Nashville, TN – The highly anticipated 2024 season for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance opens on Saturday with the West Michigan 100 at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI. This season, the JEGS Tour boasts over a dozen full-time drivers, increased pay at nearly each event, and a diverse schedule that will reward fans and challenge drivers. Opening at Berlin Raceway marks the first standalone event for the JEGS Tour at Berlin since 2018.
Last week, Berlin Raceway kicked off their season with the traditional Icebreaker 75. The event served as the unofficial tune-up for the West Michigan 100. Despite racing on a different rules package, many drivers indicated they were there Saturday to prepare for the $5,000 prize that awaits at the conclusion of the 100 lapper this Saturday. Brian Campbell and Austin Hull paced the field early until an incident put them both to the tail. That allowed Evan Shotko to run away with the race win. Notable finishes include local favorite Joe Bush who came from the tail to finish third, defending JEGS Tour Champion, Chase Burda took fourth ahead of 2024 Championship hopeful Blake Rowe who rounded out the top five.
In the Tour’s last event at Berlin, all-time winningest JEGS Tour driver, Brian Campbell found victory lane. The Wyoming, Michigan native took the lead from Jordan Dalke on lap 13 and led the remainder of the race. By lap 100, Campbell had opened up an over eight-second lead on second place, Shotko. Campbell’s dominating run allowed just seven cars to finish on the lead-lap by the end of the race.
Berlin Raceway has been home to several notable winners on the JEGS Tour since being founded in 2011. Terry VanHaitsma grabbed the first-ever sanctioned win at Berlin, and Mike Bursley won in 2012. Template Late Model aces, Travis Braden and Bubba Pollard won in 2013 and 2014; followed by a Campbell breakthrough in 2015. Pollard was back in 2016 and it was again Campbell in 2017 and 2018.
A young crop of drivers sets out on the JEGS Tour eyeing either a Championship, Tour wins, or Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. A total of 14 drivers have intentions of competing in the full 11 points-paying-race schedule and the average age of those 14 is 24.5 years old. Keegan Sabilo, the 2022 Vore’s Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Champion holds the honor of the youngest full-time driver at 16 years old. Brian Demland unloads his No.15 Ford Mustang as the quinquagenarian’s representative at 51 years old.
The West Michigan 100 is Saturday, April 27th at Berlin Raceway and is also tabbed as Michigander Night at the Raceway. Fans are encouraged to wear Michigan forward apparel, such as sports teams, favorite towns, and other artifacts that show homage to the Mitten State. Fans can also enter for a chance to win Detroit Tigers tickets and seats to a Grand Rapids Griffins playoff hockey game. Tickets are available in advanced at BerlinRaceway.com or on race day at the gate. Fans who can’t make the trip can watch every lap LIVE on RacingAmerica.TV, TrackTv.com, or FloRacing.
For more information on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance log onto CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook and follow @CRARacing on X.
