Big Diamond Raceway – A Dirt Lover’s Paradise
Do you love the roar of powerful racing motors? Do you love the smell of burning racing fuel? Do you believe that asphalt is for traveling to the races and dirt is for racing? If you answered yes to these questions then you need to pack your picnic cooler and visit Big Diamond Raceway near Minersville, PA on a Friday evening 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 top class at Big Diamond. I’m not an expert on cars so I won’t try and explain what makes these cars go but I will say that they’re very fast and they race very close together. The races have lots of passing and the winner often comes from deep in the field. On any given Friday there are several cars and drivers that can win. Big Diamond has one of the best collections of drivers of any track I’ve been to. Names such as Craig Von Dohren, Duane Howard, Earl Paules, Jeff Strunk and many more race at Big Diamond every week. Even qualifying for the feature is hard at Big Diamond because on most weeks, there are well over 30 modifieds competing for the 26 starting spots.
Racing a sportsman modified is a path to the 358 modifieds. The cars look exactly the same as the modifieds but the motors aren’t as powerful. The races they run are a bit 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 watching. The roadrunners are an entry level class made up of older Camaros, Monte Carlos, Chevelles and Novas. While they’re not as powerful as the modifieds or sportsman, they’re every bit as exciting. Unless you’re a track regular you’ve never heard of any of the drivers but, who knows, some of them may make it big someday.
The biggest, and most well known race held at Big Diamond each year is the Coalcracker 100 for the 358 modifieds. The checkered flag has been taken by such dirt stars as Fred Rahmer, Doug Hoffman, Richie Tobias, Kenny Brightbill, Billy Shinkel 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 cancelled due to finanical 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 packing our wicker picnic basket and tailgaiting at Big Diamond were over forever.
Rescued by a group of three new owners in 2006, today Big Diamond Raceway is a thriving like never before. Every Friday finds the pit area full of race cars and the stands full of passionate race fans. Special events are scheduled for touring racing groups like the World of Outlaws Late Models, the USAC Wingless Sprint Cars and the Super Dirt Series Big Block Modifieds. The physical plant have been upgraded with new restrooms and concession stands. The track food is good but I always prefer to pack my grill tools and cook out in the parking lot before the races. I’m not the only one as people gather hours before the track opens to enjoy tailgaiting parties and just stand around and talk racing. Big Diamond Raceway has become a great place for families and friends to gather for a Friday evening of community and great auto racing. Check it out!
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