June 8, 2007

MARNE, MI -- Berlin Raceway's second annual Boyne Machine-sponsored two-day September race just took another step towards becoming one of the most prestigious racing events in the Midwest. Berlin officials announced today that the traveling CRA Super Series 125 has been added to the already packed lineup, giving fans an incredible 395 laps of feature racing among the five divisions now set to compete on Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15.

The special event weekend also includes a triple-length Coors Light Late Model feature main event, double-points races for all four of Berlin's weekly racing series, School Bus Races and a Late Model Dash for Cash. The event is named the Boyne Machine 150 with CRA 125 presented by Crown Spray Power.

The CRA Super Series was originally scheduled for May 26 but was rained out. Berlin Raceway officials were planning a make-up date in August, but Boyne Machine's Mike Blackmer came forward to suggest adding the CRA event to his September weekend. Boyne Machine sweetened the deal for CRA by raising the purse from the regular pay of $3,000 to win/$450 to start all the way up to $7,500 to win/$575 to start. The Coors Light Late Model feature also pays $7,500 to win.

Blackmer, co-owner of Boyne Machine Company in Jenison and the catalyst in bringing the CRA event to the Boyne Machine race weekend, said this is the piece of the puzzle that will take the event to the next level and provide a great show for the fans.Ý"When the CRA race got rained out, I realized that this series would be a great addition to the Boyne Machine weekend and that we needed to make it happen,"ÝBlackmer said.Ý"We're really committed to making this an annual event for racers and fans alike to mark on their calendars. Last year was great for an inaugural event, butÝ adding the CRA race to the show will make the weekend a must-see event."

The CRA Super Series is a Midwestern touring series for Late Model stock cars which are stock-appearing and have 358 cubic inch engines with 9:1 compression ratio and a modified NASCAR-legal 390-cfm carburetor.Ý The series is similar to the ASA Racing Series. So similar, in fact, that on short tracks that don't require maximum horsepower, the ASA cars are compatible with the CRA rules. Without an ASA event on the schedule for September 14 and 15, officials expect several of the ASA teams to head to Marne to participate in the high-paying show.

Glenn Luckett, CRA Series Director, expressed his excitement about the rescheduled date.

"We're really excited to be invited to join the Boyne Machine weekend,"ÝLuckett said.Ý"It's already a big deal to race at Berlin Raceway, but to be included as part of the Boyne show makes it even bigger. The added purse makes it a huge event for our racers. I appreciate Boyne Machine and Berlin Raceway stepping up and making this event happen for us and I'm hopeful that it grows into something big enough that we can continue in the future."

Berlin Raceway Director of Racing Operations Mike Strevel admits he might have a problem on his hands.Ý"I don't even know where we're going to park all these race cars, we're expecting so many,"ÝStrevel said with a smile.Ý"It's a great problem to have. I'm really looking forward to this race weekend!"

Strevel said he expects the largest car count at Berlin in recent history for the Boyne/CRA event, with upwards of 130 cars (and a handful of school buses) on hand for the weekend.

The originally rescheduled CRA date of August 25 has reverted back to a weekly 4-in-1 show priced at $12 for general admission.

For more information on the CRA Super Series, please visit www.craracing.net. Ticket prices for Friday, September 14 are $12 for general admission and $30 for pit passes; tickets for Saturday, September 15 are $20 for general admission and $35 for pit passes. A two-day combo ticket costs $30 for general admission and $60 for pits. Children 6 to 12 are half price and 5 and under are free. Must be 16 to enter the pits.

Tickets may be purchased by phone to Berlin Raceway at (616) 677-5000, online at www.berlinraceway.com, in person at the Fifth Third Ballpark box office (4500 West River Drive, Comstock Park) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, or at the Berlin Raceway administrative office Monday through Friday (please call ahead for an appointment if going to Berlin's administrative office).