Ultimate SpeedwayBirch Run Speedway, formerly known for many years as the Dixie Motor Speedway, is located at 10945 Dixie Highway, Birch Run, Michigan. The speedway features a 0.400 mile high banked, asphalt short track with an inner 0.300 mile track with a figure 8 configuration.
Originally built in 1948 as a 1/3 mile dirt oval with the circuit finally being paved in the early 1960’s.
Jack Doering “Race Track Jack”, having begun racing at the track in 1954, owned the speedway from 1969 until 1984. In 1987 he was inducted as a promoter into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame.
The track was then purchased by the Scrivo family, before changing hands to the Kern family in 1996.
In spring 2003, the 0.400 mile outer oval was built, retaining the smaller inner 0.300 mile track into its construction, with all new lighting also installed.
Known for it’s Friday Night Racing, the track was primarily used for Pro Late Model racing, Modifieds, Sportsman, Bombers, Factory Stocks, Figure 8’s and the Outlaw Super Late Model “Dixie Cup” Series.
In 2008, the Kern family stepped back, leasing the circuit to Checkered Flag Promotions with lead promotor being Jeff Parish, the lease ended in 2011 with the Kern family taking control once more.
Improvements to the circuit during this time included a major upgrade of the Fairground style grandstands.
The track was purchased in 2017 by Andy Suki, a long-time fan of the track with plans to continue running stock cars, super late models and modifieds.
The track was renamed to Birch Run Speedway & Event Center, with the venue now including a flea market, farmers market, crafts market and outdoor entertainment.
The venue has also branched out with their new Gas Alley Bar and Grill featuring Michigan’s longest bar (136 ft), providing a great social venue beside the speedway for race fans, live entertainment and car / bike shows.
The venue is very well maintained and currently going strong with a large amount of racing and motoring events across the entire year.
Sources:
Performance Racing
Birch Run Racing
Horsepower Happenings
Dixie Motor Speedway (Facebook Page)
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