Birch Run, MI – The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will race in the Firecracker 100 on Saturday at Birch Run Speedway, the second race of the 2023 three-race series referred to as the Triple Crown. The event will be the fifth race overall for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour in 2023, and fourth points-paying event of the season. In addition to the $2,500 to win, thousands of dollars in contingency and special event awards are on the line as well, bringing some of the most decorated Pro and Super Late Model drivers in the region to Birch Run for one night.
Of the many highlights on the entry list is 2021 Redbud 400 Champion and defending JEGS Tour winner, Kyle Crump. The four-time series winner has a win in each of his last two seasons, plus a series in 2017. His solo All-Stars Tour victory in 2022 came at Birch Run Speedway during the first race of the three-race campaign. In his attempt to claim extra money as part of a “come from the tail” challenge, Crump finished third in the second race of the trifecta.
Also on the entry list is defending NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series winner, Carson Hocevar. The Portage, Michigan native is no stranger to JEGS Tour Victory Lane, or winning at Birch Run Speedway. Of his six career wins with the Tour, a pair of them came at Birch Run last season, winning this July race and again going to Victory Lane in September.
Another driver gaining national attention will return “home” for the Firecracker 100, Katie Hettinger. The former CRA Jr Late Model Series Champion is now making a name for herself in her Anthoni Campi Racing No.81 racing in the Carolinas. The Dryden, Michigan native will look to grab her first career JEGS Tour win and second win of the 2023 season in Pro Late Model competition.
Local favorites pepper the entry list as well, including defending Birch Run race winner, Chase Burda. The 18-year-old will look not only for a chance to go back-to-back, but also to maintain his Championship Points lead over fellow young gun, Brandon Varney.
The Detroit suburbs will be represented by Taylor natives, Guy Fire and Ethan Stadniczuk, Rochester Hills’ Kevin Cremonesi, Mt. Clemens’ Jimmy Tucker, Jeff Vrsek will represent Carleton, and Brandon and Evan Varney on the outskirts of “the burbs” in Richmond.
Stadniczuk comes into Birch Run looking for his first career outright JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour win. In 2022, Stadniczuk was the first Pro Late Model to cross the line in a combo ASA/CRA Super Series and JEGS Tour event at Flat Rock Speedway. Crump won the race with Stadniczuk in second. Meanwhile, Cremonesi hopes to build on his best career finish with the Tour after a podium at Owosso Speedway earlier this month. Tucker, who is no stranger to Victory Lane as a crew chief and spotter, will also hope to be the first to see the checkered flag on Saturday for the first time in his career. Vrsek, a distinguished Outlaw Super Late Model driver at nearby Flat Rock Speedway, is hoping to knock off the gremlins attached to his template program on Saturday, after a DNF at Owosso.
Fans will want to keep watch on the Varney brothers on Saturday as well, as the pair continue to pick up momentum this season. Brandon grabbed his best career finish at Salem Speedway on June 3rd when he finished third behind Brett Robinson and Corey Deuser. The pair were fast again at Owosso Speedway with Evan qualifying 0.073 seconds off the fast time, good enough to take fourth quick, and Brandon qualifying right behind him in fifth.
Other drivers to keep an eye on include Brian Demland, the Hicksville, Ohio native. He brings additional support into this weekend’s events and hopes to build on a top-five finish at Salem Speedway to start the month. Plus, two-time JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Champion and hometown hero, Dan Leeck will try to lead the last 60 laps after leading the first 40 in May. Lakeland, Florida’s Steve Dorer will race for his third career JEGS win and second straight podium finish at Birch Run. Lomira, Wisconsin representative, Nick Egan will be on the property Saturday as well. The 2022 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour runner-up will try for his second career JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour win.
The Firecracker 100 at Birch Run Speedway is Saturday, July 1st featuring the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance, an on track autograph session, and fireworks. Racing is set to begin at 7:00 PM ET with the first competitive laps of the day at 4:15 PM ET with Single Car Qualifying. Advanced tickets are available here, or at the gate. Fans who can’t attend can catch the action live on RacingAmerica.Tv.
For more information on the Firecracker 100, the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour, or Champion Racing Association, visit www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook and follow @CRARacing on Twitter.
