From Berlin Raceway
Marne, MI — (January 23, 2015) — “After an exhaustive search for the right person, I am extremely happy to announce that Jeff Hapner has accepted the position of Race Director”, said Berlin Vice President Chris Danielson.
Hapner has a long and successful history at the famed short track spanning over 30 years. Starting out with the safety crew and working his way through tech, Hapner has spent the last 15 years in the flag stand calling races along side some of the best race officials in the country.
“I am just excited and ready to go”, Hapner said. “Mike Bursley and the family have put us on a great path and I can’t wait to help move it forward.”
Berlin Raceway vice president Chris Danielson, center, introduced Jeff Hapner, right, as new race director. Nick Mesman, left, will now serve as senior race official.
Danielson expounded, “Mike Bursley left some very big shoes to fill, and the entire off season, this position has been a huge priority to fill.”
Bursley, the former President who resigned from the track in November, also served as the Race Director during Berlin race events.
“The thing I hope people understand is how strong the racing is at Berlin,” Danielson said. “These teams and drivers deserve the very best from race control week in and week out, and that is exactly what they get with Jeff and Nick. I couldn’t be happier Jeff accepted our offer.”
Nick Mesman was also promoted from timing and scoring to Senior Race Official. Mesman has been in the race control booth for 8 years at Berlin.
Hapner concluded the press conference by saying, “I hope the only difference the drivers will notice is the voice in their race-ceiver.”
The season at Berlin officially begins April 4th with the Inaugural Horsepower 5K with a top prize of $500 in both mens and womens divisions. The race season kicks off with the Ice Breaker on April 18th presented by the Grand Rapids Drive. Tickets are just $5 for the season opener featuring the Outlaw Late Models, Super Stocks, Sportsman and 4-Cylinder divisions.