Icebreaker Ignites Another Exciting Season at Berlin Raceway

📸 Eric Young

As the engines roar back to life this Saturday, April 25th, the highly anticipated Icebreaker at Berlin Raceway signals the unofficial arrival of the short-track racing season in Michigan. Known as one of the premier paved short tracks in the Midwest, Berlin Raceway has built a reputation as a proving ground for talented drivers and unforgettable competition. Located in Marne, Michigan, the 7/16-mile oval has become nationally recognized for producing elite racers and delivering some of the most exciting weekly racing action in the country.

Berlin Raceway’s rich history dates back to 1950, and through the decades the track has developed into one of the most respected grassroots racing venues in America. Many standout competitors have sharpened their skills at Berlin before moving on to higher levels of racing, including Carson Hocevar, who raced his way from the Michigan short-track scene to the national spotlight in NASCAR. Drivers like Hocevar help cement Berlin Raceway’s reputation as a place where champions are made. Whether it’s the fierce battles in the Limited Late Models or the star-studded Super Late Model competition, Berlin continues to be a showcase for Michigan’s best racing talent.

The raceway saw major upgrades in 2014 that elevated the fan and team experience to a new level. The facility added brand new grandstands, 11 luxury skyboxes, the popular Left Turn Lounge, and a variety of other improvements that transformed Berlin into a first-class racing destination. These enhancements strengthened Berlin Raceway’s standing as one of the premier short tracks in the nation, blending historic racing tradition with a modern race-day atmosphere.

Heading into this weekend’s Icebreaker, one of the biggest storylines centers around the always-competitive Limited Late Model division. In 2024, the battle for the championship came down to the wire, with the No. 8 of Billy Eppink of Grand Rapids, Michigan earning three victories and narrowly claiming the title. Josh Frye, in the No. 97 machine, was right on his heels, finishing just eight points behind in second after a remarkable season that included five wins, 18 top-five finishes, and top-10 finishes in all 19 races. Denny Anderson, Tim Greene, and Tim DeVos rounded out the top five in points, showing just how deep the talent pool ran two seasons ago.

That momentum carried straight into 2025, where Josh Frye returned determined to finish the job. The Coopersville, Michigan driver put together a dominant campaign, scoring five victories and securing the Limited Late Model championship. Nick Delongpre emerged as a consistent challenger in second, while Tim Greene continued his strong run in third. Former champion Billy Eppink dropped to fourth in points, with Allen Davis rounding out the top five. Frye’s breakthrough title in 2025 solidified him as one of the drivers to watch entering this year’s Icebreaker, but Eppink’s proven ability to win at Berlin ensures that the rivalry between the two former champions will remain one of the biggest attractions on opening night.

The Super Late Model division has also featured championship-caliber battles over the past two seasons. In 2024, Brian Campbell of Wyoming, Michigan captured the championship in the No. 47 car with two wins, narrowly outpacing Andrew Scheid, Tyler Rycenga, Austin Hull, and Joe Bush in a tightly contested standings battle. Bush led the group with two wins, while Scheid, Rycenga, and Hull each found victory lane once, proving the division was packed with parity. That balance shifted in 2025 when Austin Hull of Belmont, Michigan broke through with a standout season, capturing five wins en route to the Super Late Model championship. Terry Senneker’s consistency placed him second in points despite not reaching victory lane, while former champion Brian Campbell remained competitive in third. Tyler Lupton and Andrew Scheid completed the top five, both demonstrating race-winning speed throughout the season.

As the green flag waves on the Icebreaker this Saturday night, all eyes will be on the returning champions and top contenders in both divisions. Josh Frye enters as the defending Limited Late Model champion after finally claiming the crown, but Billy Eppink remains a major threat with championship pedigree and unfinished business. In the Super Late Models, Austin Hull looks to continue his momentum after a dominant 2025 season, while Brian Campbell aims to reclaim the form that earned him the 2024 title.

The Icebreaker is more than just the first race of the season, it is the first chapter in what promises to be another thrilling year at Berlin Raceway. With a rich racing heritage, elite local talent, and championship rivals ready to renew their battles, Saturday night in Marne is set to deliver the kind of excitement that has made Berlin Raceway one of America’s most respected short tracks.