Berlin announces 2008 Hall of Fame nominations

April 9, 2008

MARNE, MI - Two former racers and an engine builder will join 12 returning nominees to be considered for 2008 induction into the Berlin Raceway Hall of Fame presented by Boyne Machine Company. New to the nominee list are former drivers Bruce Vanderlaan and Glen Rocky and engine builder Mike Briggs.

They take the spots vacated last fall when racers Ralph Baker and Gail Cobb and flagman Jimmy Meyer became the third class inducted into the Hall of Fame. Joining Vanderlaan, Rocky and Briggs on the ballot this season are Ray Baker, Dick Carter, Ed Howe, Duane Knoll, Jimmy Nelson, Bill Ponstein, Johnny Roberts, Robert "Smokey" Steele, AJ Stehouwer, Eddie Vanderlaan, Gordy Vanderlaan and Bill Wiltse. These 15 people will be voted on by the public over the course of the 2008 season, and up to three of them will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Boyne at Berlin race on September 13.

This fall's inductees will join the nine members who have been inducted to date: 2005 inductees Chester and Rose Mysliwiec, Charles Mysliwiec and Richard Mysliwiec (track co-founders); 2006 inductees John Benson Sr. (racer), Bob Knight (racer) and Harry Obie (car owner); and 2007 inductees Baker, Cobb and Meyer.

The Berlin Raceway Hall of Fame presented by Boyne Machine Co. was created as a means to permanently immortalize its greatest drivers and contributors. Its mission is to preserve the rich history and heritage of Berlin Raceway by recognizing and honoring outstanding individuals who have made significant accomplishments in and contributions to the sport of auto racing at Berlin Raceway. Inductees are commemorated with high-quality engraved bronze plaques permanently placed on a concrete "Hall of Fame" wall outside Turn 1 at the track.

The nominees were selected from submissions made by Berlin Raceway fans. The selection committee narrowed the list down to 15 names, among them drivers, track employees, car owners and engine and chassis builders.

Drivers must have been retired from the sport of race car driving for a minimum of five years and must have achieved significant accomplishments on the track at Berlin Raceway. Lifetime Achievement candidates must have a minimum of 20 years service to auto racing at Berlin Raceway and must have made a considerable impact upon Berlin Raceway.

Starting tomorrow, fans can vote for their top three choices online at www.berlinraceway.com. Fans may also vote via ballot in the raceday program during races. Deadline for voting is August 16. To be inducted, a nominee must be listed on at least two thirds of the ballots. The top three qualified vote-getters will be inducted.

The 2008 Berlin Raceway Hall of Fame nominees are listed here.

Ballots, nomination forms, complete eligibility criteria and selection procedures are available online also.