NEWS
Burda is Brilliant at Birch Run for First Career JEGS All-Stars Win
Birch Run, MI (Saturday, May 13, 2023) – In what was a near-perfect day for the 2019 CRA Jr Late Model Series Champion, Chase Burda knocked one off the bucket list Saturday at Birch Run Speedway and Event Center. The Lapeer, Michigan native had been close several times before to winning with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance and Saturday the puzzle pieces all came together for his first career win.
Burda started the weekend on Friday with optional open practice at Birch Run Speedway as one of the fastest cars on the property. That momentum carried over to Saturday with Burda setting the fastest time in the hour practice session that preluded the night’s races. Then, as the first car on the speedway for qualifying, Burda collected the Allstar Performance qualifying award.
For the start of the Triple Crown Race #1, Michael Simko and Dan Leeck led the field to the green flag. Leeck, the Birch Run native jumped out to the early lead but was quickly slowed on lap three with the first caution flag of the night when James Krueger’s No.01 spun around on the backstretch.
On the restart, Leeck jumped back out to the front of the field and was on cruise control until the next caution on lap 39. Brandon Varney was working on the inside of Simko for the fourth spot when Varney lost the handle on the 61 and spun on his own. This set up the pivotal restart that changed the outcome of the race.
At the choose cone, Leeck took the traditional inside line while second place running Burda chose the top line. Into turn one on the restart, Burda was able to use momentum to his advantage and get a slight edge on Leeck down the backstretch before completing the pass coming to the line on lap 40.
From there, Burda set the pace for the field dealing with two caution flags shortly after taking the lead. The first on lap 43 when Leeck and Kevin Cremonesi made contact racing for the second spot. Leeck’s No.12 made contact with Cremonesi’s No.28 and as Cremonesi slid sideways he came back down the track and clipped Leeck, spinning him back up the hill making slight contact with Simko. The incident would bring the night to an end for Cremonesi, however, Leeck was able to continue after changing two flat tires. On the ensuing restart Varney and Krueger both spun simultaneously in turns three and four with no contact made.
Following what would be the final restart, Burda set sail at the front of the field opening up a several second advantage over Kyle Crump. With 20 laps to go, however, Crump turned up the wick and began tracking down Burda by several tenths-of-a-second per lap. Crump’s efforts though were too little too late and Burda was able to keep pace while going through lapped traffic to grab his first career win with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance. As Burda celebrated in Victory Lane, the emotion of his first win spilled over.
“I was so worried there,” Burda chuckled. “Lapped cars were everywhere and they were all loose and I didin’t know what to do,” he said. “This is awesome. We’ve been close just haven’t had the luck,” Burda continued.
As Burda was being interviewed in Victory Lane he saw his mom making her way to Victory Lane to celebrate and remembered the special day in store on Sunday.
“Earlier this week, my mom asked what she [was getting] for Mother’s Day and I told her I was going to win, and I did,” exclaimed Burda. “This is awesome!”
Behind Burda, Crump settled for second, Steve Dorer finished third, with Simko and Ethan Stadniczuk finishing fifth.
Now, Burda has the option of going to tail of the field for Triple Crown Race #2 on Saturday, July 1st for a shot at $7,000. Should he take the challenge and win Race #2, he would then have the option of going to tail of Race #3 on September 9th for a chance at $25,000.
JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Birch Run Speedway Triple Crown Champion Chase Burda
Junior Late Model Champion Seeking Win Against Big Boys
6/11/2020
Defending CRA Junior Late Model Series champion Chase Burda proved he is going to be a big factor in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour championship battle in 2020 in the season opener two weeks ago at Lebanon I-44 Speedway. Burda now goes to Anderson Speedway Saturday for just his second start in a Pro Late Model.
While his finish at Lebanon was not indicative of his speed due to a broken rear end just before halfway in the 100-lap event, the Lapeer, Michigan driver showed he was consistently one of the fastest in a stout field of veterans throughout the weekend, qualifying fifth just behind eventual race winner Bubba Pollard and hanging around the top five during his time in the race.
His team’s speed at Lebanon surprised even himself, leaving him confident going into this weekend.
“It’s nice going into Anderson knowing we have a good car and that we’re capable of competing with the top-tier teams,” Burda told Speed51. “It’s definitely a confidence booster going into the weekend and the season.”
While the high-banked quarter-mile is a daunting task for every driver who pulls into the pits at Anderson, it’s the only track on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour schedule Burda has experience at. He won both Junior Late Model races at the track last year, with one of those wins earning him the inaugural series championship.
After a strong start to his rookie season with the All-Stars Tour, Burda couldn’t pick a better track to compete at.
“I was really good there last year and it’s just a fun track and a cool facility. I’m excited to get back in the car and go there this weekend.”
Last year’s CRA Junior Late Model season was Burda’s first time on asphalt since his Quarter Midget days, after spending the previous two years on dirt. During that time, he won multiple features and finished second in points in a Street Stock at Merritt Speedway (MI), while also competing in a Modified.
He dominated the first CRA Junior Late Model season one year ago, winning six of the eight races while finishing second in the other two events. While winning the CRA Junior LM championship, he was also crowned IMCA Rookie of the Year in the Eastern Region on the dirt.
Even with just a few races under his belt on asphalt, last year’s Junior Late Model experience helped him immensely for his JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour rookie run.
“I ran Quarter Midgets on asphalt, then I went straight to dirt for two years. There were only nine races or so, it wasn’t a lot but it definitely got me more used to the asphalt and made me feel more comfortable going into this year.
“It was probably one of my best accomplishments in my racing career,” he said about his championship. “It’s something I’m proud of and won’t forget.”
While his focus is on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour for 2020, Burda will continue to run a Modified on dirt in his home state of Michigan as his schedule allows. His main goal in the Pro Late Model has changed since his debut at Lebanon, after seeing they can compete with just about anyone who shows up to the track on any given race day.
“Going into last race at Lebanon we were just hoping to win the Rookie of the Year. Seeing what we can do now, our goal is to contend for the championship.”
-Story by: Koty Geyer, Speed51 National Correspondent – Twitter: @kgeyer3
-Photo Credit: Speed51 Photo
CRA Junior Late Model Series Champ Moving Up To JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour in 2020
11/13/2019
Salem, Indiana (November 13, 2019): Inaugural Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models Champion Chase Burda will be moving up to compete with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance in 2020. The 14-year-old Michigan native had a very impressive season with the Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models, getting six feature wins in the series eight events, including a stretch of four wins in a row in the series second event through the series fifth event. Burda had five heat race wins out of the seven events that featured heat races and was the MPM Marketing Fast Qualifier at seven of the eight events. Burda won the series Season Championship event at Anderson Speedway on September 28th to claim the series inaugural Championship.
“It was an awesome feeling,” remarked Chase Burda. “I was really nervous that day, even though I had a lot of confidence coming into the event. I was Fast Qualifier, then played it safe in the heat race to make sure nothing happened. I started second in the feature, once I got the lead, I wasn’t nervous anymore, just focused on hitting my marks and not making any mistakes. When Katie (Hettinger) spun towards the end, I knew that would bunch the field back together for a restart, but I was able to take the lead back and when I saw the white flag, I knew I only had a lap to keep my composure. I was shaking when I got to the checkered flag. My sister, Courtney was there when I climbed out of the car and hugged me. I was so happy! My dad and I had a goal this year to win the CRA Junior Late Model Series Championship and we did it!”
Burda also competed in an IMCA Dirt Modified during the 2019 season, his second season competing on dirt. Burda was named Rookie of the Year in the Dirt Works Eastern Region and became the youngest IMCA Modified driver to earn this award since its inception in 1993.
“As his parents, we are over the moon proud of Chase,” remarked Rob Burda, Chase Burda’s father and car owner. “He sets his goals and goes all in to achieve them. We cannot wait to see what his future holds. He is an incredible driver on both pavement and dirt.”
Chase Burda added, “I have to thank all my sponsors that helped us reach our goals this year, Rob's Service, Finish Line Auto Sales, Express Auto Graphics, Super Flight Oil, Energy Release and U.S.103. I want to thank Chris and Jessie Hettinger for the Jim Hettinger Memorial Race at Toledo, Jim was a big fan of my racing from the beginning, he did a lot to help to help me in my racing career. I would also like to thank Victory Custom Trailers for sponsoring the series, CRA for starting the series and VanDoorn Racing Development, without any of them I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to win the inaugural CRA Junior Late Model Championship.”
Burda will be racing in a VanDoorn Racing Development Chassis with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour in 2020, competing for the series Championship and Rookie of the Year honors. The team will also have new Chase Burda Motorsports colors in 2020 that will be revealed soon.
“I’m real excited about the upcoming 2020 season and moving up to race with the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour,” remarked Chase Burda. “There will be many new challenges in 2020, I haven’t raced very many 100 lap features and there will be a lot of competition in each race, but I am confident we will be up for those challenges!”
More information on all the CRA Series is available at www.cra-racing.com.
Chase Burda is your DIRTcar Summer Nationals #HellTour Overall Fast Qualifier (12.590) at Tri City Motor Speedway!
#HPHPodcast
Burda Picks up Sixth Victory and the Inagural Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Championship
9/30/2019
alem, Indiana (September 29, 2019): 14-year-old Columbviaville, Michigan native Chase Burda swept the day at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, first collecting his seventh MPM Marketing Fast Qualifier Award in eight series events in 2019, then led all 25 laps to claim his sixth series feature win of the season and by being the highest finisher of the final three Chase for the Championship drivers, claimed the inaugural Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models Championship, capping off a brilliant season.
“Wow, what a relief to get the win and the Championship tonight,” remarked Burda in victory lane. “This was our goal for the season, and we did it. We were all nervous all day, but things worked out just like we hoped. It’s an honor to be this great series first Champion. I have to thank my mom and dad for all their support, all my sponsors and all the people that have helped us all year, it took everyone’s effort to be able to compete like we did this season. I have to thank Victory Custom Trailers and JEGS for sponsoring this series and CRA for putting this series together, it’s been a great season!”
The two-car invert for the five-car field in the feature placed Charlie Keeven on the pole for the feature with Burda on the outside pole. Keeven and Burda raced side by side at the drop of the green flag until Burda was able to get the jump on the outside and pull away to get the lead on lap one.
Burda used the inside groove to grab the lead again at the drop of the green flag on the restart. From there it was smooth sailing for Burda who won by almost two seconds over Keeven. Burda picked up the AR Bodies Cool Move of the Race award for the outside pass of Keeven to grab the lead at the start of the race.
Burda will be officially crowned the 2019 Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models Champion at the 2019 Champion Racing Association Powered by JEGS Awards Banquet Presented by Shepherd Insurance on Friday, January 3rd, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown at Union Station.
Lapeer Days
8/13/2019
We are so excited to announce that Chase Burda will be driving his Jr Late Model, sponsored by US 103, in the Lapeer Parade on Saturday. After he will be parked on the courthouse lawn for a meet and greet. We will have many giveaways plus US 103 will be live. Stop by to say "HI" and get your autograph. This couldn't be possible without all our sponsors and the awesome employees's at Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce.
Heat Win at Tri-City Speedway
8/9/2019
Chase was the heat winner on Friday and finished 7th in the feature
Street Stock will be Back….
8/11/2019
We have had a few people ask about Chase's Street stock and wanted to bring everyone up to date. The hit to the right front bent the frame about 2 inches. Chase and his friends pulled the car apart so we could straighten it. It went to get pulled yesterday. Our goal is to have it back together for Corn Harvest.
Burda Picks up Fifth Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Series Win of the Season (Jim Hettinger Memorial Race)
9/25/2019
Salem, Indiana (September 22, 2019): 14-year-old Columbviaville, Michigan native Chase Burda picked up his fifth win of the season in the Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models Jim Hettinger Memorial 30 Saturday night as part of the Central Transport Glass City 200 event at Toledo Speedway. Unlike many of his wins this season, Burda had to fight to keep the lead on every lap, even though he led all 30 laps of the event.
“It’s really cool to win the Jim Hettinger Memorial here tonight,” remarked Burda in victory lane. “I’ve known the family for a long time, they’ve been a part of my racing career, so it means a lot to me to get this win. This track was the smallest we’ve raced on all season and it was tough to get a round. We were all pretty much bunched together throughout the race. I got a good jump on the last restart and was able to get a little distance, that’s what got us the win.”
The three-car invert for the feature placed Burda on the pole for the Jim Hettinger Memorial 30 and he took full advantage jumping to the lead at the drop of the green flag while the rest of the field jockeyed for positions. A couple of early cautions for single car spins tightened up the field and changed the running order of second through fifth each time.
Burda was able to keep the lead on the lap 26 restart and but a little distance between he and Luke Wilhelm.
Burda Wins 2020 Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year Award
Salem, IN (October 26, 2020) – The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance concluded its 10th season of competition on Friday, October 9th in the running of the Winchester 100 as part of the 49th Annual Winchester 400 Presented by JEGS Weekend on the famous High Banks of Winchester Speedway. In that event, 15 year old Columbiaville, Michigan native Chase Burda concluded his 2020 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour points season with another good performance, which helped him earn the 2020 Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year Award and a fifth-place finish in the 2020 JEGS/CRA All-Stars Chase for the Championship.
Burda was the inaugural Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Champion in 2019, winning six of the series eight events, including the series season Championship event at Anderson Speedway in September to conclude a dominant season!
Deciding to make the move to the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour for the 2020 season, Chase’s Dad, Rob Burda, his car owner, knew they needed help to be successful. The team brought in veteran JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour competitor Josh Nelms to coach Burda and to help as the teams Crew Chief. The pair hit is off right from the beginning and could not wait to get the 2020 season started.
Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic delayed the start of the 2020 racing season for most everyone in the country including the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour. The season finally kicked off on May 30th with an event not on the original schedule at Lebanon I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Missouri were Burda would make his series debut. Unfortunately Burda’s day would end after only 39 laps with a bad ignition, but Burda and his team were still encouraged after qualifying in fifth quick against a tough field of competitors including Bubba Pollard who would go on to win the event.
From there the team would venture to Anderson Speedway, a track Burda won on twice in the Junior Late Models in 2019. The team would finish all 100 laps and come away with a 13th place finish.
Things begin to click for Burda and the team at the series next event at Jennerstown Speedway, were he would finish in fifth, again, against a tough group of competitors.
Good things would continue in the Masters of the Pros at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in July, an event that attracted 42 cars. Burda would come from his 22nd starting position to finish in 10th place.
A return visit to Lebanon I-44 Speedway on Labor Day Weekend would result in another fifth-place finish. Then Burda got another fifth-place finish at the Fall Brawl event at Lucas Oil Raceway.
Bad luck struck at the Short Track Nationals at Bristol Motor Speedway, when a flat tire would result in a hard crash and his second DNF of the season. The team would rebound with the fifth-place finish in the Season Championship event at Winchester Speedway.
Burda would end the points season with 519 points in the Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year points. Zachary Tinkle would finish in second with 492 points. Charlie Keeven would finish in third place with 489 points. Each driver got to drop their worse two finishes of the season in the Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year points.
“Yeah, it was a good year for us,” remarked Burda. “We came into the year to just try to get experience and win the Rookie of the Year. We started off bad at Lebanon but started picking it up at Jennerstown and I felt more confident as the season went on. We have had a few rough races and good ones, but overall, we achieved our goal and won the Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year Award. We cannot wait to see what we can do in 2021 in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour after the amazing season we just had.”
Burda won the Senneker Performance Rookie of the Race Award a series leading four times during the 2020 season.
For winning the 2020 Senneker Performance Rookie of the Year Award, Burda will receive a $500 cash bonus and a $500 Product Certificate from Senneker Performance. Burda will also receive a race ready carburetor from VDL Fuel Systems as well as contingency product awards from BrakeOMeter, Day Racing Products, Eibach Springs, Fluidyne, Holley, Howe Racing and PFC Brakes.
Burda Wins Back to Back at Thunderbird
9/3/2019
Chase wins back to back at Thunderbird. He got his first Modified win on 8/
24/19 at the Championship Night. Then he won for the 2nd time on 8/31/19. He is amazing to watch on dirt.
Chase Burda Gets 4th Straight Win
8/12/2019
Chase Burda Gets Fourth Straight Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Series Win at Anderson
Salem, Indiana (August 11, 2019): Columbiaville, Michigan teenager Chase Burda worked quickly from his third place starting position to get the lead on the first lap and never looked back in winning his fourth straight Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models feature in the five events the series has had to date on the fast ¼ mile at the famed Anderson Speedway.
“This is great to get four wins in a row,” remarked Burda in victory lane. “The engine had a little miss in the heat, wasn’t sure how it would run in the feature, but it was good. We got a great start and were able to get the lead on the first lap and got the win. Thanks to my family for their support of my racing!”
The Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Models teams participated in two practice sessions on Saturday, Burda was the fastest in both practice sessions. Burda claimed his fifth straight MPM Marketing Fast Qualifier.
Saturday’s event was the last event in the series regular season. Burda was the regular season points Champion and earns an automatic spot in the final three drivers who will race for the series Championship in the series final event of the season.
Tri-City Motor Speedway Rookie of the Year
1/25/2020
Chase Burda picks up another Rookie of the Year award at Tri City Motor Speedway on January 25, 2020. He finished 5th place at the track (with missing a race for pavement).
Memorial Weekend Racing
5/24/2018
Chase will be racing this weekend both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday he will compete in Factory Stock and Sunday he will race both Factory Stock and UMP Modified. Rain..Rain..stay away...we want to race!!
Bring on 2018 season!