Drivers from all three of the track’s divisions; CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 Modifieds; U.S.S. Achey Sportsman and Savage 61 Roadrunners were on hands as track announcer Tim Pitts conducted interviews in front of a large crowd of fans and car owners.
The big-wheel contest which was part of the Friday night festivities was a hit with the kids while the team of Jeremy Rock and Jesse Kranitsky won the tire-changing competition with a time of 1 minutes, 32 seconds.
Fans were able to purchase the new 2016 Big Diamond Speedway t-shirts and hoodies which were designed by Bob Hilbert Sportswear.
Kevin Beach, Daryl Dissinger and Skylar Sheriff won the fan votes for the best appearing cars while Jeremy Becker and Rich Bossinger were on hand representing the street stock division.
Among the newcomers who were on hand on Friday night was 2016 sportsman rookie Sheriff. The 21-year-old open-wheel veteran from Auburn is making his first start in a full-bodied car this year.
“We always wanted make the move to the big cars and it was a good time to move up,” Sheriff said. “Big Diamond is only 15 minutes from our house and I’ve always been a fan of the modifieds.”
Sheriff added the biggest learning curve for him will be the power-to-weight ratio as he goes from 1,300-pound cars to 2,400-pound cars.
Teams will be able to shakedown their cars this Sunday during the practice day beginning at Noon. The event is open to any car with a roll cage.
An Enduro 60 will also take place that day. Pit admission is $30, grandstand admission is free.
The 45th season beings on March 20 at Big Diamond at 2 p.m. with a 30-lap feature for the 358 modifieds paying $4,000 to win along with a 20-lap feature for the sportsman and the roadrunners.
The first Friday night show is April 1 (no kidding) with the Money In The Mountain 40-lap, $4,000-to-win feature for the 358 modifieds. The sportsman and roadrunner round out the three division card with racing getting underway at 8:15 p.m.
Photos by Skook News Photographer Daniel Reed
