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(Minersville, PA 1-6-25) Dirt track racing in Schuylkill County has a rich history that dates back to 1918. There was as many as 15 races tracks that sprang up throughout the coal region area, however, of them all only Big Diamond Speedway in Minersville remains and the popular 3/8-mile oval is beginning preparations for the 53rd consecutive season of “Racing in God’s Country!”
On Friday evening, April 4, the gates will swing open for another thrilling and exciting season of dirt track racing that begins a very aggressive 24 race calendar of events at Big Diamond Speedway.
And much like racers have come to expect from track owners Jake and Jasmine Smulley, all classes competing this year, from the regular weekly divisions to the touring groups, will see a variety of lucrative shows spread out from April to August.
Heading up the weekly card will be the Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds along with the
outstanding support divisions including the USS Achey 602 Crate Sportsman Modifieds, Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners and the Big Creek Concrete 602 Crate Sportsman.
Right off the bat the big money shows will begin as the Thaw Brawl will pay the 358 Modified winner $4053 while the 602 Crate Sportsman first place finisher will net $1053 and the Roadrunner victor collecting $453.
The late Fritz Roehrig founded Big Diamond Speedway in 1972. The track will follow the season opener in his honor with the Fritz Roehrig Memorial-Money in the Mountains event which will be a $10,000-to win/50-lapper for the 358 Modifieds.
More hefty disbursements will continue during the month of May for the 358 Modifieds as each of their features will pay $6000-to-win. Likewise, the 602 Crate Modifieds can look forward to a $3000-to-win night on May 9 with the 602 Crate Classic.
Last year the track hosted the very first Full Fender Frenzy for the Roadrunners which was an overwhelming success that saw cars from BAPS Motors Speedway and Selinsgrove Speedway go head-to-head with the stars of Big Diamond. That race is set for May 2 and $1000 awaits the winner.
June will start off in a big way with the return of the Anthracite Assault for the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds racing in a special Tuesday show that pays $7500-to-win.
Another must-see midweek race will take place on June 19 when the stars of the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Cars invade Big Diamond as part of the Eastern Storm swing.
June also has the “Double B” Bob Bowers Memorial for the Roadrunners with a pair of 12-lap/$500-to-win each feature.
Moving into the month of July things will start off with a longtime tradition as the annual Georgie Stevens Memorial takes place headlined by a 40-lap/$6000-to-win main event for the 358 Modifieds while the 602 Crate Modifieds will be battling for a $1000 top prize.
Lasting Legends Night returns July 11. On that night select Big Diamond Speedway greats are honored in a special meet and greet and autograph session.
The always popular Topless Night is inked during July and is another set of high paying features for the regulars. $7000 and $1000 to win respectively for the 358 Modifieds, 602 Crate Modifieds and Roadrunners. Plus, it will be Getz Motorsports Bike Night. July closes out with another $1000 payday for the Roadrunners on the 25th.
More money is earmarked in August when the Prelude to the Coalcracker takes place on the evening of the 15th with a 50-lapper for the 358 Modifieds and not to mention an impressive $10,000 winner’s share.
One lucky 358 Modified driver can add to his or her earnings when the season finale takes place on August 31 and the running of the prestigious Jack Rich Inc., Coalcracker 72. It will be 72 laps or racing and $15,000-to-win plus lap money making for a great way to close the year.
Along with those highlights the speedway will also play host to the URC Sprint Cars, East Coast Legend Series, Mid Atlantic Modifieds, Wingless Sportsman, and the PASS 305 Sprints.
The complete 2025 schedule can be found on the official Big Diamond Speedway website at https://bigdspeedway.net/
Big Diamond Speedway is located at 392 Forest Lane, Pottsville, Pa. For up-to-date news and information follow us on Facebook or by calling 570-294-7715.
