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Austin Berry Earns First Top Five Finish of Young Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Port Royal, PA – April 21, 2026
by Addicted2Dirt PR & Media Mgmt
Image Credit: Brian Rhoad/WRT Speedwerx

Back in 2025, Austin Berry made the tough decision to scale back his super late model schedule to put the team in a better position to be a staple again at regional super late model races in 2026. The strategy was not only to race more but to get back to competing for top-fives, podiums, and wins.

THE FIRST FOUR

Berry kicked off his 2026 season at Selinsgrove Speedway on April 10th. Berry had last raced in late August 2025 but came out of the gate with a very respectable qualifying lap that put him 10th-quickest in the field. He later finished 5th in his heat and started 12th in the feature; however, a mechanical failure in the steering system ended his night early.

“We definitely weren’t as good as we would’ve liked to have been, but I think we’ve got something we can work with. Thanks to all the guys for their hard work all night!” Berry commented.

The following night, Berry made the short haul to Port Royal Speedway. Berry rebounded from a self-inflicted bad start to the night after a mistake in time trials by gaining three spots in his heat race to grab a 5th place finish, then another two spots in the A-main to bring home a 12th place finish.

The opening weekend was productive, helping Berry and his team shake off a little rust, learn a little about what their Rocket XR1 needed, and generally get back in the swing of a race night after seven months away from the track.

After spending the week at the shop working to apply those lessons learned, the team was back at it for another double-header at Selinsgrove at Port Royal the very next weekend.

Friday night at Selinsgrove, Berry battled back from a subpar qualifying effort to a 3rd place finish in his heat race to earn the 9th starting spot in the main event. From there, he turned in a workmanlike performance, grinding his way toward the front to claim a 5th-place finish.

“That was a solid night for us. We still need to work on our setup early in the night and improve our qualifying times, but we were able to move forward in the heat race and then again in the feature,” a pleased Berry said.

“The guys made some really solid changes for the feature! Really happy with our overall effort tonight.”

Saturday night brought the team back to Port Royal Speedway once again. Again, the qualifying performance of the Juniata Veterinary Clinic, Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter, SRI Performance/Stock Car Steel & Aluminum, VP Racing Fuels, Carquest of State College, Star Beef No.86 wasn’t up to Berry’s expectations.

Knowing he had done it before, Berry went to work to recover from the setback with a 5th to 3rd run in his heat to earn the 9th starting spot in the A-main. Forward progress wasn’t in the cards Saturday night, though, and Berry dropped to a 13th-place finish.

“We need to work on our setup more when the track is dead slick, but the car is in one piece. We’ll spend this week working on getting better.” Berry shared.

“We race pretty well. We just need to get our qualifying program better to put ourselves in a better position throughout the night, so we are working for top-fives, podiums, and wins instead of scratching and clawing for a top-ten.”

The team will be off this weekend. Fans can keep up with Austin Berry Racing’s news, schedule, and more at the team’s website, AustinBerryRacing.com, built by the great folks at My Race Pass.

LIKE A BROTHER

Many of you have heard that Tyler Ritchey, a fellow late model racer and close friend, experienced an unexpected, serious medical emergency a few days ago. Sadly, Tyler passed away on April 20th.

During his college years, Austin was welcomed into the Ritchey home, where he lived with them and became part of their family. Through that time, Austin and Tyler formed a bond that has grown into a lifelong brotherhood. Over the years, Berry and his wife, Chasity, have come to love Tyler, Taylor, Wyatt, and the entire Ritchey family as if they were our own.

“This one is hitting close to our hearts,” the team posted.

“We sincerely appreciate your support, and we ask that you continue to keep Tyler’s entire family in your thoughts and prayers.”

In support of Tyler and his family, Austin Berry Racing donated 100% of the proceeds from all merchandise sales to the family last weekend.

ABOUT AUSTIN BERRY

Austin started racing go-karts in 2005 in PA. In 2007, he began competing in the WKA, VDKA, and other small series in the Southeastern U.S. His career evolved to Legends cars midway through the 2011 season, and in 2012, he entered a driver development program in NC. After three seasons of racing Legends, Austin decided to return to his Pennsylvania home and go dirt Super Late Model racing in 2015, a challenge he continues to take on into his 12th season.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

First super late model win June 2021 at Port Royal Speedway
2019 & 2021 Most Improved Super Late Model Driver at Port Royal
2016 Selinsgrove Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year

FOLLOW AUSTIN’S SEASON:

Website: AustinBerryRacing.com
Facebook: Austin Berry Racing
Instagram: Austin Berry Racing
X (Twitter): @AustinBerryRacn

THANKS TO OUR 2026 PARTNERS!

Juniata Veterinary Clinic
Berry’s Siding & Seamless Gutter
SRI Performance / Stock Car Steel & Aluminum
VP Racing Fuels
Carquest of State College
Star Beef
SpeedWrapz & SW Sportswear
Fragola Performance Systems
Nathan Berry Beef Farm
Addicted2DirtPR.com
GO Lithium
Peterson Fluid Systems
Quick Car
Valvoline Pro-V Racing
Sweet Manufacturing
Swift Springs
Strange Oval
DMI – Diversified Machine, Inc.
Quarter Master
Rocket XR1 Chassis
Cornett Racing Engines
Barron’s Racing engines
Penske Racing Shocks

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities with Austin Berry Racing are available for the 2026 season! Email us at ABRacing86@gmail.com.

ABOUT ADDICTED2DIRT PR & MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Addicted2Dirt PR and Media Management specializes in enhancing race teams’ visibility through strategic PR services. A2D offers a comprehensive range of services, from handling strategic PR initiatives like press releases and social media content to providing coaching and consulting to empower teams to manage their own public relations effectively and affordably. Whether you need A2D to manage your PR or want to learn how to do it yourself, A2D is committed to helping you build a loyal fanbase and attract marketing partners!

Visit A2DPR.com to learn more!

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Rich “MrAddicted2Dirt” Watts is a passionate fan-turned-PR expert who helps elevate racing teams’ public relations in the dirt motorsports industry. With extensive knowledge and connections, he helps teams boost visibility, grow loyal fanbases through proven strategies, and secure marketing partnerships. Rich also offers PR coaching and consulting services, plus shares his insights as a speaker and podcast guest.

To learn more or to contact Rich about an opportunity, visit MrA2D.com!

SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

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LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/A2D-Enterprises

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