ARCA Nation

(MARNE, Mich. - November 22, 2011) - Berlin Raceway’s 2012 season will have a various number of changes, starting with new management.

As previously announced a group of investors led by Mr. Don Dewitt has purchased the lease from previous owner / promoter Mike Blackmer. The new ownership has recently begun assembling a new leadership team led by Mike Bursley, Kurt Dietrich and Brian Dewitt who have been working hard in establishing a new staff, new traditions and to continue the legacy of Berlin Raceway.

Bursley, 28, of Holland, MI a former track champion at Berlin Raceway was the former owner of Perfect Circle Racecars and is the current owner of Brian Campbell’s Super Late model racing team, which will be following the CRA Super Series schedule in 2012. Bursley purchased Perfect Circle Racecars in 2007 from the family of the late founder, Lee Anderson. The company has recently merged with Port City Racecars of Muskegon, MI.

“Our goal is continue the legacy of Berlin Raceway that was built by Chet Mysliwiec and his family. We have one of the premier short track facilities in the nation and our job is to bring it back to where it once was”, stated Bursley.

Dietrich, 33, of Grand Rapids is the owner of Speed Media a vehicle graphics and wrap company with deep roots in the motorsports industry. He is also a former member of Tim Steele’s racing team and has worked with drivers, Lee Anderson and Chris Anthony.

“What we look forward to doing is bringing Berlin Raceway back to a family fun entertainment venue. We are looking to build on the many improvements put into place by previous management and we have our work cut out as far as promoting the events and bringing not only the old fans out but attracting new as well, added Dietrich.

Dewitt, 42, who was on the previous Berlin staff will continue to manage the facilities of the raceway and maintain the integrity of one of the most outstanding short tracks in the USA.

One of the new traditions that we have started is beginning the season a week earlier with a later afternoon race called “ The Ice Breaker 100” which will be held on April 14th. Other featured schedule events are the Rowdy 251, featuring NASCAR start Kyle Busch as well as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards on August 11 . The new management will also bring back the ISMA modifieds and a huge end of the year event called “The Chet” Championship Weekend September 6-8.

Other notable changes will be within the Sportsman and Super Stock divisions. The Sportsman division, formerly Pro Stocks will undertake some changes to make it more of an entry level cost effective solution for racers looking to get in on the ground level. The Super Stock division will be looking to get a jumpstart on a mandatory 2013 rule change featuring the muscle car Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang bodies. Any team looking to make the change early is eligible for certain benefits in both purchasing and rule wise.

The new website has been launched and features a tentative 2012 racing schedule as well as rules for all divisions except for the 4 cylinders, which will be making some small changes.

For more information and any questions please call the Berlin Raceway office at 616.662.2051 and keep checking for updates at www.berlinraceway.com