Jory Berg’s racing career started in let’s say, an unusual way.
“A couple of years ago my dad (Tim) got hurt, and I jumped in his B mod and ran it towards the end of that season,” Berg said. “The next year we put his backup car together, and I started racing.”
Now in his fifth full year behind the wheel, Jory Berg can count his father as a huge racing influence.
“He’s been doing it since I was born, he’s been racing here for over 30 years,” Berg said. “He just kept doing it and enjoying it every day.”
The 33-year-old from Grand Forks, who works as a conductor for the railroad, drives the #B0 Wissota Midwest Modified that he races mainly at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks and Devils Lake Speedway. Berg will be one of the competitors at River Cities Speedway on Friday as the track hosts the Rebel Midwest Modified Tour. The 3/10-mile oval will also host the series on Sunday.
He’s finished in the top six 14 times since the season began up north — in 15 starts. He has one win and three runner-up finishes. In the offseason, Berg bought Jason Strand’s 2020 car, a Millenium Chassis that had only six nights on it. So far, the returns have been good.
“The key to consistency is having fun and good help. My dad, Justin, Matt and I really enjoy all aspects of racing so when it comes to maintaining the car, we don't cut corners,” Berg said.
Berg leads the points at River Cities by seven over former champion Lance Schill. Jamie Dietzler of Larimore is just eight points back in what is shaping up to be a competitive three-driver race. At Devils Lake, Berg is second to Logan Salazar of Neche, trailing by 28 points.
“It’s been a pretty good start to the season with the new car,” Berg said. “The points have been in the back of our minds a little. I'd say we are more interested in enjoying racing over focusing on points. It would be pretty cool to be a track champion.”
Berg won opening night at River Cities Speedway in May. He has five career feature wins, including one at opening night at the Wild West Shootout in Arizona in January.
“That was a big deal,” Berg said.
He is also leading Wissota state points for North Dakota and is 13th overall in national points.
“If we keep rolling the way we do, I think we’ll be in pretty good shape at the end of the year,” Berg said. “And hopefully get some more wins.”
Driver Profile
Jory Berg
Wissota Midwest Modified #0
Residence: Grand Forks,
Age: 33
Sponsors Vanilla Cycles, Lithia Ford, Shawn and Chris Horn, Miller Motivations, Crary Real Estate, CT Race Engines, Mustache Mafia, Millenium Chassis, BoxCar, Viking Track Services
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