Chester Mysliwiec and family started a racing tradition which he called Berlin Raceway. Berlin was an oval dirt track located within the Berlin Fairgrounds. Berlin officially opened for it's first season in 1951.
Berlin Raceway was paved as a 7/16 mile asphalt oval track with a 13-degree banking in the turns and 9 degree banking on the straightaways.
July 8th - The Main "Covered" Grandstands burned to the ground. They were replaced with all new grandstands which remained in place until 2013.
The original racing surface at Berlin Raceway was repaved, but the track kept it's original configuration and attendance continued to near capacity levels.
Berlin Raceway had one of the strongest fan bases for grass roots racing in the nation. Berlin packed in thousands of race fans each year for over 50 years. More than 5 million race fans spent their Saturday nights at Berlin Raceway.
The West Michigan Whitecaps purchased the track and invested into the infastructure building new restrooms, sound system, private party areas, catch fence and other amenities to ensure that Berlin Raceway would remain the premier track in the Midwest and become the most fan-friendly.
The West Michigan Whitecaps sell the lease of Berlin Raceway to businessman Michael Blackmer. Improvements were made to the tracks infield including a brand new make-ready chute, and tech area.
The West Michigan Whitecaps purchased the track and invested into the infastructure building new restrooms, sound system, private party areas, catch fence and other amenities to ensure that Berlin Raceway would remain the premier track in the Midwest and become the most fan-friendly.
Berlin Raceway covers the asphalt with clay and turned the half mile oval track into a dirt track for the month of September.
Berlin Raceway becomes Berlin Raceway and Entertainment Complex which included a multi-million dollar facility upgrade. Upgrades included new main grandstands transported from Michigan International Speedway, press boxes, 11 luxury skyboxes and The Left Turn Lounge - a full service bar and lounge. Berlin added additional events such as concerts, monster truck shows, RibStock, Brewtoberfest and yet again hosted the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars on dirt. Horsepower becomes the official mascot of Berlin Raceway.
Berlin hosted the "Battle For the Berlin Belt" MMA fight series, was selected as a venue for a Maranda Park Party and again covered the track with clay for the month of September hosting premier dirt racing divisions including the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Late Model Series and Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds. Berlin completed its 65th year as one of the Nations premier short tracks.
Berlin Raceway becomes a NASCAR sanctioned Home Track increasing the insurance policy for all race car drivers and staff members. Berlin hosted A Band Called River benefit concert for three local non profits as well as the National Fireworks Association's fireworks expo during the month of September. In October Berlin Raceway hosted the Outing for Scouting event for the Boy Scouts Troops of Michigan. Berlin Raceway hosted six points divisions as well as multiple travleing series such as; CRA Jegs, ARCA Super Series, VROA and more of the course of the 2016 season!
