Edition 2, April 16 - 2007

The NEW 2007 Paint Scheme was finally debuted at Rockford!

After a too long winter; Mother Nature did not totally release her grip, and the wind flowing over cold ground at RockfordSpeedway on April 14 th kept most spectators and crew huddled up inside the haulers. We debuted our new company colors for the Berge Racing Chevy, and the team complimented the car with new matching crew uniforms. Everyone in the pits was not so patient waiting to get on the track to see how their cars would perform on the cold pavement.

 Time trials were at best anxious moments for some, as the first lap on cold tires and colder track led to loose conditions. Many drivers were seen fighting the wheel to gain control off the corners. In most cases the second lap was faster than the first, and Bill Prietzel held fast time though the session at 14.146. The 97 car piloted by James Swan had an okay first lap then picked up the pace and improved by two tenths to record a second fastest time trial of 14.189 and the fields for the heat races was set. The 97 car finished fourth in the second heat race and was placed in the 6 th position inside to start the 60 lap feature race.

 With less than three laps into the race start, the #6 car piloted by Troy Shear Jr went airborne at the track exit and landed on top of a guard rail. Three tires on his car were off the ground and the nose was pointed upward towards the scoring tower. He escaped without serious injuries. The race resumed, and the 97 car continued to proceed forward through the field from 10 th on lap 22; to racing for fourth on lap 30. Cautions continued and on lap 37 our Chevy was lined up in the third position. Laps continued, and the 97 car continued to work inside and out to race to the leader; tires now warm were getting somewhat worn.

 Lap 50 found us in 2 nd place and with the 93 car on the outside on the corners; we needed to pinch our car down on the inside to pass. Give and take, and more cautions ensued. With two to go, James gave his best effort to pass on the inside but could not keep the speed up in that position. We followed the 93 car to the checkers, and we were both happy to finish 2 nd and to bring the car home in one piece.

 With our 2 nd place qualifying and 2 nd finish position we left the track in first place in the standings. We would like to Congratulate feature winner Dave Obermeyer. Watch for more updates from the upcoming race at Golden Sands.

Racing to the Checkers

Jim