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