Story By: JEREMY PETERS / KYLE BERCK MOTORSPORTS – MARQUETTE, NE – Kyle Berck has had a storied Dirt Late Model career with numerous wins across the nation and more than a dozen track championships to his credit. However, the Marquette, Nebraska, native was caught off guard by his latest achievement.
Nominated with four other drivers and three motorsports media contributors, Berck is set to be inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame on August 9, 2025, at Florence (Kentucky) Speedway during the North-South 100 weekend.
“I am extremely honored and it comes as a big surprise,” Berck said. “I honestly did not see this coming. I am certain that this honor will mean more as time goes on.”
Fellow driver inductees include Kelly Boen, Fred Horn, Lance Matthees and C.L. Pritchett.
“To be on this list with some of the greatest Dirt Late Model drivers of all time is truly a humbling and profound honor,” Berck added. “It completes my career. I have reached all of my goals – track, regional and national championships – although I could always use one more. This really caps off my career in a big, unexpected way.”
While the announcement may have been unexpected for the fifth-generation grain farmer, Berck‘s résumé speaks for itself. The 16-time track champion has amassed over 350 wins in a career that has spanned over 40 years, primarily in the Midwest.
Berck’s family members, from his grandparents to his own children, have been instrumental throughout his racing life, and his father sparked his son’s love for the sport at a young age.
“My dad has had, by far, the biggest influence,” Berck said. “He got me started racing karts and has been beside me every step of the way for 44 years now. My sister Belinda plays a big role on the team, as well as Mike Diercks, who has been on the team for more than 20 years. We have had a lot of great team members both in the shop and at the track and I have appreciated every one of them. They all contributed to this accomplishment.”
Berck’s most memorable achievement occurred in 2004, roughly 90 minutes from his shop. The driver known as the “Marquette Missile” piloted his backup car from the tail at Greenwood, Nebraska’s I-80 Speedway and lapped the field to capture the 50-lap World Dirt Racing League victory.
Berck has long had a special appreciation for his fellow competitors and admired two specifically growing up.
“I paid especially close attention to the driving styles of Steve Kosiski and Billy Moyer,” he said. “I always knew it would take some time, but I always wanted to emulate their clean, aggressive and smooth approach behind the wheel. Each of these individuals had their own way of shaping me, but the common thread was a desire to be a professional, clean racer with a focus on attention to detail.”
Along with his racing idols, several individuals ignited Berck’s racing career and guided him along the way.
“Kent Tucker, Larry Danhauer and Al Humphrey have been my biggest mentors and shaped my early years,” he said. “Coming from karting into the Late Model, these three accelerated both our family’s progress and my career. Their knowledge of race cars, engines and overall expertise shortened the learning curve and gave me a huge jump start.”
Another key contributor to Berck’s success is his strong faith.
“I’ve been blessed with countless prayers and support, beginning with my grandparents,” Berck said. “I’m incredibly grateful to God for the safety we’ve had on and off the racetrack, and for the opportunity to pursue my passion for so many years.”
Berck’s journey to the Hall of Fame was fueled by his family and friends and faith, endless hours in the shop, and his loyal supporters. Each played a role in his remarkable career, culminating with the sport’s highest honor.
In accepting this prestigious award, Berck not only celebrates the achievement, but also hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication. As a parent of two children raised with a background in motorsports, Berck understands the importance of getting the next generation interested and involved in racing.
When he takes the podium next year for his induction ceremony, he will also be accepting the great honor on behalf of a wide range of backers. Berck has had partnerships with many businesses and product sponsors that played a vital role in his success. They include Speedee Mart, Aurora Cooperative, Strobel Manufacturing, Snap On KDG Tools, Preferred Popcorn, Stevens Brothers Bison Farms, JD Ag Repair/Precision Planting, Carquest Auto Parts and Campbell Family Farms.