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In 1950 Chester Mysliwiec and family started a racing tradition.
Berlin Raceway, as he named it, has seen it all through the
years. From its humble dirt track beginnings, Berlin Raceway,
now a 7/16 mile paved oval with 13-degree banking in the
turns and 9 degree banking on the straightaways, has grown
into one of the premier short tracks in America.
Berlin Raceway has one of the strongest fan bases for grass
roots racing in the nation. Berlin has packed in thousands
of race fans a year for over 50 years. More than 5 million
race fans have spent their Saturday nights at this legendary
track.
Not only have race fans of all ages enjoyed
the track, but drivers like Tim Steele, Jack Sprague and
Bob Senneker have
honed their driving skills on what Johnny Benson Jr. claims
as "one of the most difficult tracks in the country."
In
2001, the West Michigan Whitecaps purchased the track
and invested funds in the infrastructure, building
new
restrooms, a new sound system, new private party areas,
new catch fence
and other amenities to make Berlin Raceway not only
the premier facility in the Midwest, but also the most fan-friendly.
The
racing hasn't suffered either. With partners like NASCAR
driver Johnny Benson, Berlin Raceway has kept the racing
extremely
competitive and exciting. Celebrity drivers such as
NASCAR
stars Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Bobby Labonte,
Kenny Schrader, Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman have joined Benson
in
racing at
Berlin. The goal of Berlin Raceway is to continue to
provide exciting racing and an affordable experience in a
clean,
safe environment.
In the fall of 2008, the West Michigan
Whitecaps sold the lease of Berlin Raceway to successful
businessman
and
race team owner,
Michael Blackmer. Blackmer, who owned numerous race
teams at Berlin Raceway, Kalamazoo Speedway, ASA, CRA, and
more will
transition to track ownership in 2009. Improvements
have already been made to the tracks infield, with a brand
new make-ready
chute, tech area, and more to come.
Blackmer promoted Berlin Raceway until the end of the 2011 racing season when the leased was then purchased by DBD Ventures, led by Don Dewitt. Mike Burlsey and Kurt Dietrich will co-promote the raceway in the 2012 racing season.
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