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ABR Inches Closer to the Goal

Two More Races On Tap This Weekend

Port Royal, PA – March 23, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

While the first outing of 2021 the week before seemed to show some positives, the day was cut short and the team was left without enough evidence to really prove anything to themselves.  As they unloaded for their second weekend of action, of course the goal was to make the shows and record good finishes, but the unspoken hope among all in the ABR pit was simple:  run a complete weekend, make a lot of laps and find out how good their program was.  

 

The March 20th-21st weekend brought Austin Berry and the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, MS Shock Therapy, A&C Racing Engines, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86 back to Central Pennsylvania’s Port Royal Speedway for a pair of ULMS events.

 

3/20 Recap

Forty-eight teams signed in on the first day of Spring in Central Pennsylvania.  The field was divided into two groups of 24 for their 2-lap time-trial sessions.  Austin would be the 23rd car out in Group A.  Hot laps showed a high oil pressure issue for the team, which they quickly addressed before their turn under the clock.  

Going out late in a group is usually a bit of a disadvantage as a result of declining track conditions, however Berry was able to turn in the 15th quickest time in his group, giving the team a reasonable shot at transferring to the A-main through their heat race.  Four 8-lap, 12-car heat races were slated for the field, with Group A cars making up heats 1 & 2, and Group B cars making up heats 3 & 4.  The top 4 finishers in each heat would transfer directly to the A-main, with the remainder of the field getting a second chance to make it into the main event through a B-main.  

 

Austin would roll off 8th in the first heat, which meant he had to pass 4 cars to advance.  It was a tall order with names like Norris, Flinner, Robinson, Lee, Covert and Haus in the lineup.  Berry’s early laps were consumed by a heated three-car battle for the sixth position, which he eventually won with a slide job in turn one.  Once he cleared that slider, he was able to pull away and set his sights on the fifth place car of Jason Covert, who had been able to pull away by a dozen car lengths while the battle for sixth raged.  Austin would need a yellow to close the gap and have a shot, but it never came and he settled for a sixth place finish, holding off Haus in the closing laps.  While one could focus on the final result, closer examination showed some encouraging things thus far in the day.  Their time was slightly better than might have been expected given their late slot in their group and Austin moved forward (+2) in the short heat race.

 

Four more cars would transfer to the final event from each of two B-mains.  Berry started third in his consolation race but unfortunately, for the first time all day, went a little backwards and ended up sixth, two spots out of the show, bringing the team’s day to an end.

 

3/21 Recap

Between loading up Saturday evening and returning to Port Royal Speedway at lunch time the next day, Austin Berry and team had done their best to apply what they had learned Saturday, by making a couple changes.  They were one of forty-five ULMS late models signed in for action.  The format would be identical to the day before:  2 groups for timed qualifying that would set up 4 heats with 4 to qualify from each, followed by 2 B-mains with 4 to advance from those as well.

 

The team’s pill draw on day 2 would put them right in the middle of Group B qualifying, number 11 of 22.  They would be 34th overall to take time, so Berry and crew chief Josh Sheaffer would have to keep an eye on the daytime surface to see how it held up until Austin went under the clock.  While staged in the infield to make their qualifying run, teams don’t have the capabilities or time to make significant changes based on what they see, but they can make decisions about what line to run or how aggressively to approach the laps.  In the end, they recorded laps that were about what they expected under the circumstances, placing them 12th quickest in the group.

 

Berry’s time gave him the 6th starting spot in heat 4, joined by Zeigler, Norris, Rine, Miley and Cosner to name a few.  When the race went green, the field settled into order pretty much as they started and not a lot changed from there.  Austin was able to gain a little, finishing 5th, just missing the transfer by one spot.  On the bright side, the finish would put the ABR No.86 on the front row of their B-main.

 

Berry settled into second on the start of the last chance race and ‘held serve’ for a few laps until eventually slipping to third, and later to fourth as they reached the halfway point.  In the later stages, Austin held off a furious challenge by former track champion Mike Lupfer and eventually put four car lengths between himself and Ryan Scott who got by Lupfer with three laps remaining.  As the field passed under the white flag, it appeared certain Berry would put the team in the show.  Heartbreak struck in the form of Scott, who on the final lap got a big run off the high side of turn 2 and pulled along side Austin in turn 3.  Scott shaved 0.75 seconds off his previous best lap in the event, beating the Rocket XR1 of Berry to the line by less than a half of a second.  Missing the show by one spot, especially that way, really stung.  

 

Wrap Up

After having some time to replay that final lap in his head several times, wondering what he could have done differently, Berry tried to be positive about the team’s weekend.  “We’re all disappointed we just missed both ULMS shows this weekend against a really good field, but I’m extremely proud of how hard the team worked.  We were really close, so that gives me hope.”  The team also wanted to express their sincere thanks to a couple fellow racers who pitched in over the weekend to help them out.  He continued, “I’m also really encouraged by some of the things we were able to learn by being able to compete through both shows and not be sidelined by anything mechanical.  We are a step closer to the consistency in the car that we’re looking for.”  He is right to focus on that.  It doesn’t matter if you’re inching forward or leaping forward, as long as the direction is forward.    


ABR will be back in action two times this weekend.  Friday, March 26th, they will be at Williams Grove Speedway with the ULMS.  Saturday, March 27th, they will be back at Port Royal Speedway when the late models return as part of a regular show for The Speed Palace. 

AUSTIN BERRY RACING

Learn more about Austin Berry at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/drivers/austin-berry/

Follow ABR’s season at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/latest-news/

ABR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing

ABR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AustinBerryRacn

Want to buy some Austin Berry gear? https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/new-shop/shop/

SPECIAL THANKS

As always, thank you to all our sponsors and partners, including our silent partners who do everything they can to help but ask for nothing in return! 

 

Below are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what these teams do possible. PLEASE take the time to browse this information and help the teams by giving your business to these partners. Most importantly, tell them WHY you patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides affordable and personal dirt motorsports public relations that provides a professional public image to attract marketing partners and fans.  A2D can promote your sponsors and engage fans with your team’s story.  We are a central Pennsylvania based business with a love of and passion for dirt racing and the people who make the sport what it is.

 

Visit our website to learn more about us and follow along with the stories of our race teams!

https://addicted2dirtpr.com/

 

Follow A2D on Social Media!

We are @Addicted2DirtPR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

     https://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR

     https://twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR  (hashtag #TeamA2D)

     https://www.instagram.com/addicted2dirtpr/

 

And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you are always notified of our latest video features, recaps and stories for #TeamA2D!  Just hit subscribe below this video or search for Addicted2Dirt PR on YouTube!

 

You can always contact us via Email at:  [email protected]

ABR Shows Glimpse of Capabilities

Three Race Weekend Ahead with ULMS

Port Royal, PA – March 15, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Austin Berry Racing was feeling prepared for the 2021 season.  The team had put in a lot of hard work over the winter to refresh their equipment and improve their potential.  With one night remaining in their off-season, the team decided to participate in a test and tune session at Port Royal Speedway on Friday, March 12th.  They wanted to unload at the season opener the next night with as much confidence as they possibly could.  They wanted to know they had done all they could to be ready.  The test sessions went well.  They got quicker in each session and were near the top of the time charts in multiple sessions.  

 

The following night, the team unloaded once again at The Speed Palace, ready to get the competitive season rolling.  The pill-draw format called for four heats for the 38 super late models that had signed in for a shot at the $3,000 top prize.  Austin Berry would roll off from the 4th starting position of the second heat in the late afternoon sunshine.  The top five from each heat race would transfer to the night’s feature event, with the top three involved in a redraw for the overall top 12 starting spots in that main event.

 

The initial start of his heat race saw Berry launch into second, right on the bumper of leader Dan Stone as the field exited turn two.  Berry pulled alongside Stone in turn 3 but settled back into line behind Stone off turn 4.  Austin later shared, The car was good.  Really good.  I built up a lot of momentum on the opening lap and I know with the level of competition they have at Port Royal, you have to run hard, so I carried all of that speed into turn one pretty aggressively.  A little too much I guess.”  Berry was referring to what happened next.  The car over-rotated just past the apex of turns one and two, leaving him facing the wrong direction.  Fortunately there was no contact or damage from the unfortunate spin.

 

Rather than dwell on the frustration of the situation, Berry righted the car and rejoined the rear of the field.  It was early and there was still time to learn from the mistake, reach the top five and transfer to the feature event.  By lap three it appeared he would do just that, as Berry had moved up to the 7th position.  For the next few laps, he was engaged in a heated battle for the 6th position.  However, on lap six Berry noticed the motor start to push out water, forcing him to abort his battle and take his Rocket XR1 pit-side.

 

The crew was unable to determine the cause of the issue at the track and with the lineup calling for Austin to start 14th in the B-main, from which only the top four finishers would advance to the A-main, the team decided to call it a night rather than risk losing a motor.  

 

The good news is, back at the shop the next day, the team was able to get to the bottom of the problem (damage to the head) and will have it resolved in time to get back to the track next weekend.  While the unrealized potential of opening day is certainly frustrating, ABR has the mindset you have to have in this sport.  They are focused on the positives from their first weekend.  There is a blend of determination and optimism that’s hard to explain, but it will serve them well.  ABR is due and their day is coming.  

 

 

This weekend, the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, MS Shock Therapy, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86 will compete on three consecutive nights with the United Late Model Series (ULMS), March 19th-21st.  The 3-race stint kicks off Friday at Williams Grove, followed by two nights at Port Royal Speedway on Saturday and Sunday.  Come out to a race, stop by and say hello and cheer on the No.86!

AUSTIN BERRY RACING

Learn more about Austin Berry at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/drivers/austin-berry/

Follow ABR’s season at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/latest-news/

ABR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing

ABR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AustinBerryRacn

Want to buy some Austin Berry gear? https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/new-shop/shop/

SPECIAL THANKS

As always, thank you to all our sponsors and partners, including our silent partners who do everything they can to help but ask for nothing in return!  Below are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what these teams do possible. PLEASE take the time to browse this information and help the teams by giving your business to these partners. Most importantly, tell them WHY you patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides affordable and personal dirt motorsports public relations that provides a professional public image to attract marketing partners and fans.  A2D can promote your sponsors and engage fans with your team’s story.  We are a central Pennsylvania based business with a love of and passion for dirt racing and the people who make the sport what it is.

 

Visit our website to learn more about us and follow along with the stories of our race teams!

https://addicted2dirtpr.com/

 

Follow A2D on Social Media!

We are @Addicted2DirtPR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

     https://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR

     https://twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR  (hashtag #TeamA2D)

     https://www.instagram.com/addicted2dirtpr/

 

And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you are always notified of our latest video features, recaps and stories for #TeamA2D!  Just hit subscribe below this video or search for Addicted2Dirt PR on YouTube!

 

You can always contact us via Email at:  [email protected]

2021 Season Provides Welcome Fresh Start for ABR

New Partner Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop Joins Team

Mifflin, PA – March 5, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

To say the entire team at Austin Berry Racing is looking forward to the upcoming season would be a significant understatement.  2020 was a year pretty much everyone wants to put behind them for numerous reasons, and ABR is no different.  The struggles of last season are well documented.  

 

The team is determined to return to the more consistent level of performance they had reached in 2019, when they finished 6th in Port Royal Speedways season championship standings.  Two keys to ABR’s fresh start for the upcoming season are a new partner and a new engine program.

 

Shade Gap, PA business Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, who provides custom butchering and packaging for beef, pork, and venison, has joined the team as a key new partner.  This new partnership will help the team freshen some equipment for the new campaign.  

 

In an effort to stabilize one of the most important pieces of their program, the team has joined with Hagerstown, MD based A&C Racing Engines to manage their engines.  In business for over 20 years, A&C is a complete automotive machine shop, specializing in performance engines and offering dyno services.  

 

Returning for the 2021 season are several long-time supporters as well.  Berry’s Siding and Seamless Gutter,  MS Shock Therapy, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, Ontime Body and Graphic, and Swift Springs all return for the new season.

 

The goal is to race a smart schedule that provides us with an opportunity to grow, improve and get the most out of our equipment.“, stated Austin Berry in a recent phone conversation about the team’s plans.  Exactly how the year will unfold in terms of schedule isn’t crystal clear yet, but ABR has laid out plans that include following the ULMS Racing Series South Region schedule, numerous Port Royal Speedway events and several other notable shows in the region.  They will evaluate where they are at performance-wise around the end of April or early May and adjust the schedule from there, if necessary.

 

Look for the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, MS Shock Therapy, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines,  Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86 to kick off their season Saturday, March 13th at Port Royal Speedway.  The following week they will kick off the ULMS South season back at The Speed Palace. 

SPECIAL THANKS

As always, thank you to all our sponsors and partners, including our silent partners who do everything they can to help but ask for nothing in return!  Below are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what we do possible.  PLEASE take the time to browse this information and help us by giving your business to our partners.  Most importantly, tell them WHY you patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

AUSTIN BERRY RACING

Learn more about Austin Berry at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/drivers/austin-berry/

Follow ABR’s season at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/latest-news/

ABR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing

ABR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AustinBerryRacn

Want to buy some Austin Berry gear? https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/new-shop/shop/

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides affordable and personal dirt motorsports public relations that provides a professional public image to attract marketing partners and fans.  A2D can promote your sponsors and engage fans with your team’s story.  We are a central Pennsylvania based business with a love of and passion for dirt racing and the people who make the sport what it is.

 

Visit our website to learn more about us and follow along with the stories of our race teams!

https://addicted2dirtpr.com/

 

Follow A2D on Social Media!

We are @Addicted2DirtPR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

     https://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR

     https://twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR  (hashtag #TeamA2D)

     https://www.instagram.com/addicted2dirtpr/

 

And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you are always notified of our latest video features, recaps and stories for #TeamA2D!  Just hit subscribe below this video or search for Addicted2Dirt PR on YouTube!

 

You can always contact us via Email at:  [email protected]

[VIDEO] 2020: The Rise of Zach Daddy

Millerstown, PA – February 21, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Zach Newlin has been racing for over 20 years. Like many, the dream was to keep moving up and reach the pinnacle of sprint car racing, the 410 division.  Things seemed to be moving along as hoped, with Zach going from go-karts to 600 micros in 2005, then on to 305 sprints in 2013.  He wasn’t just putting in his time either.  He was winning races and championships.  You know you’re doing ok when you earn a nickname along the way.  Suddenly, Zach Daddy was born.  That’s a story for another day though.

 

The dream seemed to be growing closer, but in today’s expensive sport of sprint car racing, nothing comes easy.  A driver can accomplish all that can be expected of them but still never get a chance to wheel a 410 sprint car.

 

When the calendar flipped to 2020, Zach Newlin wasn’t sure what the season would bring. The family team, Newlin Racing, wanted a new challenge and was eyeing a move to 358 sprint car racing. Things weren’t coming together just yet though, so a return to the 305 division, where he had been very successful for several years, seemed likely.  The dream of 410 racing was still in the back of his mind, but seemed quite far off.

 

Fortunately the stars aligned and the pieces came together to go 358 racing in the family’s familiar 11z with their long time partners Smith Concrete & Construction, Heather Sims – Realtor, J.W. Smith Auto Body, T&M Homebuilders Inc., Ron’s RV Sales, Kirby Kitner Excavating, Hammaker Racing Engines, The Podium Awards, Advanced Septic Services, and Walker Performance Filtration.  At the time, Newlin and his family were extremely happy, but had no idea just how much that step would ultimately mean a few short months later.

 

Despite the pandemic interrupting the early part of the season, Zach was able to quickly show speed and run near the front.  Shawn Burke was familiar with Newlin’s success in the 305 sprint cars.  His team had competed against Newlin on a regular basis.  By mid-summer of the 2020 season, what he had seen from Zach behind the wheel of the 358 was enough to cause him to walk into Newlin’s trailer and ask him if he was interested in driving the Burke Motorsports 410 sprint car.  Once Newlin processed it all, the choice seemed clear.

 

He would quietly make his 410 debut August 23rd at BAPS Motor Speedway and days later would win his first 358 sprint car race at Williams Grove Speedway.  Just two weeks later, Newlin made his Port Royal Speedway 410 debut in the 69th Annual Labor Day Classic.  He earned the Hard Charger award in that event, quickly proving he has what it takes to perform at the top level.  Zach Daddy wrapped up the season competing against the All Stars and World of Outlaws in the orange #54 Grove Financial & Associates, Dillman Hauling, LLC., Kriner Racing Engines, Sander Engineering, DMI, Burke Motorsports, Maxim Chassis, Walker Performance Filtration, 410 sprint car, gaining as much experience as possible to be ready for what comes next.

 

What a year 2020 turned out to be.  The dream is alive and has a strong heartbeat.  

 

Before we turn our attention to the upcoming 2021 season, let’s take a look back at some of Zach Daddy’s journey with a trip down memory lane in the video below.  

 

Please like, share and comment if you enjoy it!

SPECIAL THANKS

Below are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what these teams do
possible. PLEASE take the time to browse this information and help the teams by
giving your business to these partners. Most importantly, tell them WHY you
patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

Please LIKE and SHARE this video if you enjoyed it!  Thank you!

Learn more about Zach Newlin at:  https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/drivers/zachnewlin/  

Follow Burke Motorsports season at:  https://addicted2dirtpr.com/latest-news/

Burke Motorsports on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Burke54Racing

Burke Motorsports on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Burke54Racing

Music in this video: Higher by Eminem, Thunderstruck by 2 Cellos

Photo credits: Racer X Media, Ashley Book, Brian, B Lenhart Photo, Kevin Quirk Motorsports Grafix, Rich Watts (A2D) and the Newlin Family

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides affordable and personal dirt motorsports public relations that provides a professional public image to attract marketing partners and fans.  A2D can promote your sponsors and engage fans with your team’s story.  We are a central Pennsylvania based business with a love of and passion for dirt racing and the people who make the sport what it is.

 

Visit our website to learn more about us and follow along with the stories of our race teams!

https://addicted2dirtpr.com/

 

Follow A2D on Social Media!

We are @Addicted2DirtPR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

     https://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR

     https://twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR  (hashtag #TeamA2D)

     https://www.instagram.com/addicted2dirtpr/

 

And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel (Addicted2Dirt PR) so you are always notified of our latest video features, recaps and stories for #TeamA2D!  Just hit subscribe below this video!

 

Contact us via Email at: [email protected]

ABR’s 2020: The kind of year a team must overcome to savor eventual success.

Mifflin, PA – February 15, 2021 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

2020 was a challenging year in many ways for everyone. ABR’s season was no different.

 

After a successful 2019 campaign that saw them finish 6th in Port Royal Speedway’s season championship points and earn the Most Improved Driver award, the team worked hard in the offseason to make more improvements and seize on their momentum.

 

There were high hopes for the Rocket Chassis XR1, Swift Springs, MS Shock Therapy, Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Nathan Berry Beef Farm No.86 heading into 2020. The season wasn’t easy. It seemed everything that could go wrong did. It was the kind of year a team must overcome to savor eventual success.

 

Despite all of that, there were high points and positives. There were small victories some nights, there were supportive fans, and there were the kids. The young fans always brought a reason to smile and to keep working hard.

 

Before we turn our attention to the upcoming 2021 season, let’s take a look back at 2020 and fuel the fire inside by remembering why we started this whole thing in the first place.

Please LIKE and SHARE this video if you enjoyed it and SUBSCRIBE to A2D’s channel so you don’t miss anything this season! Thank you!

 

Learn more about Austin Berry at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/drivers/austin-berry/

Follow ABR’s season at: https://addicted2dirtpr.com/latest-news/

ABR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing

ABR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AustinBerryRacn

Want to buy some Austin Berry gear? https://addicted2dirtpr.com/home/new-shop/shop/

Music in this video: Legends Are Made by Sam Tinnesz

Photo credits: Garry Ferguson, Brian Rhoad, Joe Durian, Mac McPherson, Chasity Berry, Ken Berry, Rich Watts (A2D)

SPECIAL THANKS

As always, thank you to all our sponsors and partners, including our silent partners who do everything they can to help but ask for nothing in return! 

 

Below are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what these teams do possible. PLEASE take the time to browse this information and help the teams by giving your business to these partners. Most importantly, tell them WHY you patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides affordable and personal dirt motorsports public relations that provides a professional public image to attract marketing partners and fans.

 

A2D can promote your sponsors and engage fans with your team’s story. We are a central Pennsylvania based business with a love of and passion for dirt racing and the people who make the sport what it is.

 

Visit our website to learn more about us and follow along with the stories of our race teams!

https://addicted2dirtpr.com/

 

Follow A2D on Social Media! We are @Addicted2DirtPR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR 

https://twitter.com/Addicted2DirtPR (hashtag #TeamA2D) https://www.instagram.com/addicted2dirtpr/

 

And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so you are always notified of our latest video features, recaps and stories for #TeamA2D!

 

Contact us via Email at: [email protected]