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Getting Up To Speed With...Ron Berry

Getting Up To Speed With...Ron Berry
By Ben Deatherage
Although he runs a part-time race schedule, Ron Berry is one of the toughest drivers to beat in the Albany & Eastern Railroad Sportsman division. Berry, originally from White City, grew up watching races at the old Medford Raceway on Saturday nights and on Sundays he and his brother would visit the local drag strip where they would let all the local kids in for free.

In 2013 Berry had an impressive year winning three features and posting seven top five finishes in only ten starts. He is already off to a great start in 2014 after picking up the Season Opener on Saturday April 19th in the Albany & Eastern Railroad Sportsman ranks. We got a chance to talk to the Turner, Oregon driver about his career, his plans for this year, and why he drives the #97JR. Now let’s get up to speed with Ron Berry.

Driver: Ron Berry
Hometown: Turner, Oregon
Occupation: Corrections Officer
Years Racing: 20

Classification: Albany & Eastern Railroad Sportsman
Car: 97JR
Chassis: C.J. Rayburn Race Cars
Special Thanks: Gil Pickett, Hadley Loveall

BD: What are some of your plans in 2014?
RB: It’s pretty open right now. We’re looking at running for the point championship but it’s not set in stone. Worst case scenario is we’ll run when we can and just have fun.

BD: How did you get your start in racing?
RB: I grew up around racing and before I could walk my dad would take me to the old Medford Raceway. A friend of mine, Ray Kniffen, had a dad that ran a Sprint Car. Eventually Ray got a Street Stock and I helped him with it and he let me drive some in 1982.

I started driving when I was sixteen and got my own car in 1992-93. When I got out of the Army I moved up to Salem for work and met Gil Pickett. I started pitting for him in 1990 and have been racing at Willamette ever since. Me and Kevin Fredenberg bought an old car from Gil and started racing the Sportsman class. I drove my own cars until 1996 when I decided to drive for Charlie Anderson the following year. When Charlie passed away six years ago his son Nick got the car and had me start driving for him.

BD: What is your biggest racing highlight so far?
RB: In 1996 I ran for points and ended up third to Glen Soto, which was a good thing since he was my employer at the time. I raced that whole season, finished every race and even won a quite a few too.

BD: Why did you choose the #97 to race?
RB: Actually the #97 was Charlie’s number and when Nick got the car he added the “JR” to it.

BD: Last few years you’ve been in the ultra-competitive Sportsman division. From a driver’s standpoint how fun is it to be in that class?
RB: It’s a blast. There is so much talent in that class that budgets sometimes don't let people realize how good they are. It seems like there’s more comradery in that division than in any other ones out there and that makes it fun to run. Everybody just gets along real well. The older I get, the more the fun factor matters.

Willamette Speedway will host the 2014 Season Opener for the Karts this Friday May 2nd while the 1/3-mile will be in action on Saturday the 3rd. Saturday will also be Fight Hunger Night so if you bring in a can of non-perishable food you will receive $2.00 off your admission. Classes in action include the X-Factor Race Cars Super Late Models, Wirth Wireless IMCA Modifieds, Albany & Eastern Railroad Sportsman, and Street Stocks. For more information log on to www.trophymotorsports.com.

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