Bobby Emerich won the first ever Coal Cracker event back in 1979. Back then it was a 50 lap event. The most recent event run last season found Jeff Strunk in victory lane after 72 laps of exciting action. In between a who's who of small block modified drivers have won the event, led by Duane Howard with 6 victories in the crown jewel event for the speedway. With last years victory Strunk now has 4 wins in this event, followed by "Chargin" Charlie Eckert and Doug Hoffman with 3 wins each. Kenny Brightbill, "Fast" Freddie Rahmer, Toby Tobias, Billy Pauch Sr., Paul Koch, and Billy Schinkel are just a few of the other legendary names that have tasted victory in this great event. Who will win the 2014 version is anyone's guess.
Looking at drivers who have multiple wins at Big Diamond for their career but have yet to win the "big one", you would have to list "The Temple Tornado" Meme Desantis, Ray Swinehart, Billy Pauch Jr., and 2014 track champion Rich Laubach as potential victors this weekend.
Each year this event takes several exciting twists and turns during the evening, and this year is sure to be no different. After attracting 41 cars for the "Prelude to the Coal Cracker" race two weeks back, event organizers Jake and Jasmine Smulley are expecting a very nice sized field for this event. Past winners Howard, Strunk, Ryan Godown, Billy Pauch Sr., Keith Hoffman, and Doug Manmiller are expected to be in attendance, and there are rumors going around that a "Doctor" may visit Big Diamond on Sunday, and you can never count him out of any race he is in.
So plan to be there on Sunday, August 31st for the Jack Rich Memorial 72 paying $10,000 to win $500 just to take the green.
The weekend begins on Friday, August 29th, the USS Achey Sportsman take center stage with the running of their Coal Cracker 40 event. This race will pay $1,600 to win and $150 to take the green flag as long as 26 cars show up to compete. Both American Racer and Hoosier Tires will be allowed for this event, and a stellar field of Sportsman competitors is expected. Drivers will draw for their heat starting position, and there will be a redraw for the feature event for those who qualify in a redraw position in their heat event. Also on the racing card on this evening will be the Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic DIRTcar 358 Modifieds competing in a non-winners race, along with Savage 61 Roadrunner in their final point event of the season, and the Enduro Dash cars. For the Modifieds, the winner of the non-winners race will earn a guaranteed starting spot in Sunday's Jack Rich Memorial Coal Cracker 72 event. To be eligible, you must have run or attempted to qualify for at least 5 feature events during the 2014 season without a victory. American Racer and Hoosier Tires will be allowed for this event. For the Savage 61 Roadrunners, it will be a feature only to decide the 2014 Big Diamond Speedway Roadrunner Champion. With the field already set from Friday's heat race action, that feature line-up will be used and the Roadrunners will go 20 laps to decide who will take home the Championship. The Enduro Dash cars will end the night with a 20 lap feature event. The Late Model portion of Coal Cracker weekend has been cancelled. Gates open at 5 PM, warm-ups are at 7:45 PM, and first heat hits the tracks at 8:15 PM. Grandstand general admission will be $10.00, with active military (with ID) and kids 12 and under admitted free of charge. Pit participation fees will be $30.00 for members and $40.00 for non-members.
Then on Sunday, August 31st it's the biggest race of the season at Big Diamond, the Jack Rich Memorial Coal Cracker 72 event paying $10,000 to win and $700 just to take the green flag. Once again, a great field of cars is expected for this race. American Racer or Hoosier tires will be permitted. Drivers will draw for their heat starting spot and redraw for the feature if they finish in a redraw position in their heat race. Twenty-six cars are slated to start the feature event. Also on the card will be the Savage 61 Roadrunner in their Coal Cracker 25 event paying $300 to win, and a huge fireworks display. Gates will open at 4 PM on Sunday, with warm-ups at 7:45 PM, and the first heat hitting the track at 8:15 PM. Grandstand general admission on Sunday will be $25.00, with active military (with ID) and kids 12 and under admitted free of charge. Pit participation fees will be $40.00 with no license required. Car entry fee for the Coal Cracker 72 event is $40.00 for early entry and $60.00 the day of the race. All 72 laps will be run under green flag conditions!
Wristband policy for those that attended last weeks racing event will be as follows. Sportsman, Roadrunner, and Enduro pit wristbands can only be used for Friday evenings event. Modified wrist bands can be used Friday or Sunday. For the fans, grandstand wristbands can only be used for Sunday's show and pay the difference. If you cannot attend the respective shows listed, please send the wristband to P.O. Box 671, Minersville, PA 17954 for a full refund. Be sure to include a return address.
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