(Minersville, Pa. 2-11-26) On January 10 of this year Big Diamond Speedway owners Jake and Jasmine Smulley teamed up with Robin and Butch Getz of Getz Motorsports and the proprietors of Big Creek Concrete Inc. of Kunkletown, to provide 200 free meals to the Minersville community area.
The event, which is always a huge hit, was coordinated in part by Tony Riccio of Tony’s Meat Market located at 17 E North Street. The meal consisted of chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a veggie.
“That is something that really works out well and we’re happy to be able to work with the track in giving back to the community,” said Riccio.
Riccio has long been a fan of racing at the 3/8-mile dirt oval and last year he took on a more in-depth role by becoming the official main grandstand concessionaire and when the 54th season of racing gets underway on Friday, April 3, Riccio and his dedicated staff will be ready to serve up the same enjoyable items and according to him even more choices for this year.
“I can’t wait for the season to start it’s going to be bigger and better, the fans there are excellent and we’re really looking forward to returning to Big Diamond Speedway,” said Riccio.
“We’re going to come back stronger this year with more menu items to offer. We’ll have pulled pork, we’re going to serve brisket and city chicken too and a few other items.”
Aside from taking care of the main concession stand, which is located directly behind the spectator bleachers, Riccio will also be managing the pizza and candy stands.
Riccio’s passion for racing began early in his life. Growing up in St. Johns near Hazleton, he spent countless evenings at Evergreen Raceway, immersing himself in the excitement of the sport and developing a deep appreciation for the racing community. These formative experiences at Evergreen laid the foundation for his enduring love of motorsports.
When he relocated to the Minersville area to establish his business, he found a new home for his racing enthusiasm at Big Diamond Speedway. The track quickly became his go-to destination for enjoying dirt track action, allowing him to stay connected to his racing roots while building his business in the community.
Tony’s Meat Market has become a staple of Minersville and as he notes it’s great to see several of his same clientele at the track that also visit his store.
“We see a lot of that and it’s pretty cool when you notice some of the same people who also stop in our store in Minersville and even Orwigsburg,” said Riccio.
“That’s one of the reasons I like to be upfront all the time. Sure, I’ll be in the back if they need me, but I like to be able to greet all the fans when they step up to the window. I’m there right to the end and I have all good people working for us and many of them put in a full day at the main shop and then all evening at the track.”
On Friday evening, April 24, Big Diamond Speedway will also be presenting Tony’s Meat Market Night featuring the Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Road Runners and the Keystone Sport Compact Series.
“That works out well and it gives us a lot of recognition by sponsoring a night at the races,” said Riccio.
Tony’s Meat Market has been serving Minersville and nearby communities for over ten years and they are open daily. The Orwigsburg location at 705 W Market Street is also open every day, and Riccio now operates a stand each Wednesday at the Hometown Farmers Market.
Aside from a wide variety of quality meats at very reasonable prices, Tony’s Meat Market also offers daily specials covering just about everything from hot and cold sandwiches to pizza, wings and pasta specialties. They also offer full take-out and catering menus.
Anyone who knows Tony Riccio knows he has a passion for two things, good food and good racing and Big Diamond Speedway is thrilled to have him back as part of a core group of marking partners.
The 54th Season Opener “Thaw Brawl” kicks off on Friday, April 3, featuring Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners, and Big Creek Concrete Rooke 602 Crate Sportsman. Prize money is $4054 for Modifieds, $1054 for Sportsman, and $454 for Roadrunners.
There will be an open practice session the Sunday prior, on March 29.
Big Diamond Speedway is located at 392 Forest Lane, Pottsville, Pa. For up-to-date news and information logon to the official track website at https://bigdspeedway.net/ and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=big%20diamond%20speedway You can also call the speedway office at 570-617-6737.