DIAMOND NATIONALS!

HISTORY BOOKS MIGHT BE REWRITTEN THIS WEEKEND AT THE DIAMOND NATIONALS
Gary Lileck
Forestville, PA - September 24, 2009 - History could be altered this upcoming weekend at Big Diamond Raceway. Two of the speedway's top drivers are currently locked in a tie for most overall feature wins in track history. A pair of high dollar 50-lap features shall give each the opportunity to cheriesh the bragging rights for next season.
Main event wins have been recorded since the track's birth in 1972. Currently two active drivers, Craig Von Dohren of Boyertown and Duane Howard of Oley, are tied with a total of 65 overall feature triumphs.
Von Dohren began his Big Diamond career as a 16 year old rookie in 1980. After a few months, Von Dohren captured his first career win in 1980, which earned him the right to represent the speedway in the illustrious Syracuse (NY) race that year. Since 1980, Von Dohren has enjoyed 26 winning seasons (which is a track record) and all 65 of his wins have taken place in the SBM division.
After spending some time in a Limited Late Model, Duane Howard bought a Modified and went racing at the tail of 1986. He scored his first BDR win in June of 1987. Howard has savored 19 winning seasons at the speedway. His accomplishment sheet contains 63 Small Block feature victories and a pair of Big Block Modified wins.
A pair of Modified features will be held this weekend as part of the Lanids C. Deck and Sons Site Contractors/Yuengling - America's Oldest Brewery Diamond Nationals. The Big Block feature (Saturday September 26) will go a distance of 50-laps, paying $5000 to win. An Open Competition Small Block Modified main event (Sunday September 27) carries the exact same distance and first place prize money. Von Dohren and Howard are two of an entire host of possible winners in the each event.
The ARDC Midgets make their second appearance of the season on Saturday's card, taking part in a 20-lap feature. Frank Polimeda of Fort Lee NJ won the previous race this year in March. As a matter of fact, Polimeda is a three-time BDR career winner. The versatile racer recently took advantage of some extra practice time, as he steered a 358 Modified late in the season.
Traditionally, the Roadrunners have staged an open competition event in the Diamond Nationals. This year's version is no exception. On Saturday, the Extreme Roadrunners (open to four barrel carbs, headers, eight inch tires, and camaros are allowed to compete; No Alcohol permitted) are taking part in a big event.
The 20-lap Extreme Roadrunner feature pays $500 to win and has already generated attention from race teams. Some of the interested drivers who plan to attend include: Kevin Olenick (the 2009 track champion), Kirby Sites, Kody Sites, Tyler Vidal, Butch Lesher, Cory Baver, and Mike Kiehl among other track regulars and invaders.
Completing the five-division show (during the two-day duration) is the Sportsman class. The Sportsman feature is 25-laps, which pays $1200 to win.
Competitors at Big Diamond Raceway are reminded that transponders (which can be rented at the track) and radios are mandatory on race day. Rule questions may be directed to the track office phone number of 570-385-0744.
On Saturday gates will open at 3:30PM, warm-ups commence at 5:30PM, and qualifying begins at 6:00PM. Pit admission is $35, a grandstand ticket costs $25, and kids 12 & under are free. On Sunday, gates open at 2:30PM, warm-ups start at 4:30PM, and qualifying begins at 5:00PM. Pit admission is $30, the grandstands cost $15, and children 12 and under are free.
Big Diamond is a 3/8 mile clay oval located just outside of Minersville PA in Forestville PA. For travel information and other important speedway facts, visit the official website - www.bigdiamondraceway.com.

OVERALL BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY WIN LEADER LIST (Top 20)
1) Craig Von Dohren-65
1) Duane Howard-65
3) Dave Schoffstall-59
4) Jeff Strunk-40
5) Keith Hoffman-37
6) Doug Hoffman-35
7) Doug Hendricks-32
8) Larry Graver-31
9) Tom Brennan-30
10) Dennis Somers-28
11) Billy Schinkel-26
11) Kyle Weiss-26
13) Fred Rahmer-23
13) Scott Haus-23
13) Craig Whitmoyer-23
16) Mike Radocha Sr.-22
16) Charlie Sorokach-22
17) Roy Wiest-21
17) Tom Hablett-21
19) Butch Kreiser-20
19) Jack Follweiler-20