BIG DIAMOND RACEWAY RETURNS TO ACTION WITH HIGHLY COMPETITIVE ENDURO SERIES

 

      Each enduro at Big Diamond consists of three exciting events, a 100-lap 6/8 Cylinder (Big Car) race, a 100-lap 4 Cylinder (Small Car) contest, and the newly formed Ladies Race division. Pit gates open at 2:30PM, and racing begins promptly at 5:00PM.

      Tom Hablett (Schuylkill Haven) has been the dominant driver in Big Car competition. Hablett earned victories in three out of four events. Although, Hablett has been tough to unseat thus far, the title chase is still up for grabs. Hablett holds a 21 point lead over the always consistent Jason Brown (Schuylkill Haven), who has not finished outside of the top seven all season long. Jamie Naftzinger (New Ringgold), who never missed an enduro race since they began at BDR, is enjoying his finest season just 54 markers out of the race lead.

      The Small Car division has recognized four different winners during the course of 2009. Kevin Holland (Pine Grove) won the season opener and remains on top of the current standings. Holland is a former Roadrunner competitor (2006 champion) at the speedway. Kevan Schaeffer, who splits his time travelling from Orwigsburg PA and Sea Isle City NJ, recently switched to a new Honda Accord and sits 39 points behind Holland in the runner-up spot. Rookie sensation Greg Zelinsky (Pine Grove) has quickly become a top competitor, currently trailing the leader by 54 points. The crafty racing veteran Todd Morgan (Tower City) is 70 points behind in fourth, and second year competitor Tyler Stump (Mertztown) is only 93 points out of the lead in fifth.

      Big Diamond introduced the new Ladies division into the enduro mix at the last show (August 16). It began with four drivers, who staged a great show for the fans. The lead was exchanged on several occasions and Tracy Berger-Carmen (Bath) captured the 40-lap victory. Interest has been increasing in this class, and car counts are expected to climb.

      In a normal enduro at Big Diamond Raceway, the top eight drivers are paid. In this Sunday's event, it pays to finish in the top 15 of the Big Car and Small Car races, Courtesy of the Big Diamond Raceway Fans, the following pay breakdown will take place: 9th-$30, 10th-$30, 11) $25, 12) $25, 13) $20, 14) $20, 15) Sheetz Card (courtesy of the track). Therefore, drivers 9th through 15th will also leave the track with some extra cash thanks to the BDR fans.

      Enduro racing provides all forms of excitement for fans and drivers alike. Car counts have been quite impressive in both classes throughout the season. And, a fan certainly benefits at a Nutty Buddy Enduro event. A grandstand general admission ticket costs just five dollars.

     A tentative October 3 date is currently being discussed and a final decision is expected at the September 20 event. Times will be determined. A race was rained out earlier in the season, and BDR management is interested in presenting a make-up show.

 

15) 70-Chuck Detweiler-Schuylkill Haven-378