" rules.  Other refinements, like double-file restarts, are meant to bring more action to the fans. As always, safety is a top concern at Berlin Raceway, and improvements to 4-Cylinder safety requirements were ushered in with the new leadership.

Add to that a new pit road and "make ready" chute, improved teching area, aluminum grandstands with seat backs and the implementation of a new 'Young Gun' Pro-Stock division featuring 14- to 16-year-olds, and you have the recipe the new owners are cooking up for Grand Rapids and beyond.

"Everything has come together really well" said Striegle.  "We are seeing the strongest early season car registration in memory.  We just can't wait to get the ball rolling"

As president of Boyne Machine Co., and owner of Paragon Bowling Lanes, Blackmer has experience that should come in handy in providing the 'nuts and bolts' for operating a short-track. Mike understands customer relations and operating entertainment venues; he knows the importance of providing affordable entertainment.  That's one reason behind their new $12 ticket.  They wanted to show their drivers, fans and sponsors that they were committed to offering the best possible value in racing.

"With the struggling economy, nobody is sure of anything, but the management of Berlin Raceway is confident with the outlook of the West Michigan community and their continued strong support and love for auto racing," said Kevin Striegle, marketing/public Relations director for the facility.

Change isn't alwasy good, but this change is going to be great.  Michigan being the birthplace of the automobile and assembly lines, now seems to be the time innovate, diversify and upgrade. Nobody does it like Michiganders! Nobody is doing it like Berlin Raceway.

Marne, Mich., the home of the Berlin Fair and the 59-year-old paved raceway, is situated in the middle of West Michigan. The area has a rich a history of helping the 'country' overcome adversities such as war, unemployment, and economic downturns. Now in 2009, when it's needed more then ever, is when local people and visitors will make choices for local entertainment such as auto racing.

Berlin Raceway is positioning itself as the premiere short track facility in the Mid-west.  On the schedule are the USA Modifieds for four dates, the ASA Late Model Series, the CRA Super Series, the ISMA Super Modified with three races, the the Auto Value Super Sprints several times and the Port City Classic to end the year.  And don't forget about that extra special UMP Dirt Late Model race in September.  Yea Dirt..

When asked why someone who hadn't ever been to Berlin Raceway should give it a try, Striegle responded confidently, "Berlin Raceway is one of the finest short tracks in the entire country.  If you haven't experienced a race here, you haven't experienced the best yet"