Arena Racing Grand Rapids is sad to announce the death of Nick Barnhart (Car number 88).

Nick became part of our family this year. He was always willing to help out the other drivers, especially the younger ones. A great competitor and great man.

Keep Nick Barnhart’s family in your prayers. They need them.

Nick’s Memorial will be held at Stroo Funeral home at 3:00 on Friday May 22nd. Afterwards, anyone who wants will meet at Brewer Park ( 84th street / east of Division ) - sharing our memories of Nick.

Zeeland's Jack Gritter to oversee Arena Racing

Jack Gritter of Zeeland hung up his racing helmet in 2002 after spending 32 years competing at short tracks throughout West Michigan.

The funny thing is, Gritter is busier now than he ever was.

Arena Racing Grand Rapids announced Wednesday that it has hired Gritter to serve as its race director. The series will return for its second season, and Gritter will call the shots in the pits. That means he will run the tech department, as well as help with the organization of each program.

Read the full article here.

Arena Racing Banquet Honors Winners

Grand Rapids, MI Apr 17, 2009 – Arena Racing Grand Rapids capped off its’ inaugural season with the Pennzoil Platinum Cup Series Driver Awards Banquet presented which was held Friday night at the English Hill Terrace in Comstock Park, drivers, crew members, families and car sponsors were in attendance to honor the 2009 award winners.

Read the full article here.

Kelsey Steele wins Young Guns Race At Berlin

By Steve Kaminski, Grand Rapids Press

Kelsey Steele, a 14-year old West Catholic sophomore, made history twice before approximately 4,300 fans when the 2009 season opened Saturday night. Not only did Steele become the youngest driver to win a feature, but she is believed to be the first female in the track's 59-year history to win a main.

Click here for the full Grand Rapids Press article.

Tim Phillips Wins $10,000 Season Championship

Tim Phillips won the 2008-2009 Pennzoil Platinum Cup Series grand prize at the March 28th race, finishing ahead of Mike Bursley in the season point standings. Read more in the Grand Rapids Press.