Salem, IN (November 30, 2017) – The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will kick off its 2018 season on the four tenths mile track at Birch Run Speedway & Event Center located in Birch Run, Michigan on Sunday, April 29th, 2018. New owners purchased the facility, formerly known as Dixie Motor Speedway, just prior to start of the 2017 season. Seven special events were run last summer and several improvements were made to the property. They have big plans for the 2018 season, including hosting the very popular JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour season opener, highlighting opening weekend of the Speedway’s 70th season of racing.
“We here at Birch Run Speedway & Event Center are extremely excited that Champion Racing Association has decided to open the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour season here.” stated Birch Run Speedway General Manager, Mike Szukhent. He went on to say, “Every driver is in first place with no losses, snow is melted, flowers are out and the fans are excited to see their favorite racer bidding for first place on our four tenths mile track.”
2015 JEGS/CRA Dixie 100 winner, Dan Leeck celebrates in victory lane at Birch Run Speedway. – Rabi Adhikari Photo
2018 will be the eighth season of competition for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour whose last seven point champions include 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Erik Jones in 2011, NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor Daniel Hemric in 2012, Birch Run’s own Dan Leeck in 2014, 2015 Champion Driver Dalton Armstrong and 2015 Champion Car Owner Bill Burba, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitor Cody Coughlin in 2013 and 2016 and Jack Dossey III in 2017.
There will be an open practice session for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour competitors on Saturday, April 28th. There will be practice, qualifying and the 100 lap season opening event on Sunday afternoon, April 29th. More detailed information on the event will be released closer to the date.
Since acquiring the speedway in May of 2017, major improvements have been made. The track it self was in pretty good shape but the pit area needed some work. Speedway officials brought in over one thousand tons of crushed limestone to groom the driveways to go along with 80 concrete pit slabs. Concessions are now offered in the pits with eating areas. There is also a completely revamped pit area grandstand and patio on the back stretch to improve the viewing from this side of the speedway.
Main grandstands at Birch Run Speedway in fall of 2017. – Motor City Racing Promotions Photo
On the main grandstand side of the track, there is a new 11,000 square foot asphalt patio with hexagon tables and umbrellas. The all bleacher seating has been wrapped with steel to create a clean and safe environment for guests. There are now a total of 32 television sets throughout the property to enable guests to see the excitement on the track when they are unable to be in their seats.
More event and track information can be found at www.birchrunmispeedway.com. You can follow the Speedway on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/birchrunspeedway.
More information on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance is available at www.cra-racing.com.
