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Austin Berry Records Solid Finish in First Visit to The Grove

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Port Royal Delivers Tough Lesson the Following Night

Port Royal, PA – March 29, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Austin Berry was excited to get to the track on Friday, March 26th.  He had good reason to be.  During maintenance and prep at the shop during the week, the team had finally discovered the source of a mysterious issue they had been having with their right front shock for several races.  On top of that, after a couple years of losing the opportunity to Mother Nature, he was finally going to get to make his first start at the legendary Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA.  

 

Friday’s show at the ‘paper-clip’ shaped oval was sanctioned by the ULMS and 22 teams signed in to compete.  The Grove is known as a tricky track for even the most experienced wheelmen, so the 3 circuits Berry was able to make in his lone hot la session certainly didn’t provide all the answers he needed prior to his timed qualifying effort.  Going out 7th, he ended up recording the 19th quickest time on a very heavy and slightly greasy surface.  Having never made laps there before, it was difficult to judge whether the resolved shock issue had made much of a difference.  Saturday night would probably be a better time to evaluate that.

 

The timed qualifying determined the lineups for three 8-lap heats.  Given the number of cars registered, all cars would qualify for and start ‘straight up’ in the main event, meaning the heat winners start in the top 3 spots in the feature, followed by the second place qualifiers, and so on.  Austin started 7th in the first heat and was able to move forward.  Each lap was valuable experience.  He fended off repeated challenges from Billy Wampler and held on to finish 5th.  

 

The heat race effort provided Berry with the 13th starting spot in the 30-lap A-main.  The first 14 laps went smoothly before the first caution of the event appeared.  At the caution, Austin was still riding in the 13th position, working to figure out the best way to get around the speedway.  The track was still full of grip and the leaders had set a blistering pace, but Berry was able to hang with the quick pace and was still on the lead lap.  On the restart, he made some good choices and was able to start moving forward, finding himself in 11th on lap 19.  He challenged briefly for 10th but had to settle back into line.  Austin found a rhythm and brought the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, 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 home in 11th place, still on the lead lap.  A very solid outing for his first visit to Williams Grove.

 

The following night brought another stout field of 36 super late models to Port Royal Speedway for a weekly pill-draw show.  For these ‘regular shows’, a random pill draw is used in lieu of timed qualifying to set the heat lineups.  The format would be 4 8-lap heats with 5 cars from each to qualify for the A-main.  The top 3 drivers would go to the redraw, a random drawing for the top 12 starting spots in the A-main.  

 

Austin started the evening a little behind the figurative eight ball, starting 9th in heat number four.  The heat race provided the first true feedback on the resolved shock issue, as Austin found himself in a good handling racecar and was able to quickly advance to 7th in under 2 laps.  A slight error in judgement put him over the cushion in turn 4, slipping back to 9th as lap 2 went in the books.   He regained his rhythm and fought back into 7th just past the halfway point and began to close on the 6th place car.  Berry ran out of laps and settled for a 6th place finish.  After crawling out of the car, Berry shook his head and reflected on a missed opportunity, “We were really good (in the heat).  If I had not slipped above the cushion on lap 2, I’m pretty certain we would have transferred to the feature.” 

 

He didn’t have time to dwell on it.  Austin was slated to start 8th in the 12-lap B-main.  The top 4 finishers from the event would transfer to fill the final starting spots for the A-main.  The team made some minor adjustments on their Rocket Chassis XR1 and rolled into staging for the final opportunity to transfer.  Berry once again had a car that responded to his liking, enabling him to move quickly into 7th on the opening lap and into 6th on lap two.  When the caution flag waved on lap 5 for third place running Gene Knaub, Austin had just powered into 5th, one away from a transfer spot.  The restart put Berry into the 4th and final transfer position.  

 

The field returned to green and Berry continued making smooth laps, finding himself on the heels of the 3rd place car as lap 7 went in the books.  As Austin navigated turn 4, he got a little higher than he had been running and brushed the spoiler on the fence.  It seemed pretty minor…until it tapped the fence again, slighter harder this time, as he exited turn 4.  That impact was enough to upset the balance of the car and shift the weight from the right rear to the left rear, leaving Berry fighting the wheel trying to regain the balance and keep it pointed toward turn 1.  Unfortunately his efforts were unsuccessful and he was left with two choices:  keep fighting it and clobber the outside wall or spin it out and avoid destroying the car.  He chose option two and ended his day facing traffic watching the field sail by.  The team was credited with a 13th place finish.

 

Given the struggles ABR has had in the early part of the 2021 season, you would have expected to find a very frustrated and angry ABR pit area after the B-main.  Maybe a wrench bouncing off a distant trailer wall?  Surprisingly, you would be wrong.  Well, half wrong anyway.  Austin Berry was actually smiling.  When asked about the grin, he responded, “Oh, don’t get me wrong.  I’m mad.”  Actually he may have used a different word than mad.  He was definitely upset.  So was the rest of the crew.  

 

The grin boiled down to this:  the good news of the week outweighed the disappointment of the past 30 minutes, and even the season for that matter.  The entire team realized the car finally had speed again.  The issue they found during the week, coupled with some other adjustments to the car, and also to Austin’s driving style, had made a significant difference.  They had finally crested the hill after searching and searching for the change(s) they needed to get back to where they had been in 2019.  Everyone at ABR understands the big picture.  They understand this sport is not easy.  It takes time and hard work to reach the goal, and there’s still plenty of work to be done.  They aren’t all the way to where they need to be yet, but now they can move forward, figuratively and literally.

 

After debriefing with the team, Berry was ready to chat and without being asked a question, he got right to it regarding the crash that took him out of a transfer spot.  “Well, I stepped on it.“, he said with a laugh.  “That one is all on me.  I learned a lesson that hard way there.“, he shrugged.  He explained that he had actually slowed entering turn 3 more than he had been, with a plan to turn down across turn 4 to get a run off the bottom and take a shot at third place.  When he got back on the throttle, it shoved the nose up the track and got him over the cushion, ultimately leading to the crash.  Wisdom says, take the transfer spot and move on.  Lesson learned the hard way.  

 

Asked for his final thought on the day, without hesitation Berry said, “I can’t wait to get back here next Saturday.”  I can understand why.  I think Austin Berry Racing is about to make folks take notice.  

 

ABR’s only race of the coming Easter weekend will be at Port Royal Speedway on Saturday, April 3rd.  It will be Camera and Autograph night at Port Royal Speedway, which means the pits will be open early so all fans can visit the pit area and get up close with the cars and teams.  Gates open at 3pm.  Please stop by, say hello to Austin and pick up a shirt or hoodie!  We have some sizes still available of our 2020 apparel and from the Racing For Time Pancreatic Cancer campaign car as well.  We will have the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, 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 ready to tackle 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 Inches Closer to the Goal

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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

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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!

photo credit: BertWoJo Images

photo credit: Leister Photography/Ashlee Book

photo credit: BertWoJo Images

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

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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]

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

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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.

 

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Newlin Named 358 Sprint Car Rookie of The Year

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Logs Another Top 10 Run in Williams Grove 2020 Finale

Mechanicsburg, PA – September 27, 2020 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Coming into the final race of the season at Williams Grove Speedway for the 358 sprint cars on September 25th, Zach Newlin and team must have wished there was more racing left at the famous half-mile in 2020. They had just recently started hitting their stride. After some early season nights where it seemed defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory, they had recently registered a top 5 and a victory.

A couple key DNF’s from early in the summer stood out in their mind. They had broken while leading on one occasion and then had a part failure after going 17th to 7th in the first 23 laps of a 25 lap feature event. The sting of those nights was long gone though as a result of their recent successes.

In reality, the season as a whole thus far had been a success for Newlin. As evidence of that, prior to action Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway, an official approached the Newlin Racing pits with a package in hand. As he spoke with the driver from Millerstown, PA, he pulled out a plaque and explained to Newlin that he had already clinched the 358 sprint car Rookie of the Year Award. His eyes widened and a smile quickly emerged. After a few quick photos though, his attention quickly turned toward the night at hand and continuing the team’s recent momentum.

Zach Newlin is presented the 2020 Rookie of the Year Award in the 358 sprint car division by a speedway official. Photo credit: A2D

The 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 / Walker Performance Filtration #11z was one of 28 cards signed in. The field would be divided into three 8-lap heats, with the top six from each transferring directly to the A-main. The remainder would run the B-main to vie for the final six qualifying spots in the feature event’s 24 car field. All qualifiers would start straight up in the feature based on their finishing position in the heat races.

Williams Grove used a handicapping system based on season earnings to line up the heat races, which meant Zach would line up 9th in the first heat. He would have his work cut out for him to not only qualify for the feature event but also improve his starting position in that event as much as possible. He was up to the task. He used the low groove during the first half of the heat race to advance to the 5th position. When that seemed to no longer reap any rewards, he switched to the high line in an attempt to garner more. He nearly accomplished it, getting alongside the 4th place car in the final corners, but he ultimately settled for 5th by a mere half car length.

The qualifying effort meant Newlin would start 13th in the feature event. As is always the case when trying to improve the car and keep up with the ever-changing conditions of a dirt track, the team discussed options and made decisions about the changes they felt the car would need to move toward the front. During the opening laps of the A-main, it appeared they had made the correct choices. Zach again used the low line to move forward into 12th by lap 2. After narrowly avoiding becoming part of a multi-car crash on lap 2, he picked up where he left off on the restart. By the completion of lap 4 he had moved into 10th. The newly-crowned 2020 358 sprint car Rookie of the Year continued to work the low groove over next dozen laps, with the brief exception of a 2-lap experiment in the high groove that quickly showed it wasn’t a quicker way around for him when the 11th place car showed his nose underneath Newlin.

When the field reached lap 17, Zach still found himself in 10th and not gaining any ground, so he tried the high line once again in hopes it had blown off more by now and would prove to be the quicker way around the legendary paper-clip shaped half-mile. Unfortunately the handling just wasn’t where it needed to be for the 11z and Newlin rode home in 10th.

After climbing from the car and having some time to digest the night, his assessment in a word was: “Disappointing”. Unsure what else to say at the moment, he paused for a minute. His expression said it all though. They were so close…but they had just missed the setup they really needed to achieve another top 5. Newlin finally added, “It really ran well on the straights. It had plenty of grip there. We just couldn’t get through the middle and off the corners the way we needed to.” The entire time he spoke it was clear the wheels were still turning in his head about how to be better next time. That’s the drive of a successful racer.

The 2020 season may not be entirely over for Newlin. There is another 358 show at the Lincoln Speedway in October that could find its way onto the team’s schedule or maybe if things work out he will get the opportunity to race another night or two in the 410 he recently dabbled in. Time will tell.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below from Friday night!

Zach’s parents Jeff and Kelly Newlin reflected on the team’s 358 sprint car season. “We wrapped up the season with another top 10 and put it in the trailer in one piece, so we’re happy”, Kelly shared. She continued, ” A win, an 8th place finish in the points and Rookie of the Year at ‘The Grove’ in his first 358 season is incredible.”

Jeff, Kelly and the entire team also wanted to express their thanks to the many sponsors and partners who support the team. This wouldn’t be possible without those businesses and individuals. 2020 has been a challenging year for many of the small businesses who sponsor and support teams like Newlin Racing and several of them had to find creative ways to help the team this season. The team greatly appreciates all the help they received this season, no matter what the form. Please take time to read the list of those businesses below and patronize them if you are able.

You can also find links to many of them in the Sponsors and Partners section on this page: #Team A2D Driver Zach Newlin

Smith Concrete and 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
Walker Performance Filtration
Strange Oval
Morgan Paving
Engler Injection
BDR Racing Products
River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery
Newport American Legion Post 177
HRF Heishman Racing Fuels
Safety-Kleen
34 Motorsports
Newlin Bar Service
Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans can follow Newlin Racing during the 2020 season at:
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/NewlinRacing
(Twitter) @NewlinRacing

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Follow or contact Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management at:
(Twitter) @Addicted2DirtPR #TeamA2D
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR
(Website) Addicted2DirtPR.com
(Email) [email protected]

#TeamA2D Upcoming Weekend Outlook

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The Latest Info on Newlin Racing and Austin Berry Racing

Harrisburg, PA – September 24, 2020 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Friday night, September 25th, will find the Newlin Racing 358 sprint car team at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA. The 358 Sprints will be in action for the final time in 2020 at the historic facility as part of the 410 Sprint Car Outlaw Tune-Up.

Zach Newlin will be looking for back-to-back wins in the 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 / Walker Performance Filtration #11z, having visited victory lane the last time the division was in action, back on September 4th at “The Grove”.

Newlin currently sits 7th in the standings, just 90 points out of 6th and 105 points out of 3rd. He is also the only driver other than Derek Locke and Kevin Nouse to reach victory lane in 2020 on the Mechanicsburg half-mile.

  • Zach Newlin’s First 358 Victory on 9-4-20. Photo credit: Williams Grove Speedway
  • Photo credit: BERTWOJO Images

Unfortunately, Austin Berry Racing will not be in action this weekend as neither of the team’s motors are race-ready. Repairs to their primary motor have not been completed and the backup motor is ‘lapped-out’ and in need of a refresh.

The team’s goal is to get their Rocket Chassis XR1, Swift Springs, MS Shock Therapy, Hershey Racing Engines, Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Nathan Berry Beef Farm #86 to the track at least one or two more times before the 2020 season ends.

For schedule updates, race results and other news on #TeamA2D teams, follow us and the teams on social media. You can find all our social media information below. 

  • Photo Credit: Joe Durian
  • Photo Credit: Mac McPherson

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans can follow Austin Berry Racing during the 2020 season on:
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing
(Twitter) @AustinBerryRacn

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans can follow Newlin Racing during the 2020 season at:
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/NewlinRacing
(Twitter) @NewlinRacing

Follow or contact Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management at:
(Twitter) @Addicted2DirtPR #TeamA2D
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR
(Website) Addicted2DirtPR.com
(Email) [email protected]

Zach Newlin Adds Elusive Trip to Williams Grove Victory Lane to Growing Resume

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First 358 Sprint Win for Newlin Racing Comes in Impressive Fashion

Mechanicsburg, PA – September 5, 2020 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Zach Newlin in Victory Lane at Williams Grove
(Photo Credit: Williams Grove Speedway 9-4)

Zach Newlin has a remarkable racing resume. Friday night, September 4th, 2020 he added yet another impressive entry to his list of accomplishments: a victory at Williams Grove Speedway. Not only did he win at the legendary half mile, he won in a 358 sprint car in his first season in the division.

The HJ Towing and Recovery 358 Sprints were on hand as part of the Bob Stewart Tribute event Friday night. 32 cars signed in for competition and were divided into four 8-lap heats lined up based on a handicapping system, with the top 5 from each to transfer to the feature.

The Smith Concrete & Construction / J.W. Smith Auto Body / T&M Homebuilders, Inc. / Heather Sims, Realtor / Walker Performance Filtration / Newlin Bar Service #11z lined up outside row 2 in the fourth heat race. Using the high side on the start, Zach pulled side by side with Ashley Capetta for the lead. The pair battled side by side for two laps before Newlin used a strong move off turn two on the high side to power past Capetta down the backstretch to take sole command. By lap five, he had put about 8 car lengths between himself and second place and went on to win by that distance over Derek Locke, who moved into second from his 8th starting spot in the closing laps.

After the solid qualifying run, Newlin reflected back on what he learned from his first opportunity to run a 410 sprint car two weeks earlier. “It taught me I need to free my car up.”, he explained. He had factored that into the heat race setup and was thinking it would be part of the solution for the A-main as well.

The feature lineup was heads-up from the heat race finishes, which meant Zach would line up 4th. As the field took the green off turn four, the red flag quickly appeared when Doug Hammaker jumped the right rear of Newlin’s J&J Chassis 11z and collided with the outside fence, flipping back across the speedway and collecting a few other cars.

On the second attempt to start the feature event, Newlin ran the low side, tried to settle in and remained in 4th position at the completion of lap one. As the field began lap 3, Zach drove the 11z into turns 1 and 2 hard on the high side to build up momentum and made the pass for 3rd down the back chute under the famous bridge at “The Grove”.

The red flag appeared once again on lap 4 when the 48 car made contact with the outside wall near the flag stand and flipped down the front stretch. Following the incident cleanup, Newlin restarted 3rd with 4 laps complete. This time Zach took the low line through the first pair of turns and pulled alongside the 2nd place machine but the caution appeared before he could claim the position.

On yet another restart, this time with 5 laps complete, Newlin would restart 3rd and again charge the low side, while the rest of the field took to the top of the speedway. The move would propel the 11z into 2nd coming off turn 2. Over the next few laps Newlin would continue to stick to the low side of the speedway and gain ground on the leader, the 28 of Matt Findley, when yet again the caution would appear.

The feature event, which was struggling to find its rhythm and was turning into a bit of a marathon, would finally restart for the final time with 13 laps remaining. Findley led Newlin, Arnold and Locke back to the green. Once again Zach took the 11z to the low side and when the field emerged from turn 4, he was side by side with Findley for the lead. The pair continued their side by side battle for the lead until Newlin powered into the lead off turn 2 on lap 9. The low side was his friend and he didn’t give up on it the rest of the way. He stretched his lead to 8 car-lengths with 8 to go. Behind Zach, Findley and Locke engaged in a side by side battle for second for a few laps. While that battle raged, Newlin maintained a smooth rhythm on the low side and stretched his lead to 10 car-lengths as he closed on lapped traffic at the white flag. He passed under the checkered flag a straightaway ahead of Locke, who claimed 2nd in the closing laps.

When asked about his choice of the low line while most of the field was running the high line, Newlin explained “I was reading what the cars in front of me did. They went high and I went for the clean air. When my car dug off the corner, my mind was set to run the bottom.”.

Newlin was greeted in victory lane by a very happy family and crew, who were more than ready to celebrate the team’s first 358 sprint and first Williams Grove victory. Newlin, almost in disbelief they had finally accomplished the long time goal of winning at the historic facility, thanked his parents, grandparents, family and crew for everything they have sacrificed to build the race team into what it is. Unfortunately his usual crew chief, brother Lance, and his family and grandparents, were on vacation at the beach and not present for the memorable night. Newlin got a little emotional when mentioning the absent family members. This is a true family team and, win or lose, they want to be in the pits together.

Shawn Brouse interviews Zach Newlin at Williams Grove Speedway after his first career 358 Sprint win and first win at the legendary half mile.

SPECIAL THANKS:

We want to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and marketing partners!

Smith Concrete and Construction
J.W. Smith Auto Body
T&M Homebuilders, Inc.
Heather Sims, Realtor
Walker Performance Filtration
Newlin Bar Service
Advanced Septic Services
Hershman Racing Fuels
Morgan Paving
Kirby Kitner Excavating
BAPS Auto Paints & Supply
Beyea Headers
Engler Machine & Tool
AL Driveline
Safety-Kleen
River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery
BR Motorsports Ignitioneering
Strange Oval
Tamayo Contracting
American Legion Post 177 Newport
The Podium Awards
Fastner Specialties Motorsports

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans can follow Newlin Racing during the 2020 season at:
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/NewlinRacing
(Twitter) @NewlinRacing

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Follow or contact Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management at:
(Twitter) @Addicted2DirtPR #TeamA2D
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR
(Website) Addicted2DirtPR.com
(Email) [email protected]

#TeamA2D Weekend Outlook

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Newlin Racing and Austin Berry Racing Both In Action

Harrisburg, PA – September 3, 2020 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Friday night, September 4th, will find the Newlin Racing 358 sprint car team pit-side at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA. The 358 Sprints will be a part of the Bob Stewart Tribute Race for 410 Sprints. The night will also feature fireworks and will highlight the sport’s history via the presence of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR).

  • Photo Credit: Ashley Book
  • Photo Credit: Christopher Hockley

Zach Newlin is coming off a top 5 on August 14th at “The Grove” in the Smith Concrete & Construction / J.W. Smith Auto Body / T&M Homebuilders, Inc. / Heather Sims, Realtor / Walker Performance Filtration / Newlin Bar Service #11z and aims to continue that momentum.

  • Photo Credit: Mac McPherson
  • Photo Credit: Joe Durian

Saturday night, September 5th, will bring the Austin Berry Racing super late model team to the 166th Annual Juniata County Fair Opener at Port Royal Speedway for two feature events. The headline of the program will be the 17th Annual ULMS sanctioned Butch Renninger Memorial paying $5,333 to win. At the end of the night, the ULMS Late Models will also compete in a make-up feature from August 1st. The program will also feature 410 Sprints and Limited Late Models.

Berry is slated to start 10th in the makeup event in his Rocket Chassis XR1, Swift Springs, MS Shock Therapy, Hershey Racing Engines, Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Nathan Berry Beef Farm #86. ABR is looking to rebound to their prior form after a tough series of nights against the Lucas Oil late model series last week. 

!!! SWAG and GEAR !!!!

Both ABR and Newlin Racing have limited sizes of shirts remaining for sale, along with other miscellaneous items. Please stop by this weekend, say hello and pick up an item to show your support and help out the team!

  • ABR shirts – limited sizes/colors available
  • Newlin Racing shirts – limited sizes remain
  • Newlin Racing Mask
  • Newlin Racing decals
  • Newlin Racing Gaiter

Follow or contact Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management at:
(Twitter) @Addicted2DirtPR #TeamA2D
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR
(Website) Addicted2DirtPR.com
(Email) [email protected]

ABR Lucas Oil Weekend Recap

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A singer once sang, “Sometime’s You’re the Windshield, Sometimes You’re the Bug”

Port Royal, PA – August 31, 2020 – By Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 1992 hit must have been playing somewhere. The song begins appropriately.

Well it’s a strange old game, you learn it slow
One step forward and it’s back you go
You’re standing on the throttle
You’re standing on the brake
In the groove ’til you make a mistake

The chorus gets right to the point.

Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug

Those lyrics pretty much sum up Austin Berry Racing’s 3-day foray with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Port Royal Speedway. ABR came into the event as prepared as they could be and were coming off a top 10 qualifying run in the last super late model event held at The Speed Palace. Despite that positive momentum, by the time the Lucas Oil sanctioned event was over, the team had struggled through nightly challenges and did not make the field for the two feature events that were able to be completed.

Nobody’s making excuses. The 3-day show August 27-29 brought a range of challenges: rain delays, less than optimal pill draws, mechanical issues and conditions that were hard on equipment. Sometimes there was only time for repairs instead of setup adjustments. A team can put in an effort that goes above and beyond but sometimes it just doesn’t all come together to equal the results that would seem to be fair payback.

What do you do when you face challenges like that? You try to move past the frustration as quickly as you can. You pay attention so you can learn. You remain positive. You continue working hard to apply that knowledge. You continue to believe in yourself and the team. You remember to give back to the fans. You thank the people who get you to the track. You keep smiling.

Austin Berry and the ABR team are doing all of the above and will bring their Rocket Chassis XR1, Swift Springs, MS Shock Therapy, Hershey Racing Engines, Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Nathan Berry Beef Farm #86 back at Port Royal Speedwayon Saturday, September 5th to compete in the the ULMS sanctioned Butch Renninger Memorial, as well as the ULMS makeup feature from August 8th.

Thursday, August 27th Gallery

Friday, August 28th Gallery

Saturday, August 28th Gallery

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!

Swift Springs
Rocket Chassis
Ontime Body & Graphic
Hershey Racing Engines
MS Shock Therapy
Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter
Nathan Berry Beef Farm

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Fans can follow Austin Berry Racing during the 2020 season on:
(Facebook) www.facebook.com/AustinBerryRacing
(Twitter) @AustinBerryRacn

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Follow or contact Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management at:
(Twitter) @Addicted2DirtPR #TeamA2D
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2DirtPR
(Website) Addicted2DirtPR.com
(Email) [email protected]