It’s “Back to the Future” at Dixie
Don’t be surprised when you go to Birch Run’s Dixie Motor Speedway this year when you see a couple of familiar (albeit older) faces making their way through the stands or greeting you at the main gate. After a 3-year hiatus, Mike and Krista Kern will be returning as promoters of the local landmark.
After the 2008 season, the Kern's decided to take some family time away from the track which they have owned and operated since 1996. In looking back, it's no wonder they needed a break; they have significantly changed the face of the track over the years as they added numerous amenities including bathrooms, Skybox and offices. In 2003, they built the newest asphalt track in the Midwest; the 4/10-mile D-shaped oval complete with new state-of-the-art lighting by Qualite. That was followed by a Tech building in 2005, Scoreboard in 2007 and transponder scoring system in 2008.
And it didn't stop there. In 2003, by accident, Dixie ran the first "Big One". Kern related the details: "We had just lost a Main Event race due to rain and didn't have a date where we could fit them back in the schedule. Chris Talloty from the Main Event Racing Series suggested we run it with the AV Super Sprints late in the season. My response was, "Man....that sure would be a big one" and of course, I was referring to the cost and the risk. Chris just wanted to get the race in; but Dixie had to pay for it. Wow, God is good! It REALLY WAS a big one; the place was packed. And so the name stuck, and now we'll be running the 10th Annual "Big One" on August 3rd".
Kern continued, "And then of course there's the "Eve of Destructions"; that took a few years to develop, but now those events are run all over the country. There’s nothing like seeing (and hearing) the grandstand come alive as fans just witnessed the most breathtaking, funniest (or dumbest) thing they’ve ever seen. That’s what it’s all about," Kern continued. "Boy, they thought we were crazy back then, spending all that money on the track, not to mention the Big One and Eve of Destructions! But don’t worry; we still have a few tricks up our sleeve to keep fans on the edge of their seat."
The Kern’s continue to lay the groundwork for their return and, as always, expect their focus to remain on good clean family entertainment, great value and awesome racing. Eve of Destructions, the return of the Main Event Racing Series, an even bigger Big One "X" and some all-new events will highlight the Dixie 2012 schedule. Some of this is already posted on the schedule page and you can expect announcements in the near future detailing other developments.
As always, the Kern's will concentrate on fan and racer hospitality with a primary focus on running a great show, in a timely fashion. "It's important to remember that many of our fans and racers have young children and work Saturday's, so we will do our part to minimize down-time in order to get folks home at a reasonable hour, Kern says."
"We've met some great new corporate partners as well as many long-time friends, sponsors and racers who have wished us well in our return. So if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say "hello", said Kern, "we'd love to visit with you". "Krista, Hannah and I are very excited about seeing everyone this spring,” he concluded.
Yes, 2012 will be a year of change at Dixie Motor Speedway, but it will be more like going “back to the future” with the Kern’s at the helm. Most of the old faces will remain, and a few new ones will be added; but Dixie will continue to be “the place to be on Friday nights” with racing action at 7:30.
Draper Auto on Board for 2012
Dixie Motor Speedway is pleased to announce Draper Auto as official automotive sponsor for the 2012 racing season.
Draper Chevrolet and Draper Toyota began supporting events at the speedway in 2010. Since then, the relationship has grown significantly with Draper Auto playing a major role in marquee events like the Mid-Michigan Toyota Dealers “Draper 125” scheduled for August 3rd.
”Last years ARCA CRA race was a SRO affair; we had a great time being part of it and can’t wait for this year’s event. It’s gonna be even bigger”, says Rob Roy, Draper Auto General Mgr.
The 2012 version of the “Draper 125” will be paired with the Auto Value Super Sprints for the 10th Annual “Big One”. This show is arguably the premier event of the season as fans will see the best of both racing worlds: the awesome spectacle of the CRA Super Late Models along with the asphalt-blistering Winged Warriors of the Auto Value Super Sprints.
We are very pleased to have Draper on board and ask you to consider Draper Chevrolet and Draper Toyota when making your next auto purchase, oil change or tune-up. Their talented sales staff and service professionals will be happy to assist you.
Draper Auto, 4200 Bay Rd, Saginaw.
About the Sponsor:
Founded in 1924, the present Draper locations on Bay Road were opened in September of 1978. The Company, founded by Harold D. Draper, Sr., was originally named Heagany & Draper and was founded on the principle that the public is entitled to the best service possible in satisfying its transportation needs.
Since 1924 Draper has sold and serviced hundreds of thousands of cars and trucks and has grown to be one of the top dealerships in the nation.
Reed T. Draper started in the automobile business on a part-time basis when he was fourteen and worked in all phases of the operation. He became a franchise dealer when he was twenty-one and opened his own dealership in Bay City at the age of twenty-five. He was always active in community affairs having served as president of Saginaw General Hospital, chairman of the joint Development Committee, Saginaw Medical Center, and member of Saginaw Chamber of Commerce.
Rob Draper is continuing the tradition of excellence as a third generation automobile dealer. He is currently President and General Manager of the Organization and became a franchised dealer in 1985 after graduating from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing.
The Draper management team strongly feels that employees and customers are the greatest asset in the future growth and progress of the Draper Organization and the Community. Their philosophy is very simple; Draper wants to make sure their customers are completely satisfied; accordingly, they strive in the conduct of their daily work to insure that happens.
Great Lakes Helicopter-Port City Racecars “Dixie Cup Series”
Dixie Motor Speedway is excited to announce Great Lakes Helicopter and Port City Racecars as 2012 title sponsors of the Dixie Cup Series for Outlaw Super Late Models.
The Great Lakes Helicopter-Port City Racecars “Dixie Cup Series” will consist of 3 events: a 75-lapper on June 22nd and 100-lappers on July 13th and August 31st.
Making a return to the speedway after an extended absence is the Main Event Racing Series which will co-sanction the series.
“The Main Event Racing Series is the premier Outlaw Super Late Model traveling series in the Midwest and we are very excited to have them back” says track owner Mike Kern. “Our first-ever race on the new half-mile oval was a Main Event race back in 2003”. The place was packed as Saginaw’s Steve Sauve took the win.
MERS is under new management as Sandusky Speedway owner Kevin Jaycox purchased the series last year. This year the series will see close adherence to Late Model Alliance rules with a bump in the purse for the 100-lappers at Dixie resulting in the strongest field of Outlaw Late Models in the state. Courtesy of Great Lakes Helicopter’s John Lojkos and Port City Racecars Harley Boeve, start money for those races will be raised to $500 which will go a little way in helping keep cars on the track. Complete purse can be found at Maineventseriesracing.com and on the Dixie website.
Most of all, title sponsorship of the Dixie Cup Series allows for three races instead of the two originally scheduled. So, when you see John or Harley in the Pits, be sure to tell them, "thanks" for supporting the Dixie Cup Series.
About the Sponsors:
Owned by John Lojkos and family, Great Lakes Helicopter is one of the nations leading helicopter parts and service companies. Located in Almont, Michigan, GLH offers comprehensive service to customers who range from US Military, State Department and private individuals both international and domestic. GLH specializes in maintenance, repair and complete restoration of the 60’s and 70’s era Bell Huey.
The Lojkos family is committed, both as sponsors and team owners to short track racing in the Great Lakes Region. With a passion for Outlaw Super Late Model racing in particular, the whole Lojkos family can be found at asphalt tracks throughout the Midwest where they field the familiar red Port City Racecars #116 driven by veteran racer Jack Varney, Jr.
Port City Racecars came from humble beginnings over 3 decades ago in Muskegon, MI when factory chassis fabrication was in its infancy. The red #61 house-car would soon become a household name among racers as they began dominating the field wherever they went. And Port City Racecars continue to dominate the field, but now can be found in a sprawling state of the art facility with a dealer network across the nation.
Familiar names like Johnny Benson, Jr., Butch Miller, Fred Campbell, John Grega and Dennis Berry have carried the Port City Racecars banner to victory lane through the years at virtually every track in the country. And now, young guns like Johnny Vandoorn, Brian Campbell, Jack Varney, Jr. and Trevor Berry continue to get the job done behind the wheel of a Port City chassis. From bare chassis to turnkey roller, from rivets to rearends, along with the best tech support in the business; Port City Racecars can get you and your team in victory lane too.
We especially appreciate the support of Harley and John for grass-roots racing and their sponsorship of the Great Lakes Helicopter-Port City Racecars Dixie Cup Series; bringing you some of the best Outlaw Super racing to be found anywhere.
Sincerely,
Mike and Krista Kern
Drive Train Specialists Sportsman
Track officials are happy to announce Drive Train Specialists as title sponsor of the Dixie Motor Speedway Sportsman division.
In addition to driver point fund support, DTS will be providing cash certificates randomly to drivers throughout the field. DTS Sales Manager, Claude Plante says, “It’s our way of helping out the little guy in racing who might not be winning very much. We’re trying to keep these guys on the track, racing.
Claude has deep roots in racing; as long as he can remember, he has always been at the track. And nowadays on the weekends, he and his family can be found at racetracks throughout the Midwest, very often behind the wheel of his own car. But during the week, Claude can be found on the phone at DTS assisting customers from across the nation with advice about the right gear, axle or rear end they need to get their car back on the track for next race. His background and passion for racing is a bonus for anyone that needs drivetrain components. From local shorttracks to NASCAR superspeedways, Claude and the rest of the DTS staff can fit you with exactly what you need, when you need it, and at a price you can afford.
Today, as one of the nations best-known suppliers of drivetrain products and technology, DTS reaches performance enthusiasts across the country, and around the world. In addition to all the best names in drive train components, DTS also offers a full line of economical performance products under their own label for enthusiasts on a budget. But regardless of whether you choose the national brands or the DTS product, you will get quality supported by comprehensive facilities and skilled employees who share your passion for performance.
It doesn't matter whether your interests run to nostalgia fuelers, to 4-wheelers or anything in between. Whatever it is that you're hardcore about, DTS has the drive train parts you need to make it GO. Ring & Pinions, Posi's, Lockers, Axles, Complete Rear Ends, Custom Housings and Assemblies- if you need it, DTS is the place to get it.
We can’t say enough about the good folks at DTS; they have supported the Sportsman drivers since 2007, and that’s a long time in this business. Since the inception of the division, they have been there, supporting the track and racers alike; and that’s because, like you, they’re racers too. So next time you need a drive train part, give DTS a try. You’ll be glad you did.
PARTS/SERVICE
DTS/ Drivetrain Specialists
26400 Groesbeck Highway
Warren, MI 48089
Toll Free: (800)521-0628
Phone: (586)778-0540
Fax: (586)778-2630
FOR COMPLETE ASSEMBLIES
DTS Custom Service
4052 South State Road (M-66)
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Toll Free: (877) 874-7327
Phone: (616) 527-0722
Fax: (616) 527-0744
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The 2012 Souvenir Program is now underway, if you would like to advertise in Dixie's Souvenir program please call 989-624-9778 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Dixie Drivers: if you would like to thank your sponsors or crewmembers with an ad in the Dixie Souvenir Program - please call today for special pricing.
Like us on Dixie's Facebook for all the latest news and updates!
Hey....Progress.....We've got the 2012 Tentative Schedule posted. Thanks for your patience!
Also....Registrations and slab reservations are available. Registration forms may be downloaded from this site. Call the office for details.
We will be making sponsorship announcements and press releases in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Thanks again.
Mike and Krista
February - update: Please continue to keep Spyder in your thoughts and prayers. Although he was improving lately, he recently has had complications resulting in a relapse of his condition and slow healing. So, when you're praying, don't be shy; ask God for a miracle, because he is in the saving souls and miracle business! But as always......His will be done.
January - UPDATE: Tony “Spyder” Callahan remains in the Cleveland Clinic, recovering from emergency surgery a couple weeks ago. Spyder’s circumstance was very serious as his condition worsened a few days ago, and the family was preparing for the worst.
But thanks to your prayers, and God’s grace, there has been some improvement in his condition……so please, remain vigilant in your prayers….God hears you.
Photos by: Grease Monkey Graphics, Performance Images, & Track Side Photos
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