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(Forestville, PA 2-4-25) There is no denying the fact that the Modifieds – both the Quandel Concrete 358’s and USS Achey 602 Crate Sportsman – which compete weekly at Big Diamond Speedway provide some of the best dirt track racing throughout the northeast.
But there is no denying the fact that the Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners bring to the table some of the most thrilling action that equals and at times one-ups that of the Modifieds and which all makes for one of the best well-rounded shows in short track racing.
The popular full-fender division is a core part of the weekly classes at the 3/8-mile oval and 2025 marks the 35th season for the Roadrunners at Big Diamond Speedway.
2024 will be a hard act to follow too as the competition level rose to new heights as was evident by the closeness within the top-10 in points.
Eight drivers in the top-10 scored at least one feature victory lead by six-time winner Alex Schoffstall. And, when he won his second race on May 31, it was one for the record books as he became the all-time wins leader with the class. His grand total now stands at 34 and counting.
Though Schoffstall had the most wins, the title went to Andrew Fayash III. Fayash’s consistency, with 15 top-5 finishes and 19 top-10s in 20 starts, earned him a third championship despite only winning twice. That title also puts him in a tie along with Dean Ulsh as the only three-time Roadrunner titlists.
Other front runners who made a good showing throughout the season included the always-quick running Kris Ney who was a solid third in the final point tally. He notched one victory last year.
2023 champion Chuck Fayash earned fourth in the final rundown. He won three times with his biggest verdict coming in the inaugural Full Fender Frenzy that pitted cars from BAPS Motor Speedway and Selinsgrove Speedway against Big Diamond’s finest.
Seasoned veteran Mike Reichert, who is a two-time champion, crossed the finish line first on three occasions and rounded out the top-5 in the standings.
Sixth in points Jim Kost got back to Victory Lane last year and was also a nine-time heat race winner which was tops overall among all classes. Terry Kramer, was within reach of the checkers several times and placed seventh.
Jarod Bassininsky had a breakout year winning not only his career first feature but two more times as well and took the eighth position in the final rundown.
Although TJ Fitzpatrick was the only other driver among the top 10 who did not secure a win, he demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and consistently came close to achieving victory on several occasions.
Rounding out the top-10 in points was CJ Fergerson who made a return to victory for the second time in his career.
While those aforementioned drivers may have dominated the win column and high finishes, there are still others who showed great potential and add to the mix of up-and-coming stars to an already rousing class of racers.
All-in-all is looking to be another outstanding season for the Roadrunners as they get set to begin their 35th consecutive season of racing at Big Diamond Speedway.
They along with all others will get their first opportunity to hit the track when the speedway holds an open practice session on Sunday, March 30, from noon to 4:00 pm and is open to any car with a roll cage.
The 53rd Big Diamond Speedway season opener, The Thaw Brawl’ takes place on Friday evening, April 4, headlined by 358 Modifieds racing for $4053 to win. The 602 Crate Sportsman will go at it for $1053 as the first-place prize and the Roadrunners will be vying for a top spot of $453. Rounding out the night will be the Big Creek Concrete 602 Crate Sportsman. Race time is 7:15 pm.
Big Diamond Speedway is located at 392 Forest Lane, Pottsville, Pa. For up-to-date news and information logon to the official track website at https://bigdspeedway.net/ and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=big%20diamond%20speedway
