Nashville, TN – A move that ignited a fuse of excitement and anticipation across the country continues to build up steam as the calendar rolls closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season; the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will make their maiden voyage to northern Michigan’s Whittemore Speedway on Saturday, July 6th for the InstaCoat 4th Up North 104. It’s the first time in the Speedway’s illustrious career that they’ve welcomed a National Touring sanction to the grounds of ‘Michigan’s Oldest Continuous Speedway’.
Whittemore Speedway first opened the gates to racing in 1948. The track, managed by committee, has held a number of high profile events over the course of 76 years, with the most recent history made during their tenure with Modifieds and the Hot Shoe 100 from 2014 to 2018, an event dominated by Modified ace, Brian Nester. Plus, Outlaw Super Late Models are no stranger to Whittemore thanks to the annual Growler 100 which debuted in 2011. Names like Eric Lee, Tim Felver, Phil Bozell, and Tyler Roahrig have all found themselves in Growler Victory Lane.
When the event was announced following the CRA Championship Awards Ceremony, fans and drivers alike lit up social media with praise and excitement for the event. The InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 lands directly in the middle of the 2024 season, which is sure to feature a battle for the Championship that goes down to the wire and conclusion at Winchester Speedway in October. Whittemore is also expected to provide fans with a classic contest that they’ll remember for quite some time.
Former two-time JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Champion, Dan Leeck has turned many laps at Whittemore Speedway in various race cars throughout the years. The Birch Run, MI native says the track will lead to great racing, a little drama, and a great addition to the JEGS Tour schedule. Leeck spoke about the race on a recent episode of the Horsepower Happenings podcast.
“Whittemore is the first place I ever won, my very first feature; my very first win in a late model,” Leeck recalled. “[Whittemore is] really an awesome place. I’m super excited to see the [JEGS Tour] go there,” he said. “You’re going to see a lot of really good short track racing. It’s not a follow the leader track – just a really racey track,” Leeck exclaimed.
Not only will the race be naturally exciting thanks to the track layout at Whittemore Speedway, but the InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 will also feature an increased $5,000 to win and $500 to start. Plus, eligible drivers can earn more thanks to the CRA Winner Circle Program which would pay $500 to the highest finishing eligible driver.
For more information on the InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 at Whittemore Speedway or the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance log onto www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA on Facebook at CRA: Champion Racing Association and on X at @CRARacing.
Story – Zach Hiser
