Speedway management has been hard at work establishing an exciting 2011 schedule as preparations continue for the facility's 39th season with a new name, ‘Big Diamond Speedway’ signaling a fresh start for the Coal Region oval.
Drivers will be greeted with a completely reworked racing surface in the new season. Some 3,000 tons of fresh clay will be in place on a depleted and ravaged surface prior to the first ’11 green flag.
358-Modifieds return as the weekly headline division with an increased purse. The winner's share for the small-block Modifieds has been boosted to $2,000 for a regular 25-lap feature, while all other positions remain unaltered from last season ($1,200 for second, $1,000 for third, $850 for fourth, $650 for fifth). Drivers will receive $200 to take the green flag with the weekly starting field set at 26 cars.
There will be plenty of extra cash on the line for 358-Mod racers during the season, as well.
The 39th annual Season Opener, set for Sunday evening, April 3 at 5 p.m., will be 35 laps paying $3,000 to the winner. On Friday, May 13, a "Freaky Friday" 35-lap, $3,000-to-win 358-Mod show is on the schedule.
The opening three events of the season will be run on Sunday evenings - April 3, 10 and 17 – with a 5 p.m. starting time. No racing activity is planned for Easter weekend. Friday racing begins April 29.
Fans and racers should note the Friday-night starting time for 2011 will be 8:15 p.m. to allow for ample time to arrive at the track after the workday. Additionally, the later start is expected to benefit track conditions.
An open practice is set for Sunday, March 27.
Brett Deyo has been hired to manage public/media relations, marketing and scheduling. He will also return as speedway announcer. To contact Deyo, call 845.728.2781 or e-mail BigDiamondPR@aol.com (please note Deyo will be unavailable Dec. 10-19 due to a vacation).
Jake Smulley will serve as the race director for the '11 season. Smulley is working to assemble a team of officials for next year.
Hoffman Speed Supplies (New Tripoli, Pa.) proprietor Keith Hoffman firmed a deal to serve as the authorized American Racer vendor at the Coal Region oval for the '11 season. Hoffman Speed will provide the parts trailer in the pit area at all Big D events and Keith Hoffman – a 35-time 358 winner at Big D, Coalcracker 100 victor (2003) and three-time track champion (2000-2002) – plans a return as a weekly competitor.
Steve Barrick of Program Dynamics has been contracted by track management to publish a weekly program at the speedway. The PDI 'Diamond Digest' will be a welcome addition for the Big Diamond community.
The Station House (Llewellyn, Pa.) has signed on as the 358-Modified division sponsor for ’11, while the Wooden Keg Tavern (St. Clair, Pa.) returns to back the Roadrunner division.
The Big Diamond Speedway website will be operational shortly. A complete schedule, rules and other information will be posted in the coming weeks.
All press inquiries should be directed to Brett Deyo via e-mail at BigDiamondPR@aol.com.
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