Family Fun At Big Diamond Raceway

Family Fun At Big Diamond Raceway

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Do you love the roar of powerful racing engines? Do you think that burning racing fuel smells great? Do you believe that pavement is for getting to the races and dirt is for racing? If you answered yes to these questions then you should head to Big Diamond Raceway near Minersville, PA on a Friday night very soon. This 3/8 mile clay oval is home to the 358 small block modifieds, the sportsman modifieds and the always exciting roadrunners.

The 358 small block modifieds are the headliners at Big Diamond. I know nothing about cars so I won't even try and explain what makes these race cars go but I will say that they're very fast and the racing is very tight. The races have lots of passing and the winner usually starts far back in the field. On any given night there are over 10 cars and drivers that can visit victory lane. Big Diamond has one of the best collections of drivers of any track I've been to. Names such as Craig Von Dohren, Keith Hoffman, Meme DeSantis, Billy Pauch, Jr. and many more race at Big Diamond every week. Even qualifying for the feature is difficult at Big Diamond because on an average week, there are well over 30 modifieds competing for the 26 spots on the starting grid.

Racing a sportsman modified is a path to the 358 modifieds. The cars look exactly the same as the modifieds but the engines aren't as powerful. The races they run are a few laps shorter than the modifieds but they are no less exciting. Many of the drivers are sons and grandsons of the modified drivers and retired modified drivers that we grew up rooting for. The roadrunners are an entry level division consisting of older Monte Carlos, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas. While they're not as fast as the modifieds or sportsman, the racing is great. Unless you're a track regular you haven't heard of any of the drivers but maybe some of them may be tomorrow's stars.

The biggest, and best paying event held at Big Diamond anually is the Coalcracker 100 for the 358 modifieds. The checkered flag has been taken by such racing stars as Doug Hoffman, Fred Rahmer, Kenny Brightbill, Richie Tobias, Billy Schinkel and many others. We all knew that the track was in trouble back in 2005 when the second half of the racing season, including the Coalcracker 100 was canceled because of financial issues for the owner. It was the first time since 1983 that there was no Coalcracker 100. Many of us thought that our days of tailgating at Big Diamond were done forever.

Rescued by a group of three new owners in 2006, today Big Diamond Raceway is thriving like never before. Every Friday finds the pit area full of race cars and the stands full of passionate modified fans. Special races are scheduled for touring racing groups like the Super Dirt Series Big Block Modifieds, World of Outlaws Late Models, and the USAC Wingless Sprint Cars. The physical plant have been upgraded with new restrooms and concession stands. The track food is good but I always prefer to grill out in the parking lot before the races. I'm not the only one as people show up hours before the races to enjoy tailgating parties and just hang out and talk racing. Big Diamond Raceway is a great place for families and friends to gather for a Friday evening of great auto racing.

About the Author:
Alan Kassirer has been attending modified races on asphalt and dirt for over 40 years. He's also the owner of Picnic Baskets and More, your one stop shop for picnic backpacks, grill tools and other picnic accessories.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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