Berlin Raceway
Location
Marne, Michigan, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Berlin Raceway - Marne, Michigan, USA
Compact paved oval near Grand Rapids - known for close stock-car racing, quick laps and demanding Super Late Model events
When was the track built?
Berlin Raceway opened in 1950 as a half-mile dirt circuit serving racers and spectators in western Michigan. It developed into an important regional venue during the early growth of American stock-car racing.
The track was paved in 1966, and later alterations produced the present seven-sixteenths-mile layout. Modern improvements have updated the barriers, grandstands and event facilities without changing its traditional short-track character.
When was its first race?
Weekly racing began during the 1950 opening season, although surviving public histories do not clearly identify one universally accepted inaugural winner.
The circuit later attracted major regional and national championships, including ASA stock cars, ARCA competition and leading Super Late Model tours.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and intense: The quickest cars complete a lap in approximately 13 to 16 seconds, leaving drivers almost no time to relax.
- Different corner pairs: The two ends require slightly different approaches, making a balanced vehicle setup essential.
- Heavy traffic: Leaders quickly catch slower cars during longer races and must choose their overtaking moments carefully.
- Tyre management: Sliding the car may look spectacular, but it can reduce grip later in the race.
Berlin rewards momentum and consistency. Braking too much or leaving a corner poorly can cost several positions before a driver has time to recover.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Winged pavement sprint car: 0:12.765 - Brian Gerster, 2014.
- Super Late Models: The quickest qualifying laps are normally completed in the mid-15-second range.
- Stock-car races: Competition laps are usually slower because drivers must manage traffic, tyre wear and changing grip.
Qualifying records are set on a clear track and should not be compared directly with laps completed during a long race.
Why is it famous?
Berlin has helped develop several successful Michigan drivers, including Johnny Benson Jr., Tim Steele, Brian Campbell and Erik Jones. Its compact layout also produces close racing where local specialists can challenge nationally known competitors.
The circuit's major Super Late Model events are the Money in the Bank and the Battle at Berlin. Both attract strong fields and offer some of the most competitive short-track racing in the region.
What events are held here?
The regular programme includes Late Models, Sportsman cars, four-cylinder divisions and visiting regional championships. Touring events bring Super Late Models, ARCA-style stock cars and other specialist oval categories to the venue.
Most racing takes place during the warmer months, with weekly meetings supported by several larger summer events.
Why go?
Berlin offers an approachable introduction to American short-track racing. Spectators can follow almost the entire oval from the main seating areas, while the cars return every few seconds and battles develop quickly.
The speedway is in Marne, a short drive west of Grand Rapids, making it easy to combine a race meeting with a visit to western Michigan.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Upper main grandstand: The clearest overall view of the oval, traffic and developing race strategy.
- Turns 1-2: Watch closely grouped cars enter the first corner after starts and restarts.
- Turns 3-4: A good place to see side-by-side racing and drivers accelerating towards the finish line.
- Start and finish area: Best for qualifying laps, late-race battles and victory celebrations.
Tickets, paddock access, seating and event divisions vary throughout the season. Check the organiser's current information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Berlin Raceway (Marne, Michigan)
Berlin Raceway is in Marne, just northwest of Grand Rapids in western Michigan. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, with the track less than a mile from Interstate 96. Public transport can get you to Grand Rapids, but not directly to the circuit.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Grand Rapids: take I-96 west towards Muskegon and leave at Exit 23 for Marne. Follow signs towards the Berlin Fairgrounds and Berlin Fair Drive.
- From Muskegon: follow I-96 east towards Grand Rapids and use Exit 23 at Marne.
- Navigation: enter 2060 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne, MI 49435.
- Parking: spectator parking is available around the facility. Follow staff directions when you arrive, particularly for larger touring-series events.
Tip: The raceway is extremely close to I-96, so there is no need to drive into downtown Grand Rapids or through central Marne first.
Bus & public transport
Grand Rapids has a good city bus network, but those fixed routes do not extend to Berlin Raceway in Marne.
- Within Grand Rapids: The Rapid operates buses around the metropolitan area and can be useful for hotels, downtown and airport-area journeys.
- Grand Rapids → circuit: arrange a rental car, taxi, rideshare or private pickup for the final journey.
- After an evening race: pre-arrange your return if you are not driving, as the circuit is outside the main rideshare and public-transport area.
For a race weekend, hiring a car is normally much simpler than trying to complete the entire journey using public transport.
Train
- Grand Rapids Station: Amtrak serves the Vernon J. Ehlers Station at 440 Century Avenue SW.
- From Chicago: the Pere Marquette provides direct rail service to Grand Rapids.
- Station → circuit: there is no passenger train to Marne, so continue by rental car, taxi or pre-arranged ride.
Airport transfers
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR): the main airport for Berlin Raceway and the airport recommended by the circuit.
- Rental car: the easiest option for most visitors. Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz/Dollar and National/Alamo operate at the airport.
- Taxi & rideshare: both are available if you prefer not to drive, but arrange your return journey from the raceway in advance.
- Staying in Grand Rapids: you can base yourself in the city and make the short drive to Marne each race day.
Race-day tips
- Regular Saturdays: spectator gates normally open at 4pm and racing begins at 6:30pm, unless the event schedule states otherwise.
- Seating: most regular tickets use general-admission seating, although season-ticket seats marked with nameplates remain reserved.
- Coolers: coolers up to 12 × 18 inches are permitted at regular events, but glass and alcohol are prohibited.
- Tailgating: allowed in the parking lot before the event.
Special events can have different gate, bag and cooler rules, so check the information for your exact race before travelling.
Camping
- Every race weekend: camping is normally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Price: the current rate is $35 per night.
- Facilities: camping includes electricity, permanent restrooms, showers and overnight security.
- Electrical hookups: availability is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
- Quiet time: radios should be turned down and lights switched off by 11pm.
Accessibility
- Accessible seating: designated accessible areas are available in grandstand Sections 5, 10–14 and 16.
- Arrival: ask staff for assistance with parking or the most suitable route to your seating area.
- Airport transport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers several road-transport options for visitors continuing to Grand Rapids or Marne.
Quick guide
- Driving? Take I-96 to Exit 23 at Marne and navigate to 2060 Berlin Fair Dr.
- Flying? Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the main choice; hiring a car is easiest.
- Coming by train? Travel to Grand Rapids on Amtrak and arrange road transport for the final journey.
Check Berlin Raceway shortly before travelling, as gate times, camping availability and special-event admission rules can change between meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Berlin Raceway (Marne, Michigan)
Whether you’re here for Super Late Models, weekly NASCAR racing or one of Berlin’s major special events, the raceway puts you just outside Grand Rapids - with family museums, wildlife, parks and Lake Michigan beaches all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- John Ball Zoo: See more than 2,000 animals along with an aquarium, interactive experiences and seasonal activities - an easy full or half-day option for families.
- Grand Rapids Public Museum: Hands-on science, local history, a historic carousel and planetarium make this approachable even if your family normally gets bored in museums.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens: Explore gardens, sculpture and the five-acre Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, where younger visitors can launch boats, dig for fossils and explore nature.
- Millennium Park: This huge urban park has a beach, splash pad, boat rentals and miles of trails - particularly useful during warm summer race weekends.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Grand Rapids Public Museum: Three floors cover science, history and culture, making it one of the easiest places to fill a wet afternoon.
- Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Two floors of hands-on play are designed mainly for children aged 12 and under.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens: Indoor conservatories and art displays mean there is still plenty to explore when outdoor garden weather is poor.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Downtown Grand Rapids: Head into the city for the widest choice of restaurants, cafés and evening entertainment after a race.
- Wet burrito: Grand Rapids claims this large burrito covered in sauce and cheese as a local speciality - a filling choice after several hours in the grandstands.
- Olive burger: Another western Michigan favourite, traditionally topped with a creamy mixture of chopped green olives.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Millennium Park: Nearly 18 miles of trails cross its 1,400 acres, with routes for walking and cycling around lakes, wetlands and the Grand River.
- Blandford Nature Center: More than 8 miles of trails provide hiking and birdwatching, while rescued native animals can be seen around the Wildlife Education Center.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Grand Haven: Head west for a classic Lake Michigan day with sandy beaches, the waterfront boardwalk and the red Grand Haven lighthouse and pier.
- Holland: Explore the Dutch-influenced town, visit Windmill Island Gardens and its working DeZwaan windmill, then continue to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Muskegon: Combine beaches and dunes with the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, where visitors can tour a Second World War submarine.
Good to know when visiting Berlin Raceway
- Saturday is usually race night: Berlin runs regular Saturday asphalt racing through its main season, although special events can use different dates and start times.
- Children get a useful deal: Kids aged 15 and under are admitted free to race events during the 2026 season unless an individual event states otherwise.
- Major events get busy: Races such as Money in the Bank and Battle at Berlin attract larger fields and crowds, so buying tickets and arranging accommodation early is sensible.
- Camping is available: The speedway offers overnight camping with permanent restrooms and showers, plus a limited number of electrical hookups.
Race schedules, ticket policies, camping, museum hours and Lake Michigan beach conditions can change - check live event and attraction information before travelling.