Big Diamond Speedway's Season Opener: The Race to Join Legendary Winners List

Big Diamond Speedway's Season Opener: The Race to Join Legendary Winners List

By Michael Anderson

January 21, 2025 at 06:01 PM

Big Diamond Speedway's rich history began on August 25, 1972, when Earl "Drick" Hendricks claimed the first-ever Modified feature win. Since then, 35 different drivers have secured opening day victories at this prestigious Schuylkill County dirt oval.

Two dirt track racers competing

Two dirt track racers competing

Notable Multi-Time Opening Day Winners:

  • Duane Howard (7 wins)
  • Jeff Strunk (6 wins)
  • Craig VonDohren (5 wins)
  • Charlie Eckert (4 wins)
  • Kenny Brightbill, Doug Hoffman, Rick Laubach (3 wins each)
  • Keith Hoffman, Ryan Watt (2 wins each)

Championship Success: Thirteen times, Opening Day winners have gone on to claim the track championship in the same season:

  • Craig VonDohren (2012, 2013, 2019)
  • Doug Hoffman (1988, 2004)
  • Duane Howard (1992, 1998)
  • Jeff Strunk (1997, 2007)
  • Paul Lotier (1979 - first to achieve this feat)
  • Kenny Brightbill (1991)
  • Keith Hoffman (2000)
  • Timmy Buckwalter (2021)

53rd Season Opener Details:

  • Date: Friday, April 4
  • Main Event: Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds ($4053 prize)
  • Additional Divisions:
    • USS Achey 602 Crate Sportsman ($1053 prize)
    • Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners ($453 prize)
    • Big Creek Concrete 602 Crate Sportsman

Location: 392 Forest Lane, Pottsville, PA

Upcoming Events:

  • March 30: Open practice (Noon-4:00 pm) for any car with roll cage
  • April 11: Money in the Mountains/Fritz Roehrig Memorial/Dunken's Enterprise Night
    • Modifieds 50 laps ($10,000 prize)
    • 602 Crate Sportsman ($1,000 prize)
    • Roadrunners
    • Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman

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