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(Forestville, PA 3-27-25) Anyone who knows Tony Riccio knows he has a passion for two things, good food and good racing. As the owner of Tony’s Meat Market in Minersville, Riccio’s got the food part covered, serving up a host of great delicacies with his specialty being Italian cuisine. As for racing, that comes in the form of dirt track action at Big Diamond Speedway.
Riccio is now going to be bringing those two cravings together at the speedway as Tony’s Meat Market has been named the official concessionaire of Big Diamond Speedway.
Jake and Jasmine Smulley recently got together with Riccio about running the main kitchen area and it didn’t take long to come to an understanding between them.
“We’ve been dealing with each other for a few years and when I reached out to Jake, we came to an agreement and we’re both in this to win and that’s what it comes down to. I’ve been a fan of Big Diamond for a while now and am looking forward to being part of the team,” said Riccio.
Fans can expect to see the usual tantalizing menu but also with a few new additions to boot.
“Along with the regular menu I’m going to add things like a chili cheeseburger, mini tacos and a few other things that I think everyone will enjoy. We’re going to broaden the menu just a little bit,” said Riccio.
Aside from taking care of the main concession stand, which is located directly behind the spectator bleachers, Riccio will also be managing the pizza and candy stands.
Tony’s Meat Market and Big Diamond Speedway have had a great relationship over the years. For the past several seasons Tony’s Meat Market has sponsored a night of racing and will do so again this year on Friday, May 16, as part of Modified Madness that will feature the Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds running in a $6000-to-win feature along the USS Achey 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners and the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman.
Riccio is a lifelong race fan too. He grew up in St. Johns which is the home of Evergreen Raceway and where his love of the sport began. After moving to the Minersville area to start his business, Big Diamond Speedway became his racing fix.
Tony’s Meat Market has been serving Minersville and the surrounding area for over a decade now. They are located at 17E. North Street and are open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Detailed information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TonysMeatMarketMinersville
Aside from a wide variety of quality meats, Tony’s also offers daily specials covering just about everything from hot and cold sandwiches to pizza, wings and pasta specialties. They also offer full take-out and catering menus.
“I’m really look forward to being at the track each week and especially with everyone who knows me from the Minersville and Pottsville areas and even up towards the Mount Carmel area, I know it will be a great race season,” said Riccio.
Race cars will hit the track for the first time this Sunday, March 30 with Practice Day taking place from noon to 3:00 pm. Pits will open at 10:30 am. Pit admission is $35 per person. Grandstand admission is free. Practice Day is open to any race car with a roll cage.
Five days later on Friday, April 4, it’s the 53rd season opener with The Thaw Brawl. The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds will be featured, with their competition awarding $4053 to the winner. The USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman will compete for a $1053 prize, while the Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners will aim for a top payout of $453. Additionally, the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman class will be in action.
April 4, pit gates will open at 5:00 pm and grandstands at 5:30 pm. Hot laps will begin at 7:15 followed by heats. All heat starting spots will be set by random draw. Pit admission is $35 for Big Diamond Speedway members and $45 for all non-members. Adult general admission is $20 and kids 16 and under are admitted for free.
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
