Fans of Big Diamond Speedway got their first look at what lay ahead for the 2025 season of “Racing in God’s Country!” as Practice Day saw nearly 60 cars roll into the speedway for an all-important afternoon test and tune session.
On hand was a diverse group of Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners and Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman competitors along with several others race cars that will be a part of the action this year.
While quick laps are always essential to gaining good results, Practice Day was mainly used as the opportunity for drivers to dial-in their cars in search of the right set-ups, check for any other glitches and just get back into the swing of turning laps.
And, although some participants had raced already this year, for the majority it was their first time returning to the seat and the three hours of track time provided frequent sessions which offered everyone plentiful opportunity to complete multiple laps.
The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds had the biggest showing with 18 cars comprised of seven 2024 top-10 point finishers including last year’s runner-up Louden Reimert, Logan and Ryan Watt, Mike Lisowksi, Jack Bulter and Kevin Beach Jr., and with the others on hand along with that of the many more who will be racing each Friday night here, there is no question the amount of high speed thrills that await fans with the headline division.
The USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman are expected to deliver strong competition as demonstrated by Sunday’s turnout. The commitment of plentiful participants that will be attending regularly throughout the season will ensure a vibrant group of racers, providing fans with the excitement they have come to anticipate from this class.
It was no surprise also seeing the strong contingent of Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners making the best of Practice Day. And getting in on the mix where several non-regulars too and for good reason, as in a month’s time, on Friday, May 2, the class will be contesting in the Full Frender Frenzy that pays $1000-to-win. Big Diamond combatants will be racing against others from Selinsgrove Speedway and BAPS Motor Speedway on that night.
Equally inspiring was the group of drivers that will be making up the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Sportsman division. Eight drivers, most of them first-timers in a stock car, took the opportunity to get acclimated to track and throughout the day it was clear to see how they began to settle into their surroundings and build on their confidence.
With Practice Day complete, it was time for teams to head back to their respective shops, review their notes and prepare themselves for the much-anticipated Thaw Brawl coming up in just five days as the 53rd consecutive season of action-packed dirt track racing begins at Big Diamond Speedway.
The Thaw Brawl is this upcoming Friday, April 4. The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds will be racing in a 25-lap feature paying $4053 to win. The USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman will line-up for a 20-lap main event and vie for a $1053 top prize. Also racing in a 20-lapper are the Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners with the first to cross the line earning $453. 15-laps will make up the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman feature.
April 4, pit gates will open at 5:00 pm and grandstands at 5:30 pm. Hot laps will begin at 7:15 followed by heats. All heat starting spots will be set by random draw. Pit admission is $35 for Big Diamond Speedway members and $45 for all non-members. Adult general admission is $20 and kids 16 and under are admitted for free.
Following the Thaw Brawl season opener the speedway will pay homage to track founder Fritz Roehrig and the Money in the Mountains which is also Dukmen’s Enterprise Night. The 358 Modifieds will be going at it in a 50-lap/$10,000-to-win main event while the 602 Crate Sportsman cars are racing for a $1000 winner’s take. Also on the card will be the Roadrunners and Rookie 602 Sportsman.
All Photos Courtesy of Dino Oberto