Nashville, TN – The final track of the “short track swing” for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance is arguably one of the tightest tracks on the 2024 schedule – northern Michigan’s Whittemore Speedway. The InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 brings the oldest continually operating track in Michigan its first Touring Series in history with the thrilling JEGS Tour. Drivers from all across the country are converging on Whittemore Speedway for a chance at $5,000 on Saturday, July 6th.
The third and final track in the short track stretch of the schedule also crests the hill for the second half of the season with the JEGS Tour. Corrigan Oil Speedway kicked off the short track stretch where Brandon Varney collected his first career JEGS Tour win. Then, on June 22nd at Flat Rock Speedway, defending JEGS Tour Champion, Chase Burda collected his first win of the 2024 season, beginning a much-needed reset on his hopes for another Championship. Heading into Whittemore, however, many drivers are left wondering what they’ll be able to bring to northern Michigan for speed with many having little to no experience with the track.
The upper hand for this event likely falls toward two-time JEGS Tour Champion, Dan Leeck. The Birch Run, MI native began his career at Whittemore Speedway racing everything from Compacts to Outlaw Super Late Models, including some starts in locally sanctioned Pro Late Models. Leeck is the only known driver with any significant laps around Whittemore, making him a clear favorite for this weekend.
Others to watch include Chase Pinsonneault, the current Championship Points leader. While Pionsonneault has no experience at Whittemore, it’s the very type of track that the Canadian driver cut his teeth at back home. Winner of the Big O Classic 100 earlier this year, Pinsonneault is locked in a tight points battle with two other drivers who have had success this year.
Blake Rowe opened the 2024 season with a win in April at Berlin Raceway which had put him to the top of the Championship Standings throughout the entire first half of the season. Rowe’s 10th place finish at Flat Rock paired with Pinsonneault’s 7th place finish moved the No.14 car to the top of the pilon by just two points. However, it’s a multi-team battle at the front.
Barrett Polhemus, driver of the No.79 has been wildly consistent in 2024. The Wimberly, TX driver has finished no worse than 6th (Owosso, Corrigan Oil) and a career-best second at Flat Rock Speedway. He paired that run with Fast Qualifier honors, which now puts him tied with Rowe, two points back of Pinsonneault heading into the weekend.
The InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 featuring the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance is the first ever touring series to come to Whittemore in the story history of the facility. Fans can find tickets at the gate on race day. Those who can’t make the trip can catch ever lap live on TrackTv.com or RacingAmerica.Tv.
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.
