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COALCRACKER AND LABOR DAY WEEKEND, A TRADITION IN THE COAL REGION…By Gary Lileck
Forestville, PA – August 25, 2008 – Big Diamond Raceway will present the annual Alpine Building and Post Supply Coalcracker weekend this Friday August 29 and Sunday August 31. It is a tradition that spans back to 1979.
The Sportsman division will headline Friday evening’s card, competing in the fifth annual Coalcracker 50. The event pays $2000 to win, and traditionally brings a wide array of talent from the Sportsman ranks. In last season’s race, 47 drivers strapped in for competition.
Former winners of the Coalcracker 50 include: David Van Horn Jr. (2003), Jason Hamilton (2004), Willie Osmun (2006), and Jordan Umbenhauer (2007). Thus far in ’08 nine different drivers have reached victory lane and would certainly enjoy capturing a win in the Coalcracker.
2008 Sportsman feature winners include: track champion Brad Brightbill (4 wins), Kyle Weiss, Earl Paules (5 wins), Tom Brennan (2 wins), Billy Moyer Jr., Pete Phillips Jr., Clay Butler, Ryan Moyer, and Daryl Dissinger.
Friday’s second place finisher will receive $1200, with $1000 going to third, $750 for fourth, and $500 for fifth.
The third annual Penske Racing Shocks non-winners race will be contested for the 358 Modifieds. Rick Laubach, Ryan Godown, Troy Wink, Craig Whitmoyer, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Ray Swinehart, Sean Merkel, Colt Harris, and Mike Nicholas are just a few of the eligible drivers for this contest.
Completing a three-division card, the Wingless ARDC Midgets make their third appearance of the season. Randy Monroe Jr. and Ryan Smith won the previous two ARDC shows this year.
Gates open at 4PM for advance ticket holders, and 5PM for everyone else. Qualifying begins at 7:45PM. The Sportsman feature is 50 green flag laps and will start at least 26 cars.
Adult tickets are $15, Students, Seniors, Military $12, Children 10 and under are free. Pit admission is $25. A Friday and Sunday grandstand ticket can be purchased for $35.
Sunday September 31 is the 28th annual Coalcracker 100 for 358 Modifieds. The winning driver will receive $10000 for his efforts in this classic feature contest. Craig Von Dohren is the defending race winner. Von Dohren was also victorious in 1987.
Previous Coalcracker winners who should contend for this year’s victory include: Duane Howard-4 time winner, Keith Hoffman, Billy Pauch Sr.- 2 wins, Jeff Strunk-3 Coalcracker wins, and Kenny Brightbill-2 time winner.
Other Coalcracker winners include: Bob Emerich, the Late Charlie Eckert, Paul Koch, Fred Rahmer, Doug Hoffman, Richie Tobias, Rick Schaffer, Billy Schinkel, and Tom Mayberry.
This season the 358 Modifieds have seen eleven different drivers earn feature victories. Four of those eleven were first career BDR winners. Duane Howard of Oley led the way with four small block triumphs and one big block win. 2008 track champion Jeff Strunk of Mohnton earned three victories while Meme DeSantis of Temple and Craig Von Dohren of Oley each earned two wins.
Solo feature winners this season include: Doug Manmiller of Shoemakersville, Billy Pauch Jr. of Frenchtown NJ, Ryan Watt of Boyertown, John Willman of Birdsboro, Dale Hartz of Hamburg, Jason Hamilton of Erwinna, and Gary Hager of Stewartsville NJ.
The runner-up finisher in Sunday’s prestigious Coalcracker race receives $5000, with $3000 going to the third place finisher, $2000 for fourth, and $1500 for fifth, $300 just to start the 100-lap race. There is a $1000 bonus at the half-way mark. The contest is 100 green flag laps with a fuel stop at lap 50. A minimum of 28 cars will start the feature.
The Roadrunners have enjoyed an incredible season in 2008 with high car counts and exciting feature events. It is only fitting that the popular division joins the 358 Modifieds on August 31. The Roadrunners compete in a 20-lap main event.
Spectator gates open at 3:00PM for advance ticket holders, and sales gates swing open at 4:00PM. Racing begins at 6:30PM.
Adult grandstand tickets are $25, Children 10 and under are free. Pit admission is $35. A Friday and Sunday grandstand ticket can be purchased for $35.
The Alpine Building and Post Supply Coalcracker 100 does have a rain date of September 1 with racing set to begin at 6PM, Monday will not be used as a rain date for Friday evening's show.
For complete information, news, directions, and other important information visit the track’s website located at www.bigdiamondraceway.com
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