Michigan's Premier High Banked
 4/10's Short Track
 
Featuring Pro Late Models, Modifieds,
 Sportsman, Bombers, Factory Stocks, Figure 8's,
and Outlaw Super Late Model
"Dixie Cup" Series

Racing Every Saturday Night  
 Pits open 3:00 pm; Grandstand Opens 4:00 pm; First Race - 7:00 pm

videos & photos by Grease Monkey Graphics

        810-631-4136  

Dixie Motor Speedway
10945 Dixie Hwy; 

Birch Run, MI 48415
Office: (989) 624-9778; 

Fax: (989) 624-9570
Email: info@dixiemotorspeedway.com

5-3-08

Mother Nature Wins at Dixie

Dixie Motor Speedway was back in action for week #3 of the 2008 Championship Season, as all six weekly divisions were scheduled for competition. Mother Nature had other ideas however as rain put a damper on the day, resulting in the second cancellation of the year.

Week #1 was the first season opener in years that went off as scheduled with un-seasonably warm conditions warming the fans, drivers and asphalt. Racing was awesome with nary a yellow flag flying throughout the whole night.

Week #2 saw cold temps combining with high winds to force a cancellation of the event all together. Wind gusts over 35 mph provided conditions only an Eskimo could love as fans and drivers would have to wait another week to get their racing fix. All three area racetracks cancelled and others across the state who did get their shows in wish they had cancelled. It was not a good night for tracks, fans or competitors.

As week #3 arrived, things were rather cloudy but certainly looked raceable. A few on/off showers persisted through the early afternoon but it looked like a window was going to open and the races would get in. Judging by the number of phone calls, it was obvious that many teams and fans were not as optimistic as track officials. Just as qualifying concluded, it was clear that the skeptics were right as the rain came to stay, the winds picked up and the temps dropped, forcing track officials to cancel. Rain checks will be honored both in the pit and grandstand. Qualifying times will be thrown out as teams will qualify from scratch this week.

Action returns to the Family Fun Track this Saturday with gates opening at 3pm , qualifying at 5:15 and racing action at 7.  This week’s schedule includes Pro Late Models, Mods, Sportsman, Factory Stocks, Bombers and Fig-8’s.  For more info contact Dixie at 989-624-9778 or visit us online at www.dixiemotorspeedway.com.

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April 21,2008

Tight Racing Dominates Dixie

Michigan ’s Family Action-Attraction, Dixie Motor Speedway, got event number one in on schedule as Mother Nature cooperated for the first time in years.  Fans and competitors were met by a gorgeous spring day and unseasonably warm temps as the 2008 Championship racing season got underway on Saturday, April 19th. The racing action was fierce and the winners circle was dominated by first-time or first-in-a-long-time winners.

  Mike Luberda Jr. paced qualifiers in the Pro Sport Graphics Modifieds behind the wheel of Mike Sr’s familiar 3D. The Mod feature was the first of the night and set the tone for the rest of the night as Rod Laney took the early lead and looked to have things his way in the green-flag affair. Former track champions Tony Brabbs and Nick Clemens had other ideas however, as the duo chased down Laney. Things got interesting as Brabbs shut the door on the high side as Clemens came out of turn 4 numerous times. Clemens would not be deterred as he wiggled Brabbs and ducked under the inside going into turn 1. Then it was Brabbs on the outside, Clemens on the inside and Laney feeling the heat as he held off the pair. With 1 lap to go, and one driver on either side coming out of turn 4, Laney held the pair off in a drag race to the finish line, scoring his first feature win of the season. Clemens came home in 2^nd followed by Brabbs, Luberda and Chuck Silva.

  Rookie Blake Childers impressed everyone by setting fast time in the Bus Stop Inn Bar and Grill in his first-ever Pro Late Model event. Tawas’s Bernie Murphy got pressure early from last year’s Champion Ed Doutre Jr. and Danny Leek before finding his fast line and holding off the rest of the field. After many good runs at Dixie , things finally went his way as Bernie picked up his first-ever Dixie feature win. Doutre, Leek, Mark Klein and Childers rounded out the top 5.

    The DTS Sportsman division feature picked up where the Modifieds left off, with early side by side racing.  Kevin Harder set fast time and started shotgun on the field and began his march to the front. Harder made it to the point early as he took the lead from Smokin’ Joe Cunningham but would not be in the clear yet as Chet Allen Jr. gave the Bay City hotshoe his best shot. Harder proved he was due a feature win as he claimed the win ahead of Allen Jr., Cunningham, Adam Rowe and Julian Fluty.  Harder was pleased to thank his sponsors and noted it was nice to get the gremlins off his back with a Dixie feature win.

   Greg Hiltz claimed top honors with a well-deserved win in a hotly-contested Bomber division 25-lapper. Hiltz built a small lead and held it for most of the race as the battle behind him ensued. Fast-timer, Rob Kern finally made it to Hiltz’s rear bumper with about 5 to go. Kern took a number of shots at the leader but Hiltz would not be denied his first 2008 feature. Greg collected on a bet with track owner’s daughter Hannah Kern, as she joined him for the Indy style kissing of the start/finish line in celebration. Rob Kern, Anthony Jurek, Chad Congdon, Ray DerMiner rounded out the top 5.

  The Wilson ’s Marine & Performance Center Factory Stocks was led in qualifying by Ed Newman Jr. In feature action, Brian Vandecar felt the heat from “Captain Cam” Cameron Hiltz and Ed Newman Jr but held on to snag his first trip to victory lane in the season opener. 

  Jordan Lechota won the Figure 8 race uncontested, although things got a little tense when Ricky Casey collided with an earth mover tire head on. Ricky was alright but his car took a serious beating. Lechota was followed by Scott Platz, Ray Derminer and Charles Davis.

   Dixie has moved to Saturday Nights for 2008, with a complete schedule available at www.dixiemotorspeedway.com.  This Saturday, Pro-Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Factory Stocks, Bombers and Figure 8’s are all scheduled .  Gates open at 3pm , Qualifying is at 5p.m. and racing action at 7p.m.   For more information call 989-624-9778.

March 18, 2008

Wood Added to Dixie Speedway Staff

Dixie Motor Speedway is proud to announce the hiring of Kevin Wood as Operations and Sales Manager. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in the recreation/customer service industry, along with a passion for short track racing.

His racing career began as a 14-year old at Auburn , Michigan ’s Tri-City Speedway. Over the years, he has worked varied positions including concessions, Flagman, Pit Steward and Race Director at Tri-City, Auto City and Standish Speedways. Kevin has also worked with several touring race teams.

“Kevin has a B.S. in Business Administration from Ferris State University and will be combining his racing passion with his business acumen and customer service experience to elevate Dixie to the next level of Family Entertainment”, said track owner Mike Kern. He added, “We’ve always emphasized “Family” at Dixie and are very pleased and excited to add Kevin to our Dixie family. He will bring a fresh perspective to customer service and entertainment that will benefit our customers, including racers, sponsors and fans. We’ve looked for “just the right person” for a long time and we’ve got him with Kevin”.

Kevin will be handling many of the day-to-day operations and will be in the office every day. Mike and Krista will continue to be “hands on” as they have always been since coming to the track in 1996.

Dixie has previously announced its move to Saturdays beginning this spring. The annual Driver Registration Party and Test & Tune is on Saturday, April 12th from noon until 6pm . The season opener is April 19; Pit Gate opens at 3pm , Grandstand at 4 and racing at 7. For further info, go to www.dixiemotorspeedway.com or call 989-624-9778.

February 15, 2008

PORT CITY RACECARS Onboard at Dixie for 2008

Dixie Motor Speedway officials are pleased to announce that PORT CITY RACECARS will once again sponsor the Outlaw Super Late Model Dixie Cup Series; this year as title sponsor. The 5-race, PORT CITY RACECARS DIXIE CUP SERIES is in its 5^th year and is contested at the 4/10-mile highbanked Birch Run, MI speedplant.

Port City Racecars are routinely found in the winners circle, not just in the Midwest , but all across the country. Since 1981, Port City has specialized in asphalt race car fabrication, ranging from chassis upgrades to race-ready, turn-key cars. Chassis repairs and setup have long been a mainstay as well as unparalleled technical and at-the-track support. PORT CITY RACECARS is based in Muskegon , MI and has a vast dealer network throughout the country. 

The outlaw-style car is unique to the Michigan-Ohio-Indiana area and has been a hallmark of Super Late Model racing for many years.  It's a very exclusive division with the average car sitting on the track costing in the $50-$70,000 range. Due to the high cost, more and more Super Late Model teams compete only in the higher-paying special events, with many driving 2-5 hours just to get to the track. "With Port City 's ongoing support, we have given our purse a bump which will help reward those who choose to compete in this outstanding series", said track owner Mike Kern. The series is the premier mini-series for Outlaw Super Late Models in the region, and with sponsors like Port City , it will stay that way. Port City's sponsorship dollars directly benefit drivers by increasing the driver purse; 100-lap events pay $3000 to win for 2008.  "I think the state of racing at Dixie is excellent. Last year we averaged 28 Dixie Cup cars per event and, with the move to Saturday nights for 2008, that number is expected to grow. We already have new drivers showing interest in the series solely because of our new Saturday schedule", Kern added. Numerous teams, who previously have not been able to make it to Dixie because of work and travel issues, are now able to commit to the series.

Port City 's John Grega backed up his 2006 Dixie Cup Series championship by duplicating the feat again in 2007. Grega, a Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer, piloted the familiar Port City RaceCars red #71 to a virtual dead heat with Saginaw , Michigan 's Steve Sauve going into the 150-lap Dixie Classic last September. With double points on the line, whoever finished ahead of the other would claim the title. The anticipation went for naught however, as Sauve dropped out of the last race with mechanical woes. Grega won't have it easy if he hopes for a three-peat however, as 20-year old hotshoe Johnny Van Doorn will also vie for the title. Van Doorn won 2 of 5 events last year including the Dixie Classic. Interestingly, Van Doorn and Grega work side-by-side at Port City , building the very cars they race and win with. Also returning in 2008 is Angola , Indiana 's Scott Hantz who claimed the championship in '05 as well as Sauve who claimed the honors in 2004.

The first PORT CITY RACECARS DIXIE CUP SERIES event is on May 24^th. The complete schedule, rules and purse details will be posted on the Dixie website:  www.dixiemotorspeedway.com or call the track office at 989.624.9778.

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December 24, 2007

For Immediate Release

New Faces at Dixie Motor Speedway

As Dixie Motor Speedway kicks off its 60^th year, track officials are pleased to announce that Terry Smitherman has been signed as the new Head Announcer for 2008.  Terry’s background and passion quickly elevated him above a strong field of candidates as he is considered to be a great fit for Dixie .

“For years, Dixie has been the originator and innovator of the most unique and entertaining shows in the state. Terry is just the man we need to round out the ‘Dixie Racing Experience’ for young and old, as well as first-time and long-time fans”, said track owner Mike Kern. “He promises to bring the passion and expertise we need to make the connection between competitor and fan real and exciting. We see eye-to-eye on so many aspects of the position, I can’t wait ‘til April!” he added.

Terry has a background in sales and has spent the last 4 years honing his skills along-side some of the best track announcers in mid-Michigan. While becoming very familiar with the local racing scene, he has established relationships with area racers as well as touring hotshoes representing various traveling Series. Terry is a self-described entertainer and has exceptional insight into racer/sponsor relations and plans to make each visit to Dixie a memorable one.

Terry will bring his own unique style to Dixie and he can’t wait for the season opener on Saturday, April 19th.  “I have some big shoes to fill and hope I can make those proud of me that got me to this level of announcing”, Terry said. “I look forward to the opportunity to do my best in bringing the ‘Dixie Racing Experience’ to fans and racers every Saturday night.”

Terry lives in Perry, Mi. with his wife Trish where they raise their two sons, Nickolaus, age 5 and Noah, age 2.

Dixie also has other positions available including an announcer’s assistant, hospitality, concession workers and computer guru. Smiling faces are a must for all positions. The track can be reached at 989-624-9778 or info@dixiemotorspeedway.com.