In 2024 Big Diamond Speedway held its first “Lasting Legends Night” which was an unqualified success. Race fans had the golden opportunity to meet and greet some of the best in the business to ever turn a lap at the popular Schuylkill County dirt oval.
Following up on last year’s gather of the greats, the speedway will once again play host to another select group of star-studded racers who left an indelible impression as this coming Friday evening, July 11 will be the 2025 version of “Lasting Legends Night.”
On hand for a special salute and meet and greet will be iconic racers that include 1987 Modified track champion Larry Acker.
Keith Hoffman, who is fourth on the all-time Modified winners list, is a three-time Coalcracker winner and won consecutive Modified titles between 2000 and 2002.
Legendary fan-favorite Tom Mayberry will also be joining the group. Mayberry was the 1995 Coalcracker winner and has recorded a dozen wins in the headline division.
One of the best drivers to ever turn a lap in a Street Stock at Big Diamond, Pat Kelly will be among the dignitaries.
Another full-fender standout, Mike Radocha, will be present. Radocha has claimed 16 career Street Stock wins, ranking him fourth in class and was that division’s 1998 titlist. He also scored victories in the Pro Trucks and Roadrunners.
And Dennis Somers will be part of the guest line-up. Somers excelled in Late Models, earning 16 wins which places him second all-time, plus he was a former Hobby Stock ace, winning the championship back in 1976.
Specially designed keepsake autograph posters are being made for signing by the drivers. The Lasting Legends meet and greet will take place from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the grandstand pavilion.
Also, the Big Diamond Dog Pound is adding special incentive awards to the night of nostalgia. Just as they did last year, prizes will be presented to the top Big Diamond Speedway track or driver shirts being worn. They are encouraging everyone to don something from the past that is either driver or track related and be eligible for some excellent prizes courtesy Carmelo’s Roman Delight Italian Restaurant in Orwigsburg and The Craft Haus Beer Distributor & Bottle Shop in Minersville.
And, while the Lasting Legends, get things started for the evening, there is a terrific line-up of on track action in store also with the Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners and the East Coast Legends cars.
The Roadrunners have a big night planned with the second annual “Double B” Bob Bowers Memorial on tap. They will be competing in twin-12 lap features paying a cool $1250 each. The race is being held in memory of former Late Model racer and long-time track supporter Bob Bowers.
Friday’s pit gates open at 5:00 pm and grandstands at 5:30. Hot laps start at 7:15 followed by qualifying heats. Adult general admission is $20, kids under 16 are free. Pits are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.