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An overcast Saturday with the threat of rain on the horizon set the scene for Berlin fans, teams and staff to open their hearts for one of their own. It was announced, the day before, that  Ryan and April Hamm's daughter Ashlyn, born premature on November the twelfth at twenty-three weeks,  had lost her battle against chronic lung decease. The “23 Week Miracle” t-shirts had been worn around the pits from the beginning of the season. Berlin’s racing family was well aware of the situation when the sad news came. Ryan is the driver  of 4 cylinder No. 7 .

With rain imminent on radar and qualifying and heats done,  Ryan was given the Stars and Stripes and sent out to circle the track during the National Anthem; an honor usually reserved for the fast qualifier. What came next showed that race fans and promoters have their priorities straight. Instead of aggressively pushing the schedule to get in as much racing as possible before rain hit, Berlin staff and 4 cylinder drivers spread out through the stands and pits with helmets in hand, accepting donations for Ryan and April. Ashlynn’s Grandfather Jamie said, “The kids met here and Ryan proposed to April on the infield tower deck. The community helped them get through a lot lately and now they’ll help them grieve and heal here. That’s what Berlin means to us.”

Racing had a hard time starting as small rain showers would interrupt shootouts or scuff sessions, bringing out safety vehicles, wreckers and even 4 cylinders to dry it out. Finally it stopped the Kerkstra Pro Stock feature just before half way. Kevin Degood’s No. 7 was doing well out front but didn’t have enough laps in to give him a win. That race and the features of Coors Light Late Models, Burnip’s 4 Cylinders, and the Young Guns will be run as double features on their next night of racing.

While cars were red flagged fans hung in there and cheered when Detriot Redwings updates of 1-0 and then 5-0 were announced, or they danced in the drizzle to music on the PA. Teams rushed out to the track with covers, then rushed them off to race again. Cars were ordered to the scales at one point then held, while emergency services were administered to a fan in the stands by Berlin Safety staff. Each time things would get going God intervened.

Mike Blackmer deserves credit for his choice to help the Hamm's in their hour of need.

With Kyle Busch in the Rowdy 125’  CRA Super Series event and Johnny Benson Jr.’s Outlaw Late Model in the Tech Financial 100’ both coming this Wednesday,  Blackmer knows better days are ahead for attendance. Festival is going on in Grand Rapids while the Redwings play for the Stanley Cup and the NBA playoffs occur on a rainy day. The fans still came out to support Berlin and along with Mike’s help were able to support the Hamm's.

All the staff of the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene as well as the Michigan Circle Track family of web sites wish to offer our sincere condolences to Ryan and April Hamm and their family.


Note: Ryan and April Hamm wished to thank Mike Blackmer and all the staff of Berlin Raceway, as well as the teams and fans who have given so generously. They ask that any donations go to the March of Dimes in Ashlynn’s name.

A Special thanks go to the Helen Devos Neonatal Unit, it’s Doctors and Nurses, for their  “23 Week Miracle”