Big Diamond Speedway 2011 Season Will Be Big: Surface Upgrades, 358-Modified Winner’s Share Increased, Touring Divisions Booked, Ambitious Schedule Planned
MINERSVILLE, PA - The 2011 season for Big Diamond Speedway can be summarized in one word: big.
Speedway management has been hard at work establishing an exciting 2011 schedule as preparations continue for the facility's 39th season with a new name, ‘Big Diamond Speedway’ signaling a fresh start for the Coal Region oval.
Drivers will be greeted with a completely reworked racing surface in the new season. Some 3,000 tons of fresh clay will be in place on a depleted and ravaged surface prior to the first ’11 green flag.
358-Modifieds return as the weekly headline division with an increased purse. The winner's share for the small-block Modifieds has been boosted to $2,000 for a regular 25-lap feature, while all other positions remain unaltered from last season ($1,200 for second, $1,000 for third, $850 for fourth, $650 for fifth). Drivers will receive $200 to take the green flag with the weekly starting field set at 26 cars.
There will be plenty of extra cash on the line for 358-Mod racers during the season, as well.
The 39th annual Season Opener, set for Sunday evening, April 3 at 5 p.m., will be 35 laps paying $3,000 to the winner. On Friday, May 13, a "Freaky Friday" 35-lap, $3,000-to-win 358-Mod show is on the schedule.
To celebrate Independence Day, Big Diamond will swing into action twice during the July 4th weekend, with a full program of 358-Modifieds, Sportsman and Roadrunners plus XCel 600 Modifieds on Friday (July 1).
Sunday night (July 3) marks the comeback of the Georgie Stevenson Memorial: a 40-lap event paying $4,000 to the winner for 358-Modifieds. The 358-Mods will have an open draw for starting spots in the event, which will offer the winner a guaranteed starting spot in the Oct. 8 Short Track SuperNationals at Five Mile Point (N.Y.) Speedway. The Sportsman and Roadrunners join the program. The evening will be capped with a spectacular fireworks display.
Exciting one-on-one match races for 358-Modifieds will be a part of the '11 schedule on Aug. 19. The overall winner earns $1,000 in the fan-favorite event.
The speedway will be unsanctioned for the '11 campaign. 358-Modified racers can expect to partake in the benefits from the lucrative American Racer East Coast Modified Cup program.
Big Diamond's marquee event for the 358-Modifieds remains on Labor Day weekend. The 31st running of the Coalcracker 100 paying $10,000 to win goes green on Sept. 4. The Sunday portion of the Coalcracker will include a 25-lap main for the Roadrunners.
On Friday night of Coalcracker weekend (Sept. 2), the Sportsman will run 50 laps, with the 358-Modified Non-Winner's Race and XCel 600 Modifieds on the card.
For the first time since 2006, the popular Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour returns to Big Diamond for the 'Coal Country 60' event. RoC touring series director Andrew Harpell and Big D management are working on a suitable midweek date for the return of RoC to Big D.
The mighty 410 Sprint Cars hit the Big Diamond clay on Memorial Day Monday (May 30) with a Keystone Cup event. The ARDC Midgets join the Sprint Cars for an open-wheel doubleheader.
The wingless Midgets of ARDC return to Diamond for a Friday-night appearance on July 22. The Bar's Leaks United Racing Company (URC) 360 Sprint Cars visit the speedway on July 8. Doug Borger's growing XCel 600 Modified group runs on July 1 and Sept. 2.
The Sportsman will run in a 25-lap Coalcracker 50 Qualifier, paying $1,000 to win, on July 29, while the Roadrunners take part in the 'Full-Fender Frenzy' Twin 15s on June 24. Sportsman and Roadrunner pay structures will be in line with previous seasons.
Enduro events are planned for select Sunday afternoons. Dates will be announced in the near future.
The opening three events of the season will be run on Sunday evenings - April 3, 10 and 17 – with a 5 p.m. starting time. No racing activity is planned for Easter weekend. Friday racing begins April 29.
Fans and racers should note the Friday-night starting time for 2011 will be 8:15 p.m. to allow for ample time to arrive at the track after the workday. Additionally, the later start is expected to benefit track conditions.
An open practice is set for Sunday, March 27.
The ’11 schedule of events remains in the working stages. Additional events could be added.
Brett Deyo has been hired to manage public/media relations, marketing and scheduling. He will also return as speedway announcer. To contact Deyo, call 845.728.2781 or e-mail BigDiamondPR@aol.com (please note Deyo will be unavailable Dec. 10-19 due to a vacation).
Jake Smulley will serve as the race director for the '11 season. Smulley is working to assemble a team of officials for next year.
Hoffman Speed Supplies (New Tripoli, Pa.) proprietor Keith Hoffman firmed a deal to serve as the authorized American Racer vendor at the Coal Region oval for the '11 season. Hoffman Speed will provide the parts trailer in the pit area at all Big D events and Keith Hoffman – a 35-time 358 winner at Big D, Coalcracker 100 victor (2003) and three-time track champion (2000-2002) – plans a return as a weekly competitor.
Steve Barrick of Program Dynamics has been contracted by track management to publish a weekly program at the speedway. The PDI 'Diamond Digest' will be a welcome addition for the Big Diamond community.
The Station House (Llewellyn, Pa.) has signed on as the 358-Modified division sponsor for ’11, while the Wooden Keg Tavern (St. Clair, Pa.) returns to back the Roadrunner division.
The Big Diamond Speedway website will be operational shortly. A complete schedule, rules and other information will be posted in the coming weeks.
All press inquiries should be directed to Brett Deyo via e-mail at BigDiamondPR@aol.com.
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