4/27/2017
NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour
Unique Challenges Abound at Berlin Raceway
CARMEL, Ind. – This Saturday, round three of the 2017 Kickin’ Asphalt Tour will find the traveling stars of the NSTA Top Speed Modified Tour taking on the local heroes of one of Michigan’s premier racing facilities.
Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan, just outside of Grand Rapids, is one of the most challenging courses in short track racing, presenting a track that is unlike any other paved track in the United States.
With extremely short straightaways, the raceway feels almost like a big circle. Finesse and momentum matter more than horsepower. Even the most talented drivers can be humbled racing at Berlin. All of the unique challenges presented by this course ensure the drivers following the tour will be faced with stiff competition from the Berlin regulars.
Perhaps the biggest threat to win the Spring Fling 50 is Marne, Michigan native Dave Lake and his Racing Awareness team. The accomplished driver has turned countless laps at Berlin Raceway, and looks to add another check mark next to his impressive list of accomplishments by taking the win this Saturday.
Series regular Greg Fullarton of Howell, Michigan will lead the charge for the outsiders. After points leader Blake Rowe was involved in a huge wreck in the previous race at Anderson Speedway, Fullarton comes into the event riding a wave of momentum following two successive top five finishes. The Aussie-born driver is deadly consistent and could be a driver to watch.
A new name to hit the entry list this week is Batavia, Ohio’s Danny Jackson. The Buckeye State driver was relatively new to following the Top Speed Modified Tour in 2016, and had a trying campaign. But Jackson has been successful in every other avenue of short track racing he has competed in. After missing the opening two rounds of the season, Jackson will be looking to make an impact at Berlin.
A season high three rookie of the year contenders are on the entry list. These drivers will face additional challenges to an already daunting task of trying to traverse the tricky Berlin track. Loren Short leads the rookie standings despite mechanical woes sidelining him just four laps into the 60-lap event at Anderson two weeks ago. Short, along with fellow rookies Jamie Sites and Evan Foster will compete for top honors.
The Spring Fling 50 will headline a fantastic night of racing, joining the Outlaw Late Models, Super Stocks, Mini Wedge cars, and VROA Vintage Modifieds. Racing begins at 6:30pm. Adult tickets are priced $12, children 8-to-11 are $5 and children 7 and younger are free.
Article Credit: NSTA Racing Staff
Submitted By: John Robbins
