(3-20-26) There’s no question that the weekly divisions that run every Friday evening at Big Diamond Speedway make for an outstanding program.
The BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners and the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman all provide fans with thrilling close racing week in and week out.
But there is diversity as well when it comes to the 3/8-mile Schuylkill County dirt oval when you add in the occasional touring groups who periodically roll into town and when they do it elevates an already good show with even more excitement.
Friday, May 8, for JRL Emergency Services Night will be one of those dates on this year’s schedule for sure as it marks the return of the Limited Late Models to Big Diamond Speedway.
“We ran there about three years ago and the turn-outs where okay and there were some factors on that, one being the weather with some thunder storms in the area which may have deterred some people from coming and another issue was a few other tracks running at the same time,” said Jennifer Marie Lesher, who races with the Limited Late Models and worked closely with track owner/promoter Jake Smulley to bring back the class this season.
“This time we’ve reached out to the majority of everyone and from what I gathered we feel we’ll have a strong field of cars for this show in May.”
With $1500-to-win the feature being offered Lesher senses that along with other enticements that she is working on for that night it will have a good influence on drawing cars.
“It’s a good purse and we’re also looking at adding some things like a Hard Charger award and some other things to help out,” she added.
Teams will be coming in from regional tracks such as BAPS Motor Speedway, Clinton County Speedway and Selinsgrove Speedway.
The last time the Limited Late Models ran here was in 2022. Gregg Satterlee took the win over Tyler Hershey and the year prior it was Travis Mease who scored the victory ahead of Dylan Stake.
“I’ve been going to Big Diamond since I was young, and I do love that track. Years ago, my husband Travis Mease raced there and he’s won there too,” said Lesher.
The Limited Late Models won’t be the only group visiting that night as the Xcel 600cc Modifieds will fill out a well-rounded race card that will include the BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds and Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners.
Lesher also noted the her along with several others are making plans to attend the pre-season Open Practice session slated for Sunday, March 29 from noon to 4:00 pm in preparation for their May 8 show.
Opening Day, Friday, April 3, is right around the corner. The “Thaw Brawl” will feature all four regular track classes in action which include the 358 Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Roadrunners and Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman.