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Austin Berry Shows Team Has Reached a New Level

Disaster Strikes Two Laps Short of Podium Finish

Mifflin, PA – July 13, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

 )

Four weeks had passed since the last super late model race at Port Royal Speedway.  Scheduling and weather combined to create the longest gap of the season.  It was an excruciatingly long gap for Austin Berry, who wanted nothing more than to get back behind the wheel after his June 12th victory at “The Speed Palace”.   The hard fought victory was his first in a super late model, and his new goal was to prove it was no fluke.

 

Saturday night, July 10th, 29 teams descended on Port Royal Speedway to compete for the $3,000 top prize.  The speedway used the dual 6-lap heat format to set the starting lineup for the night’s main event.  In the format, a random draw is used to set the heat race lineups and drivers earn passing points based on their finishing position vs. their starting position.  After 6 laps, the starting lineup is inverted and the field races another 6 laps, once again earning points at the conclusion.

 

Berry started 5th in both heat race segments and finished 2nd and 5th respectively, earning his team enough points to start 7th in the A-main later in the program.  In his first heat race, Berry was on the charge from the drop of the green, able to run varied lines to make passes.  In his second heat race, he was able to move forward on the start, holding the 4th spot for a few laps before being forced high in turn two while working on 3rd.  The line he was forced to take allowed Jeff Rine to slip by on the low side, dropping Berry back to 5th where he ultimately finished.

 

Factoring in their starting position and the ever-changing track conditions, ABR made their setup and tire choices just prior to rolling out for the 25-lap feature event.  During the opening laps, Berry slipped backward from 7th to 10th in the running order but he didn’t panic.  The choices the team had made were made for the long run, so he just needed to stay focused on the task at hand.  

 

By the time the caution lights flashed on with nine laps complete, Berry had recovered to 7th position.  Through two more cautions on laps eleven and twelve, Berry maintained his position, gaining one spot through attrition.  With eight laps remaining, Berry was on the rear bumper of Gary Stuhler and Colton Flinner as the trio competed for spots 5-7.  In turn four, with Stuhler on the bottom and Flinner high, Berry split the pair, taking the 6th spot away from Flinner and challenging Stuhler for 5th as they entered turn one.  The pair would swap positions twice over the next couple laps.

 

On lap 21, Berry used the high side to power past Stuhler and Dillan Stake to claim the 3rd position behind leader Jeff Rine and 2nd running Dylan Yoder.  Through a hard-fought main event, Berry was positioned to register a podium finish and show the Port Royal crowd that he and his team are capable of running up front consistently and June 12th was no fluke.

 

Then, disaster.  Coming through turns three and four to receive the 2-to-go sign, the water pump broke, causing water to coat the front tires.  Unable to steer his No.86 machine, Berry slid into the outside fence, abruptly and harshly ending his great run.  He was officially credited with a 17th place finish, but that certainly didn’t tell the whole store by itself. 

 

How can I be mad?“, asked car owner and Austin’s father, Ken Berry.  “It was just a crazy, fluke thing.  Yeah, we’re gonna have some bills to pay and a lot of work to do the next week or two, but we’re running well and Austin is doing a great job behind the wheel”, Berry commented.  “We’re confident in him and he’s confident in the car, so we are  in a good place right now.  We just need to get this thing fixed up and get back to the track as soon as we can so we don’t lose our momentum.

 

Given the damage caused by the impact with the outside fence, the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, JDS Racing, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 will be out of action this weekend.  Plans to race at Hagerstown Speedway have unfortunately been scrapped.  The team will spend their time making repairs and going over the car thoroughly to make sure they find any component that was affected by the crash.  Berry and team indicated they have a 50/50 shot to be ready for Selinsgrove Speedway’s super late model show on July 24th but they expect to return to action at Port Royal Speedway on July 31st, if not sooner.

 

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!

Photos from Port Royal Speedway 7-10-2021

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]

Berry Aiming to Remain Hot in Super Late Model Action

Momentum is Key to Readiness for Big Shows at End of Summer 

Mifflin, PA – July 8, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

 )

Over the recent holiday weekend, Austin Berry was anxious to return to Port Royal Speedway, the scene of his first super late model victory a few weeks earlier, to build on the team’s early summer momentum.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature stepped in, washed out the show, and forced Berry and the rest of the ABR team to wait another week.

 

This Saturday, July 10th, ABR will bring the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, JDS Racing, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 back to ‘The Speed Palace’ once again.

 

Berry and team also plan to race with the ULMS at Hagerstown on July 17th and return to Port Royal at the end of the month, on July 31st, as part of the 15th Annual Living Legends Dream Race program.  An additional race could find its way onto the team’s July schedule before all is said and done, depending how things unfold during the month.

 

The team has been racing smart this season, making well-planned decisions about when and where to race to make the most of the equipment, resources and budget they have available.  So far it’s been working well.  

The short term goal is to choose our battles wisely to keep our equipment in good shape and be able to race competitively against the tough fields we consistently face in this area.  The longer term goal is to build momentum and have the resources to be able to compete in the bigger shows at the end of the summer, like the Lucas Oil Series shows at Port Royal.  Hopefully we can accomplish both“, Berry shared.

I need to say ‘thank you’ to all our partners and sponsors, including those who support us and don’t ask for anything in return.  Each of them means a lot to us.  A team like ours can always use more support.  The more support we have, the more we can race, and the more competitive we can be.  We truly appreciate each and every partner, large or small.  Our goal is to help them as much as they help us“, an appreciative Austin Berry commented.

Photos from Port Royal Speedway 7-3-2021

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]

Austin Berry Wins Thriller at Port Royal Speedway for First Career Super Late Model Victory!

The Little Team That Could…DID!

Mifflin, PA – June 15, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Feature Photo Credit:  Leister Photography

 )

For years, Austin Berry was accustomed to winning.  He won in go karts.  He won in legends cars.  He didn’t just win now and then.  He won a lot.  Almost six years ago he stepped up to super late models and the wins stopped coming.  Knowing how competitive the division is, it certainly wasn’t a surprise, but after a few years, the moments of doubt began to creep in.  At times he doubted himself.  At times he doubted his equipment.  Would he ever win again?  

 

Through it all, Berry has been working hard and learning everything he can, trying to get back to victory lane in a very tough division.  He’s been doing it in and around the Central Pennsylvania region by competing at some of the toughest tracks, against some of the toughest weekly competition in the country.  Saturday night June 12th, 2021, all of that hard work finally paid off.  Berry won a nail-biting, thrilling 25-lap A-main, defeating top regional names like Feathers, Flinner, Stuhler, Lathroum and Rine.

 

A field of 32 cars entered competition Saturday night at Port Royal Speedway and were divided into four, 8-lap heat races, with lineups set by a random draw.  The top five finishers would transfer directly to the A-main, but more importantly, the top three finishers would be included in the handicapping system to line up the top 12 starting positions in the night’s feature event.

 

Berry started 3rd in his heat race, but slipped back to 4th and out of a handicap spot in the early going.  He was able to find his rhythm, improve his line, and chase down Mike Lupfer to reclaim 3rd on lap 6.  He held that position to the end and claimed one of the handicap transfer spots.

 

Troubles earlier in the season had Berry sitting lower in the track points than hoped, but it benefitted them on this night.  As a result of the handicapping system, the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, JDS Racing, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 took the green in the 25-lap feature from the second position.

 

Austin was able to surge to the lead at the drop of the green and build a comfortable lead in the opening laps.  Meanwhile, Trevor Feathers, Colton Flinner and Gary Stuhler, who had started 8th, 9th and 10th respectively, were beginning their charge toward the front.  Feathers was able to move into 2nd on a lap 7 restart.  He momentarily showed himself on the inside of Berry, but couldn’t complete the pass.  Meanwhile, Flinner moved past Stuhler into 3rd.  The three pursued Berry feverishly over the remaining laps, swapping positions among themselves on a couple occasions but remaining within striking distance of Berry throughout the battles.  

 

The final caution occurred with eight laps remaining.  After that the battles only got more intense, and far too close for Berry’s comfort.  Choosing his lines carefully in an effort to balance his own ability to drive hard, while playing some defense by taking away the momentum of those in pursuit, Berry used every inch of the Speed Palace, and then some.  He made contact with the outside wall with his spoiler on at least one occasion., bending it slightly and knocking out a support brace.  

 

Over the final three laps, Berry, Feathers and Flinner ran a torrid pace “under a blanket” as they say.  The white flag waived and the front pair entered turn one side by side, with Flinner hot on their tail.  Berry was able to get sole possession of the lead by the time they reached turn three and he dove to the bottom to take away Feather’s chance at a slide job.  Meanwhile, Flinner turned up the wick on his machine, hammering the top side hard to get a run off turn four to the checkered flag.  Stuhler continued to lurk close behind the trio, looking for a gap to shoot through.  With some quick thinking, Berry allowed his chariot to slide up across turn four, forcing Flinner to check up just enough for the ABR No.86 to speed away with lead for good.   Berry won by a slim 0.169 seconds and the top 4 flashed across the line in a span of just 0.639 seconds.  Feathers, Flinner and Stuhler had collectively passed 18 cars to finish 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively, but none of them was able to get by Austin Berry.  

 

A understandably excited, emotional and exhausted Berry climbed from his Rocket Chassis XR1, climbed on the roof, and let loose a celebration that had been building within him for six years.  “That was unbelievable.  That was the hardest 25 laps I have ever driven around this place.  I am absolutely worn out,” Berry said.

You’ve got the Dream going on at Eldora and you show up at Port Royal for a regular $3000 to win show and there is 33 of the best cars in the country in the pits“, Berry explained.  “We live 10 minutes from this place and we probably would have won one of these things sooner if we went somewhere else.  My dad and I always said if we were going to do this and win, we wanted to race against the best and that’s why we keep coming here“.  

 

Berry wanted to say thank you to a lot of people who got him through the past six years and onto the victory lane stage Saturday night.  “I’ve mentioned his name a lot lately but I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate Jim Stevens & JDS Racing.  Jim has accelerated our learning curve and put us in a position to make better decisions“.

 

I also need to thank a couple good friends who stepped forward to help us this year because they believed in what we were building here at ABR.  I want to send a huge thank you to Devin Hart for sharing knowledge, helping us out with some long hours at the shop, lending us parts when we were in a bind, and leading us to our relationship with JDS Racing”, Berry shared.  

 

“I want to mention Devin’s crew too because pretty much the whole KHK Motorsports team showed up one night when we had to put an entire car together after we crashed our old one at Selinsgrove.  There were so many people in the shop, we were tripping over each other trying to get that car done by the weekend”, Berry laughed as he recalled the long night.  

 

The other friend who helped us in a big way this season is Tyler Ritchey.  When our primary motor had an issue early in the season, we were going to be out of commission for a long stretch due to parts delays, but Tyler called us and insisted we borrow his motor so we could keep racing and not sit on the sidelines.  He wasn’t racing it this year, so it was the way he wanted to help us“, Berry explained.

 

Berry concluded his expressions of thanks saying, “Of course I also want to thank Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop who came on board this year, and all the others who help out silently without asking for anything in return.  We couldn’t do this without each and every one of them.  We can always use the help and support.  We would love to grow our resources to be able to run more.  You can’t get better if you’re not racing“.

 

ABR certainly has been slowly building momentum this season.  Saturday night may have been the win that broke the ice.  Austin Berry might get used to winning again.  

 

UP NEXT:  Austin Berry Racing will take a couple weeks off, then return to Port Royal Speedway, July 3rd as part of the PA Sprint Speedweek Greg Hodnett Classic event.

Photos from Port Royal Speedway 6-12-2021

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]

Austin Berry and Team Working Hard to Keep Their Rhythm

Appetite for Success Growing Even Stronger

Mifflin, PA – June 8, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Feature Photo Credit:  Brian Rhoad/WRT SpeedWerx

 )

As Austin Berry and the rest of the ABR team rolled their No.86 out of the trailer Saturday night, they had the same goal as every other time they had unloaded this season:  keep working, keep learning, and keep moving forward.  Something is different lately though.  The expectations are justifiably higher.  

 

Saturday, June 5th brought ABR to Port Royal Speedway.  It was Camera and Autograph night for the fans, which is enjoyable for the teams as well and gets the night off to a fun start.  Austin enjoyed meeting and chatting with numerous fans.

 

Three heats were set by pill draw for the 29 super late model teams signed in to compete.  Berry started 4th in heat number three in the Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, JDS Racing, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1.  He quickly jumped into 2nd and appeared capable of challenging for the top spot early on.  Following a heated battle, about halfway through the 10-lap qualifying race, Berry lost 2nd to Dan Stone.  The battle seemed to take Berry a little out of his rhythm and before the checkered flag dropped, he lost one more spot and finished in 4th.

 

I had a 2nd place car and made a couple poor decisions that landed me in 4th.  Nothing to do but learn from it and keep digging“, Berry commented after the heat race.

 

The qualifying result equated to Austin starting a little deeper in the feature lineup than desired.  In the opening laps, Berry started to push forward from his 12th starting spot.  There wasn’t a moment to let down his guard as the 25-lap main event wore on.  There was always someone challenging for position to Berry’s inside or outside.  When the dust had settled, he had slipped back a few positions, officially logging a 16th place finish.

 

After crawling from his car, Berry shared his thoughts on the night.  “We just missed it.  We were good early but not late.  That’s the opposite of our usual night, so maybe that’s progress.  We just need to put it all together now.”  He continued, “We’re starting to build a good notebook now and making finer adjustments for each place we go.”  Berry went on to express his thanks to JDS Racing and Jim Stevens, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop and Berry’s Siding and Seamless Gutter for everything they do to make it possible to compete.

 

ABR achieved two of it’s three goals this week.  They worked hard and they learned a lot.  They just didn’t move forward, at least not on the track.  It’s likely though that in the big picture, they did.

 

Let’s remember Albert Einstein’s words:  “Failure is success in progress.

 

UP NEXT:  Austin Berry Racing will return to to their home track, Port Royal Speedway, June 5th for Dollar Dog Night!  Senior citizens will also be admitted at a discounted price that night.

Thanks to all the fans who stopped by to talk during Camera & Autograph night!

I enjoyed meeting and chatting with you!  — Austin Berry

Photos from Port Royal Speedway 6-5-2021

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]

Berry Adds Another Top 10 to Resume

Building Momentum Through Attention to Detail

Mifflin, PA – June 3, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Feature Photo Credit:  Jason Walls/WRT SpeedWerx

 )

One major component of the equation for a race team to improve is simple, race more.  Another important part of the equation is travel.  Race a variety of tracks.  So far in 2021, compared to recent years, Austin Berry and his team are checking off those items, and it shows.  Of course, the equipment, knowledge, and decisions behind the wheel are big factors as well, and ABR has also seen improvements in those areas this season.  When you plug all of those into the equation, you get consistency and confidence.

 

After a week off, Berry and his team were anxious to get back to the track but rain forced the postponement of the Turk Burket Tribute race at Bedford Speedway in Pennsylvania.  Fortunately, the event was moved from May 28th to May 31st, which still fit the team’s schedule.  ABR was one of 20 teams to sign in to compete on Memorial Day.  Bedford Speedway is a half-mile oval located on the fairgrounds in Bedford, PA and it is a place where Berry doesn’t have many laps.  That means little experience or notes to rely on.  

 

After the hot lap sessions, Austin knew the car wasn’t quite where it needed to be, but there was no time to make changes before time trials, so he made some adjustments to the one thing he did have time to change, his driving approach.  It paid off.  Going out last for time trials, which is usually a disadvantage due to deteriorating track conditions, Berry registered the 8th quickest time overall and 6th best in his group.

 

The lineups for the heats were ‘heads-up’ based on the fastest time within their group, meaning the fastest cars started up front.  That meant Berry would start 6th in heat two.  After making some adjustments to his Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop, Addicted2DirtPR.com, Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines, JDS Racing, Ontime Body & Graphic, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86, he proceeded to post a strong run in the heat, moving forward two spots and finishing 4th in the stacked 8-lap qualifying race.

 

In the night’s 40-lap feature event, Berry started 8th and moved forward early.  He held strong in 7th, often using the top side of the track, trying to find his way into the top 5.  On lap 7, Matt Cosner was able to slip by, dropping Berry back to 8th.  For the bulk of the race, Austin held that position, right on the heels of 7th.  Unfortunately, the track began to take rubber, meaning there was a narrow line with the best traction, and little room to pass.  Following a mid-race restart, Berry got a little loose and gave up a spot to Chuck Clise.  Ultimately, he would ride home in 9th, logging a solid night overall for ABR.

 

We have learned a ton already this year.  We’ve changed a lot of things and so far, it’s all led us in the right direction.  We have great supporters who have helped us in a lot of ways.  Jim Stevens at JDS Racing has really helped us learn.  All of those things have enabled us to move past some things that have consumed our time and energy in the past, so now we are able to focus on the next level of improvement“, Berry explained.

 

He continued, “In the pits and at the shop, we’re keeping better notes to make better decisions.  We’re changing our approach on tires because they wear differently when the car handles betterI’m learning behind the wheel too.  A lot of folks don’t know how many years I spent racing in karts and legends on pavement.  I’m still working on how my approach behind the wheel should change on dirt.  We’re going the right direction but we still have a long way to go.  Now is when we have to work even harder.  We’re really close.

 

Austin Berry Racing will return to to their home track, Port Royal Speedway, the next two weekends.  This Saturday, June 5th, is Camera and Autograph Night, which means the pits will be open to all ticket holders for about an hour prior to racing.  Be sure to come early, stop by the pits to say hello, and take a photo with Austin!  Check the speedway’s social media for specific times.  June 12th at Port Royal will be Dollar Dog Night and senior citizens are admitted at a discounted price.

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/

Photos from Bedford Speedway 5-31-2021

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]

Austin Berry Continues Building on Consistency

Trip South to Hagerstown Speedway Proves Worthwhile

Mifflin, PA – May 19, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

photo credit:  Jason Walls/WRT SpeedWerx

Following a top 10 run at Port Royal Speedway on May 1st, Austin Berry was anxious to return to the track and back up that finish with another consistent outing.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature forced the cancellation of the May 8th ULMS show at his home track and thus forced him and the rest of his ABR team to wait an additional week.      

 

Berry, crew chief Josh Sheaffer, and the team made the tow south to Hagerstown, MD for the annual Frank Sagi Tribute race.  Hagerstown Speedway is not a place where Austin has logged a lot of laps, and the event was sure to draw a competitive field, so it would definitely put the team out of their comfort zone and provide a good measuring stick for their progress this season.  

 

Sunday night 31 cars signed in for the $3500-to-win event just south of the Mason-Dixon line.  The field was divided into four groups for 5-lap, combined hot lap/time trial sessions.  Teams later heat-raced in the same groups.  On his laps under the clock, Berry registered the 4th quickest time in his group, which in turn meant he would start 4th in his heat race.  Despite having a car he believed was good enough to finish 3rd in that 8-lap heat race, Austin felt he made a couple mistakes that resulted in his 5th place finish.

 

Hagerstown can be a tricky place, especially early in the evening when the sun is beating down on one end of the track, but the other end of the track is in the shade.  You’ve got dust flying at one end and rooster tails of mud at the other.  Not having a lot of laps there probably hurt us in making setup decisions early in the night for qualifying.“, Berry explained. 

 

After making adjustments to his Rocket Chassis XR1 in an effort to keep up with track conditions and to improve the handling, Berry lined up 20th for the 30-lap main event.  He was able to make moves and gain positions early on, and as the racing groove got wider, the high line provided an opportunity to build momentum and make a few more passes.  One notable positive sign that the team had made the right decisions was that Berry accomplished the majority of his passing without the benefit of restarts.  The caution flag flew only once, with 5 laps remaining in the event.  Ultimately the Mifflin, PA wheelman came home 13th, in the midst of a 3-wide battle that nearly earned him 11th.

 

Berry was encouraged by the outing.  “In the past, we would have struggled to make the show against a field like this.  Tonight, we qualified through our heat race and passed cars in the feature.  We earned what we got tonight and that feels pretty good.”  Austin continued, “I really want to thank JDS Racing and Jim Stevens for his support.  With his guidance we have been having more and more nights like this.  We’re finally seeing the consistency we’ve been chasing for a while now.  I’m excited for the rest of this season.” 

 

After an off weekend, next up for 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, Penske Racing Shocks, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic, VP Racing Fuels, Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86 will be a trip to Bedford Speedway on Friday, May 28th for the Turk Burket Tribute race.

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/

Photos from Hagerstown Speedway 5-16-2021

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]

Austin Berry Impressive in Top 10 Run

Bedford Washed Out: Successful Shake Down at Port Royal

Port Royal, PA – May 3, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

It had been a long, tiring three weeks full of hard work since ABR loaded up their bent Rocket XR1 at Selinsgrove Speedway after getting caught up in someone else’s mess.  In that span of time, the team found a lightly used, one year newer Rocket chassis, made a multi-day trip to Georgia for a family commitment, and assembled the newer car piece by piece.  It took a final push in the shop, one that included a lot of helping hands from another team over the final days, to be ready to load up just in time to head to Bedford Speedway on Friday, April 30th for their scheduled $8,500 to win show.  It was a big effort for a small team.

 

Unfortunately Mother Nature rained on their return, washing out the big ULMS show on Friday, April 30th at the old fairgrounds speedway.  On the bright side, Berry would get to shake down the new car the next night at the track where he has the most laps in a super late model, Port Royal Speedway. 

 

A stout field of 38 cars signed in at “The Speed Palace” Saturday night.  The program called for a dual heats with passing points, a format used once or twice each season to create a unique show.  In this format, each heat race is split into two 6-lap segments.  The initial lineup is set by a pill draw, then after 6 laps, points are awarded based on where a car started vs. where it finished.  Next, the original starting lineup is inverted and the field runs another 6 laps, after which points are awarded again in the same manner.

 

Austin started on the pole of the fourth heat and pulled out to a healthy lead until the caution flag waved with two laps remaining in the first segment.  On the restart, a desperation slider into turn one by the second place car pushed Berry to the wall to avoid contact.  He recovered, but Dan Stone slipped by both cars to grab the lead.  Austin held on to finish 2nd to Stone.  The second segment inversion saw Berry start 8th and methodically work his way to 4th in the quick 6-lap race.  Lap times showed Berry was turning the fastest laps in the field during that final segment.  It’s good news when your car works in clean air.  It’s great news when it works in traffic.

 

The qualifying effort was good enough to place Berry 8th in points, meaning he would start the feature event from outside row 4.  The feature lineup was loaded with notable northeast late model names like the Eckert, Robinson, Yoder, Suhler, Rine, Winters, Covert, Knaub, and several more.  No late model show at Port Royal is easy these days.

 

This car is definitely different than our old one.  It’s looser.  We have to tweak it to tighten it up just a bit.  Our old car was exactly the opposite even though every part we bolted on this car came off the old one.“, Berry explained as he shrugged.   He was also grinning as he shared that insight.  Maybe that’s because ‘loose’ is fun to drive…and maybe it’s because he knows ABR has something in this car they can definitely work with.

 

On the initial start of the feature, Berry surged around the top into 6th.  Only a couple laps into the 25-lap main event, the caution appeared.  On the ensuing restart, which utilized the ‘Delaware Double File’ method, Berry had to start on the inside line.  This is because in this restart procedure, the leader lines up out front all alone, then the second place car chooses whether he wants inside or outside of the second row.  From there, all even numbered positions follow his choice and all odd numbered positions take the opposite line.  Trapped down low, Berry lost a couple positions over the next lap or two.

 

Over the remaining 22 laps, there were three more restarts.  Despite another inside line restart with 10 laps remaining, Austin managed to stay in the fight.  With only a fraction of a second separating the back half of the top 10, Berry floated between 7th and 9th positions, claiming 8th for good with 4 laps remaining.  

 

Austin and the entire ABR team were all smiles following their run.  You could feel the positive energy in the pit as Berry recapped their night.  “Hell of a night for all the work that happened in the last two weeks. We spent more time the whole night working on making me comfortable in the cockpit than we did working on the setup of the car.  I feel the hard work ahead of time at the shop showed in the speed of the car.  The team all worked extremely hard and were able to give me a pretty damn good car for the feature.  Everyone worked well together.  Every time I came off the track, I had a list of things I wanted done and the whole team went to work.  It was a pretty solid night for our first night out with a new car and it was the first time this year we have been able to put an entire night together.  We heat raced well and were able to stay up front in the feature.“, Berry commented with a happy and confident tone in his voice.

 

That tone is likely because he knows this was just a shake down.  Now they will go back to the shop armed with some data and knowledge about this car that will help them be even more ready for the next race.  Certainly seems fair for Berry to be optimistic when you think about it that way. 

 

The next time ABR unloads 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, they will be back at Port Royal Speedway with the ULMS on Saturday, May 8th to see if they can build on their recent momentum. 

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/

Young fan AJ stopped by to congratulate Austin after the feature at Port Royal on Saturday night and the two had a fun chat!  Austin appreciated his visit and thanked him with an autographed t-shirt!  

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More Photos from Port Royal

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]

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back for ABR

Selinsgrove Delivers Setback; Williams Grove Washed Out

Selinsgrove, PA – April 12, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

In recent weeks, performance has been trending the right direction for Austin Berry Racing.  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 has responded to recent changes.  For Austin, the feel he was looking for was almost entirely back and consistency finally existed again.  All the team wanted out of their April 9th/10th double-header weekend with the United Late Model Series (ULMS) was to continue that trend.  

 

During the week, the team investigated the engine miss that had arisen in the closing laps of the race at Port Royal Speedway on April 3rd.  Fortunately nothing serious was uncovered.  It appeared the ignition coil was going bad, so as part of necessary maintenance and to ensure they covered all bases, they replaced the coil, spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter, any of which could have resulted in similar symptoms.  A test fire of the engine proved the issue was resolved and they could turn their focus to preparing for the double-header weekend ahead.

 

Friday night at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA they never got the chance to continue their recent momentum and improve on the 11th place finish Austin had recorded a few weeks prior on his first trip to the legendary oval.  The day had a promising afternoon and evening forecast, but a persistent mist developed in the late afternoon, which led to the cancellation of the event around 6pm, less than an hour before hot laps were scheduled to occur.  

 

Twenty four hours later the team was one of twenty three ULMS teams unloaded at Selinsgrove Speedway in Selinsgrove, PA.  Austin was the 11th car to go under the clock for qualifying.  He recorded the 15th quickest time in the field, which placed him in the 5th starting spot in heat number three.  After one competitor was unable to make the call for the third heat, Berry was able to take the green from the 4th spot.  Despite experiencing an issue with the right front of the car bottoming out, he was able to finish 3rd in the heat race.  The issue with bottoming out was something that had surfaced the previous week but the team had made adjustments they believed would resolve the issue.

 

The team huddled to plan for the 30-lap feature, in which Austin would roll off 9th.  Their expectation was that the track would dry out a little, so they made their tire choice and adjustments accordingly, along with further adjustments to address the bottoming issue.

 

By the time we completed our pace laps before the green flag for the feature, I was pretty sure we had made the wrong tire choice.“, shared Austin Berry from the team’s shop the following morning.  “The track had held more moisture throughout the show than we expected.  At that point, I was just hoping once we got enough heat in the tires, they would start working.” 

 

Berry’s concern was realized when the green flag dropped and he slipped back four spots during the first two laps of the event..  His tires just weren’t ‘hooking up’ and it was costing him.  By lap 4 the tires had heated up and kicked in.  His lap times reflected the difference and Austin started to recover and run down the cars that had gotten by at the start.  He got back by one competitor and was battling a couple more when the caution lights flashed on with 11 laps complete.  

 

The ULMS uses what is known as the “Delaware Double File” lineup on restarts.  This means the leader is out front all alone, while the remainder of the field lines up double-file behind the leader.  The ensuing restart, which found Austin lined up in 12th, on the inside of row 7 didn’t play out well.  Wanting to capitalize on the restart, Berry was glued to the back of the car in front of him, Ken Trevitz, as the field headed into turn one.  Unfortunately, a car on the outside just in front of Berry, turned down and made contact with Trevitz, leading to a chain reaction.  Fortunately, thanks to quick thinking, Berry was able to spin his car and avoid contact, sliding sideways to a stop next to Trevitz.  Unfortunately, one of the cars behind Austin didn’t manage the same accomplishment and instead made heavy contact with the left front of Berry’s car, then rotated and contacted the left rear of his No.86 as well.  

 

The incident would end the night for ABR.  It didn’t take long to determine the damage was pretty extensive.  The front clip of Berry’s Rocket XR1 chassis was bent.  This was definitely going to mean a step backward from all the progress the team had been making, not only in terms of tonight’s result but also in terms of their finances.  This would definitely put a dent in the budget.  Replacing the bent front clip is expensive and will require tearing down the car, pulling the motor, and taking a trip to Rocket Racing in West Virginia.

 

Looking back on the incident, Berry shared, “I’m certainly not happy about it, but these things happen.  It’s part of racing.  I really thought the car behind us could have missed hitting us, but it’s behind us now and we have to focus on the work we have to do to get back to the track.”  Austin continued, “It’s really frustrating because the tires had just come in and I know we could have driven back into the top 10 in the remaining 19 laps.”  

 

The competition is so close, every decision made by the teams can be critical.  Would Austin have been ahead of the accident had they made a different tire choice?  Maybe.  Would he have been better off than the competition late in the race with the tire compound he chose?  Maybe.  None of us will ever know.  That’s just one of the things that makes this sport so challenging.  It also makes it rewarding when you get it right.

 

ABR was already planning to take the next couple weekends off, but now there will be a lot of unplanned work and expense during those off weeks.  The goal is to be ready to head to Bedford Speedway on Friday, April 30th for the $8,500 to win, ULMS sanctioned, Billy Winn 85th Anniversary Classic, but that could be challenging.  Stay tuned to all the social media outlets below for updates from ABR.

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]

Austin Berry Logs Heat Win and Overall Quality Day at Port Royal

Confidence and Momentum Continue to Build for ABR

Port Royal, PA – April 3, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

(featured photo credit:  Apex Media)

One week ago, while loading up 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 at Port Royal Speedway after making a mistake that gave away a qualifying spot for the night’s main event, Austin Berry was already chomping at the bit to get back to the well known Pennsylvania oval known as The Speed Palace.  Not only did he know they had found speed, he felt he had something to prove.

 

Saturday, April 3rd provided that next opportunity at Port Royal.  ABR was one of 34 teams to sign in for action.  Lineups for four 8-lap heats were set by pill draw.  The top five finishers from each would transfer to the A-main, with the top 3 being handicapped based on accumulated season points to set the top 12 positions of the main event’s starting lineup.

 

Austin started on the pole of the third heat race on the slick, late afternoon surface.  By the time he exited turn two on the opening lap, he had already pulled out to a 3 car length lead.  Berry was smooth over the first seven laps, building a lead of over half a straightaway.  A caution for a slowing car just after the white flag, slowed and bunched the field.  When the race went back to green, he once again pulled away and won the qualifying event by several car lengths.  Following the effort, Austin immediately turned his focus to the remaining racing for the evening.  “The car isn’t quite where it needs to be but it was good.  With three divisions racing here today and the sun setting soon, the track will continue to change.  We will watch the track and make some adjustments before our feature.“, he shared.

 

The format, coupled with the heat win, worked to ABR’s favor.  Their familiar blue and yellow No.86 would be on the pole for the night’s 25-lap feature event.  In the opening laps, Austin lost a couple spots but continued to run in the top three.  It was apparent pretty quickly to him that some of the changes the team had made may have missed the mark.  The nose was dragging on the track surface on corner entry, which required Berry to adjust his driving style.  The highly competitive field of late models at Port Royal is unforgiving though.  If you give even the slightest opening, the other teams capitalize quickly.  Austin continued to fight, adjusting his line and style, trying to make the most of what his Rocket XR1 would give but he found himself slowly sliding into the back half of the top 10 just before the halfway point.  The battle became even more ‘uphill’ when the engine developed a slight miss with about 10 laps remaining.  When the dust had finally settled, the reduction of power in the closing laps led to the loss of a few more positions and ultimately a 14th place finish.  The feature event was run without a caution, so even running a few tenths of a second slower than the leader each lap can add up quickly at this level of competition.  After crawling from the car, checking tire temperatures and discussing things with his crew, Berry had this to say:  “We just missed the setup.  We probably went a little too far trying to tighten up for the slick surface.  Race and learn…that’s all you can do.  We’ll check the engine issue out this week and get ready to go again next weekend.”  

 

Performance has been steadily improving for ABR since the start of the season and people are taking notice, including other racers.  Just before the start of the season, Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop came on board as a new partner.  In recent weeks, faced with engine and suspension needs while waiting for repairs to their own equipment, two fellow racers stepped up and offered unsolicited help to ABR that enabled them to get back to the track and remain competitive.  Those are indicators of the potential this team has.  The challenge for teams like ABR who are trying to build a program is that they don’t have unlimited resources, so they need marketing partners to help build the necessary depth to continue improving the program.  Working hard without the proper resources is just spending a lot of time, money, and energy.  Working hard with the right resources means you can accomplish something.  This seems to be a team on the brink of something good.  If you’re able, it might be a good time to help them continue to build that depth.

 

The upcoming weekend schedule for ABR consists of two ULMS sanctioned shows.  Both shows will award $3000 to the winner.  Friday, April 9th, Austin will venture back to Williams Grove Speedway for the second time in his career, where he will try to improve on his 11th place finish from two weeks ago.  Saturday will take Austin and the team to Selinsgrove Speedway for night two of the ULMS weekend.  Berry is quite familiar with the Snyder County, PA oval, having garnered the Super Late Model Rookie of the Year honors there in 2016.

 

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/

Photos from Saturday, April 3 at Port Royal Speedway

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]

Austin Berry Records Solid Finish in First Visit to The Grove

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/

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

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