(5-25-26) Now in its fourth season, the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman division at Big Diamond Speedway has done exactly what the intent was, to give young, aspiring talents the opportunity to race in a dirt Modified stock car while at the same time not having to deal with the rigors and pressure that come along with the regular 602 Crate Modified class.
The learning curve gained by those who have raced the class and those currently with the division have proved quite fruitful.
And taking a look at some of those who have won also shows how this class is not only a first step towards becoming comfortable with their surroundings, but also there has been a strong presence of legacy racing.
When Devin Whitmoyer took the checkered flag in this past Friday’s action it not only marked his career first win but also carried on a winning tradition as he is following in his famous father’s footsteps, four-time Open Sportsman champion Craig Whitmoyer.
The same can be said for other generational drivers such as Kevin Fitzpatrick, Payton Renninger, Brennan Chapman, McKenzi Smith, Christopher Buffalino, Chase Gular and others who all have strong ties to Big Diamond Speedway.
Jax Yohn, who won for the first time this past Friday in the BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds, is a product of the Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman.
The class even boasts a unique bit of history. On September 1, 2023, the last race of the season, Danica Getz won the feature becoming the first female to win a Modified feature at Big Diamond Speedway.
And to add to that historical first, second and third place where also female racers with Brittany Edgar and McKenzi Smith filling out the podium.
To avoid overburdening rookie drivers, the schedule is structured, so they do not compete every week. However, if some choose to do so they can and have run on the off nights with the regular 602 Crates.
The division does not run heat races, instead, drivers compete in a single 15-lap feature, an approach built on the idea that less is more as they gain experience by focusing on one main event. And there are no points kept.
At first, the rule was, after scoring four victories you must move up. That has since been revised to three wins. Early this season Fitzpatrick reeled off three straight feature wins and is now racing with the regular 602 Crate Sportsman.
Another rule that is now being implemented is that a driver must advance from the Rookie class after three seasons.
Since its debut in 2023, the Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman division has continued to give aspiring drivers an ideal opportunity to develop their skills while helping ensure a strong future for the sport.
The Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman will be back in action on Friday evening, June 5 as part of Moyer’s Body Shop Night. They will be joined by the BQ Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman and Red White and Blue Autos Inc Roadrunners plus Roadrunner Challenge Race and a 50-lap Big Car Enduro