Fans of Big Diamond Speedway got their first taste of the 2025 racing season as nearly 60 cars took to the track for the all-important Practice Day.
The annual test and tune session provided teams with an opportunity to dial in their cars ahead of another thrilling year of Schuylkill County dirt track racing.
A diverse group of competitors hit the track, including Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds, USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman, Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners, and Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman. The day also featured several other race cars set to take part in this season’s action.
While fast laps are always the goal, Practice Day was primarily about fine-tuning setups, shaking off any offseason rust, and ensuring everything was in top working order. For many drivers, it was their first time back behind the wheel this year, making the three-hour session invaluable in getting them back into race-ready form.
Strong Turnout Across Divisions
The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds led the way with 18 cars, featuring seven of last season’s top-10 point finishers. Notable attendees included 2024 runner-up Louden Reimert, Logan and Ryan Watt, Mike Lisowski, Jack Butler, and Kevin Beach Jr. With additional competitors set to join the weekly action, fans can look forward to high-speed excitement in the track’s premier division.
The USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman class also had a robust turnout. This division promises competitive racing throughout the season, thanks to a solid core of committed drivers.
The Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners made a strong showing as well, with both regulars and visiting drivers taking advantage of the practice session. This class will be in the spotlight on May 2 for the Full Fender Frenzy, a $1,000-to-win special event that will attract top talent from Selinsgrove Speedway and BAPS Motor Speedway.
The Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman division had eight first-time stock car drivers using the opportunity to acclimate to the track. Throughout the session, these newcomers showed noticeable improvement, setting the stage for an exciting season of rookie competition.
The Thaw Brawl and Season Opener on April 4
With Practice Day complete, teams now turn their focus to the Thaw Brawl, set for Friday, April 4. This event marks the official start of Big Diamond Speedway’s 53rd consecutive season and promises an action-packed night of racing.
- Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds: 25-lap feature, $4,053 to win
- USS Achey Inc. 602 Crate Sportsman: 20-lap main event, $1,053 to win
- Red White and Blue Autos Inc. Roadrunners: 20-lap feature, $453 to win
- Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman: 15-lap feature
Schedule and Admission:
- Pit gates open: 5:00 PM
- Grandstands open: 5:30 PM
- Hot laps: 7:15 PM
- Heat races follow hot laps
- Pit admission: $35 (members), $45 (non-members)
- General admission: $20 (adults)
- Kids 16 & under: Free
Looking Ahead: Money in the Mountains on April 11
Following the Thaw Brawl, the speedway will honor track founder Fritz Roehrig with the Money in the Mountains event, presented by Dukmen’s Enterprise. This night will see the 358 Modifieds compete in a 50-lap feature boasting a $10,000 payday for the winner. The 602 Crate Sportsman division will also battle for a $1,000 top prize, with Roadrunners and Rookie 602 Sportsman rounding out the program