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Devin Hart Compiles Career Year

2021 Success May Be Just the Beginning for the Up and Coming Talent

Port Royal, PA – December 29, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Feature Photo Credit:  Brian Rhoad / WRT SpeedWerx

Devin Hart and KHK Motorsports certainly amassed impressive statistics during the 2021 season.  The stats tell quite a story, but not the whole story.

 

There were some personal accomplishments that will make Hart, his family, and his team smile for a long, long time to come.  Before we get to those stories though, let’s take a quick look at the stats.

 

The Stats

 
In 2021, the KHK Motorsports team entered competition 32 times at 10 tracks in 3 states in their FK Rod Ends / Hungry Run Wine Cellars / JDS Racing / Barron’s Racing Engines / Penske Racing Shocks / Rocket Chassis XR1 No.33K.  They were victorious in 10 of those events, equating to an impressive win percentage of 31%.  

 

A closer look is even more impressive and backs up the use of the phrase ‘career year’.  Hart recorded 22 top 5’s (69%) and 27 top 10’s (84%) in those 32 outings.  In 13 starts at Port Royal Speedway, the 3rd generation racer from Port Royal, PA finished on the podium 9 times, including 4 wins and 4 second place runs. 

 

He was no ‘one track wonder’ either.  At Selinsgrove Speedway, Hart entered 7 events, never finishing worse than 8th and accumulating 3 wins and 5 podium finishes in the process.

 

Need more evidence?  The KHK Motorsports team also won at Bedford Speedway (PA) and Hagerstown Speedway (MD).  The latter included 2 wins and a 4th-place finish in his only 3 starts south of the Mason-Dixon line.

 

The Highs

 

The 2021 season started off strong for Devin Hart and the KHK Motorsports team.  They didn’t just win early; they were winning in convincing fashion from outside the top 5 starting spots.  There were wins from 6th and 10th at Port Royal Speedway in late March and early April, then a win from 9th at Hagerstown Speedway, followed by another win from 6th at Bedford Speedway just a couple weeks later.

 

The Hagerstown win was a career first at the Maryland facility for Hart, a track where he had been close in the past but had generally struggled.   “Mom, Bill (Weimer) and I were here in this victory lane 42 years ago with my dad, so that was pretty special“, Heidi Kauffman, Hart’s mother, shared about that night.

 

Four wins by the end of April, especially quality wins like those, will put a smile on the faces of any race team, but Hart’s team had no idea the best was yet to come.

 

The next chapter to unfold came on May 15th when Hart broke through for his first career win at Selinsgrove Speedway, another place where he had come close but never been able to close the deal before.  He would go on to back it up with a 2nd place finish the following week, plus two more wins in June at the 75 year old half mile.

 

Friday night, May 21st brought Devin Hart and the KHK Motorsports team to Port Royal Speedway for the Billy Vacek / Huey Wilcoxon Memorial race for the World of Outlaw Super Late Models and the Limited Late Models.  This was an event Hart had circled on his calendar at the start of the season.  On a personal level, this one mattered.  It mattered a lot.

 

Hart and the late Billy Vacek were friends, but it was more than that.  A few years back, their race shops were only a few miles apart.  The pair got to know each other when Devin would stop in to talk or help Billy any way he could around the shop.  As the 2018 season was getting started, Hart acquired a newer car and did some testing to shake it down.  The very next day Vacek sent a text asking how the new car was.  He even offered to stop at Hart’s shop and help him get familiar with the new equipment.  From that day on, Billy was never more than a text or a call away when Devin had a question.  Vacek even went to the track with the team about once a month, sharing his knowledge to help the talented young wheelman.  The bond continued to grow throughout the 2018 season and into the 2019 season.  Early in the 2019 season Billy had the opportunity to move to North Carolina to help Brandon Overton, so he headed south to pursue his dreams.  He continued to teach Devin from afar until his untimely passing in an unfortunate accident that summer.

 

So here Hart was, just a few weeks shy of the two year anniversary of losing Billy, strapping in for his memorial event, and wanting nothing more than to make his mentor proud.  I think you can say without a doubt he did just that.  Hart not only won the 25-lap feature event; he dominated.  He never relinquished the top spot, leading from wire-to-wire in an incredibly emotional win for himself, the entire family, and team.  There wasn’t a dry eye in victory lane.

 

Billy’s mom was on hand to congratulate Devin, present the trophy, and pose for photos with the ecstatic team.  The moment meant so much to everyone involved and it came to mean even more less than two months later when Billy’s mother sadly passed away after a battle with cancer.  Hart went on to back up the win with yet another trip to victory lane at Port Royal Speedway the following Saturday night.

 

The Lows

 

The season wasn’t all glory and checkered flags though.  Maintaining the level of performance Hart and his team had achieved is not easy over a long, seven month season.  When the weather heated up, Hart cooled down.  The team went through a stretch in July and into early August when nothing seemed to go their way.  There were mechanical failures, wrecks, and subpar finishes.

 

The sign of a great team though is how they respond to those times.  The entire crew kept putting in the effort and in mid-August, the team returned to victory lane, capturing the ‘W’ at Hagerstown Speedway in special fashion.  Hart battled throughout the race with cousin, and Tyson Hill Race Shop mate, Trent Brenneman and ultimately edged him to complete a memorable 1-2 family finish.  It was a night that would have made the boys’ grandfather and Port Royal Speedway legend, the late Butch Renninger, proud.

 

Devin's grandfather, the late Butch Renninger

Speaking of his grandfather.  As successful as Devin Hart has been, not only during his stellar 2021 season but ever since he moved into the Limited Late Model division in 2014, one very meaningful race has eluded him:  The Butch Renninger Memorial.  The event in honor of his grandfather is arguably the race Hart would most like to win.  He recorded a solid 4th place finish in this year’s 18th Annual edition of the event, but that wasn’t what Hart was after.  Next year’s event is already circled on the calendar.

 

Measuring Up

 

The team decided to venture to Portsmouth Raceway Park (PRP) in Portsmouth, OH for the Dirt Track World Championships in mid-October.  It would be their first time turning laps at the well-known 3/8th-mile, high-banked oval in southern Ohio, and it would give the team a chance to measure themselves against many of the best in the country.

 

The 2-day event showcases the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the Limited Late Models.  Friday’s on-track activity was rained out, taking away hot laps and time trial sessions.  With no opportunity to acclimate to the new surface, Hart was forced to dive into the ‘deep end of the pool’ so to speak on Saturday.  He certainly didn’t sink in that deep end.  He registered the 10th quickest lap of the 59 entries that went under the clock, putting himself in a solid position to make the show, something only 24 of the 59 teams would accomplish.  

 

Following a 3rd place finish in his heat race, Hart started 16th in the feature at PRP.  He proceeded to work his way into the top 10.  With seven laps remaining, while running in 8th position, a mechanical failure forced Hart out of the event.  Regardless of the official finish, the KHK Motorsports team had shown they belong in the conversation about the best Limited Late Model teams in the country.

 

When the dust had all settled on the 2021 season, Hart and his KHK Motorsports team had garnered a few more cherries on top of it all.  They won two track championships (Port Royal Speedway and Selinsgrove Speedway), plus were recognized on DirtOnDirt’s ‘Best Of 2021’ list.

 

“The thing that stands out in my mind about our season is winning two track championships.  That’s pretty cool.  It’s a tough thing to accomplish“, Hart shared as he reflected on his season.

 

What’s Next

 

The things we accomplished in 2021 year may change things a little for 2022, I think.  We don’t have to be locked into points racing.  These days you really can’t go into a season with a strict plan.  Schedules change; parts can be hard to get.  You have to manage your resources accordingly.  We are constantly reevaluating our schedule throughout the season to do what makes sense“, Hart explained.

 

The upcoming 2022 season schedule will likely look similar to recent seasons for KHK Motorsports, including some travel, but who knows where it may lead them.  One thing is for sure.  They will look to improve on their achievements of the past year.  That may sound like a tall order, but this wheelman and his team have shown they have what it takes.

 

Yeah, I guess it was a career year…so far anyway“, Hart said with a grin that clearly indicated he’s not done yet.  He’s got more to add to an already impressive resume.

 

Follow the team on Facebook: KHK Motorsports / Devin Hart 33K on Facebook

Subscribe to the team’s YouTube Channel:  KHK Motorsports on YouTube 

2021 Photo Highlights

SPECIAL THANKS to ALL our partners!

These are the businesses…the people…the families…that make what our team does possible. PLEASE support us by giving your business to these partners. 

Most importantly, tell them WHY you patronized them and thank them for being involved in racing!

Broadcast coverage of Port Royal Speedway events is available at https://www.floracing.com/

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management provides personal and powerful dirt motorsports public relations.  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.

 

We can: 

  • Keep fans engaged with your story through our personalized press releases
  • Promote your marketing partners to give them the value they want for their investment
  • Increase driver & team visibility to reach more fans and potential marketing partners
  • Present the polished, professional image that marketing partners want representing them
  • Leverage our audience and business model to achieve all of the above

 

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!

 

Contact us via Email at:  [email protected]

[VIDEO] Austin Berry: Putting in the Work, Reaping the Rewards

Mifflin, PA – December 20, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Enjoy this look back at Austin Berry Racing’s 2021 season through the sounds and images that composed their story and some lifelong memories.

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 personal and powerful dirt motorsports public relations.  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.

 

We can: 

  • Keep fans engaged with your story through our personalized press releases
  • Promote your marketing partners to give them the value they want for their investment
  • Increase driver & team visibility to reach more fans and potential marketing partners
  • Present the polished, professional image that marketing partners want representing them
  • Leverage our audience and business model to achieve all of the above

 

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!

 

Contact us via Email at:  [email protected]

Austin Berry Wins Most Improved Driver Award

Team Completes Successful Trip to PRI Trade Show

Mifflin, PA – December 13, 2021

by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Management

Feature Photo Credit:  Brian Rhoad / WRT SpeedWerx

Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, PA recently announced their 2021 season award recipients.  Among them was Austin Berry who won the Super Late Model Division’s Most Improved Driver Award.  Not only was Berry appreciative of and humbled by the award, to him it validated the team’s determined efforts over the past few seasons.  It’s hard to argue with that, especially when you consider it was the second time in three years the 26 year old wheelman had been recognized with the same award. 

 

It’s very rewarding to receive this award, especially a second time, because it’s not something they are basing off of statistics.  This is awarded by speedway staff, voting based on what they observed throughout the season“, Berry commented when asked about the award during an interview at the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis, IN last week.

 

2021 Recap

 

Berry, aboard the Locust Hill Custom Butcher Shop / Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter / Addicted2DirtPR.com / Nathan Berry Beef Farm, A&C Racing Engines / JDS Racing / Swift Springs / Penske Racing Shocks / Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic / VP Racing Fuels / Rocket Chassis XR1 No.86 logged a season that continued the team’s recent trend.  Their performance demonstrated the improved consistency that has resulted from efforts to steadily build the program the right way.

 

Austin Berry competed in 14 events at ‘The Speed Palace’, where he captured his first career super late model victory in June and qualified for his first ever Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series main event in August.  

 

The June triumph at Port Royal was a thrilling, drama-filled feature event that saw Berry survive multiple restarts and fend off attacks from Trever Feathers and Colton Flinner to capture the emotional victory.  On that night, nearly everyone in the stands was a fan of the blue and yellow #86.  It was a long time coming and it seemed to be appreciated by those who were lucky enough to witness it.

 

Speaking about his Lucas Oil Series achievement, Berry said, “The Lucas show for me was very humbling, because ever since we started racing super late models, time-trials have not been my strong suit.  To time 2nd only to Jonathan (Davenport) was very special to me.

 

The team also made the decision to travel just a little bit more regionally, believing the only way to get better was to challenge themselves by racing a variety of speedways.  The team made stops at five other regional tracks:  Selinsgrove Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway, Hagerstown Speedway, Path Valley Speedway and Bedford Speedway.  As the season progressed and the team showed more consistency and competitiveness, the approach seemed to be proving itself. 

 

 

 

2022 Plans

 

Fans can expect a similar schedule for Berry and his team in 2022.  Home base will still be Port Royal Speedway and they still want to travel regionally to expand their knowledge, while hitting some of the more lucrative events at the same time.

 

Berry was asked how he will follow up on his 2021 victory and what his goals are for 2022.

 

Winning multiple races in a season is tough around here.  Sure, we want to do that, but for me it’s not about the number of wins, it’s about quality wins.  We’ve won a $3,000 weekly show, so now I’d like to win a $5,000-to-win show.  If you do that, it typically means you’ve won a special show or a touring series race, and that would mean we beat the best.  That’s a quality win and you know you’ve really accomplished something“, Berry explained.

 

Performance Racing Industry Trade Show

 

Last week, several members of ABR made the trek west to Indianapolis, IN for the annual 3-day PRI Show.  The event is so large, the product displays and educational seminars consume all available space in both the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

 

Teams descend on Indianapolis for the event each year to see the latest technology and newest products, while maintaining existing partnerships and developing new ones as well.

 

Our number one priority at PRI is to thank our current partners and the people who provide the products we use.  We thank them for their support and for everything they’ve done for us.  Our number two priority is to explore the new products that might make us better and hopefully we develop some new relationships and new partners along the way.  I think we accomplished all those goals this year’s trip”, Berry shared as he prepared to travel back to PA after the show.

 

Berry and his team will spend the next two months rebuilding their car to be ready to start the new season.  That new season is a mere 83 days away as of this writing.  Port Royal Speedway opens Sunday, March 6th.

 

 

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/

Broadcast coverage of Port Royal Speedway events is available at https://www.floracing.com/

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 personal and powerful dirt motorsports public relations.  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.

 

We can: 

  • Keep fans engaged with your story through our personalized press releases
  • Promote your marketing partners to give them the value they want for their investment
  • Increase driver & team visibility to reach more fans and potential marketing partners
  • Present the polished, professional image that marketing partners want representing them
  • Leverage our audience and business model to achieve all of the above

 

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!

 

Contact us via Email at:  [email protected]