(Minersville, Pa. 3-29-26) In advance of the 54th Season Opening “Thaw Brawl” which gets underway this coming Friday evening, April 3, fans of Big Diamond Speedway got a preview of the 2026 lid-lifter and much more of what’s to come throughout the season at the popular 3/8-mile dirt track in Minersville in what was a very busy day-long test and tune session held on Sunday afternoon.
On hand where a strong contingent of teams who will be competing weekly as well as several racers from touring groups who also took the time to shake down their respective mounts. In all total 62 cars took part in the session.
While speed is a priority for drivers, Sunday’s session equally emphasized finalizing race day preparations alongside quickness.
There was a good representation from the headline BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds that checked in including two-time division champion Brett Kressley who was a three-time winner in 2025 before having an untimely misfortune late in the season that sidelined him while in the heat of close title chase.
While Kressley looked to be back in top form most all others showed speediness as well, led by local favorite Mike Lisowski who clocked the top unofficial time of the day at 15.871.
Coming off a season in which there were no repeat winners, the USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman are expected to deliver that same veritable level of competition as demonstrated by Sunday’s turnout which saw all racers of the class turning equally consistent laps.
They also had the highest number of cars with 19 signed in for the day.
The Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners were led by 3-time and defending class title holder Alex Schoffstall who will be focusing on becoming an unprecedented 4-time champ. His opposition, though, showed as is to be expected, that he’ll be up against some very heavy hitters judging by those who took the time to shake down their cars.
A motivational-driven group of drivers that will be making up this year’s Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Sportsman division made the best of their day. Drivers took the opportunity to get familiarized with the track and their surroundings and throughout the day it was clear to see how they began to settle in nicely and build on their confidence.
Several non-regulars participated in the day’s events, most of whom will make periodic visits to the speedway this season. They included Limited Late Models, Four Cylinders and even a few Xcel 600cc Modifieds.
With Practice Day complete, teams headed back to their respective shops and will review their notes and prepare themselves for the much-anticipated Thaw Brawl which gets underway in just five days.
The Thaw Brawl will be headlined by the BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds racing in a 25-lap feature and paying $4054 to win. The USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman will line-up for a 20-lap main and vie for a $1054 top prize. Also battling in a 20-lap affair are the Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners with the first to cross the line earning $454. 15-laps will make up the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman feature.
April 3 pit gates will open at 5:00 pm and grandstands at 5:30 pm. Warm-ups will begin at 7:00 pm 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, 10 – 15 years of age $10, and under 9 are admitted for free.
Following the Thaw Brawl the speedway will pay homage to track founder Fritz Roehrig and the Money in the Mountains, which is DBR Industrial Services LLC Night on Friday, April 10. The 358 Modifieds will be going at it for 50-laps and $10,000-to-win 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.