Wednesday, July 19, 2023

$4,000 Modified Payday for Dave Kamp Memorial Race at Big Diamond This Friday

It will be another extra payday for the Quandel Concrete Modifieds on Friday, July 21st when the annual Dave Kamp Memorial race takes place at Big Diamond.

The USS Achey Crate 602 Sportsman will also race for some extra cash with $1,000 to win. Not to be left out, the Red White and Blue Autos Roadrunners will race for $400 to win. Also on the racing card will be the Big Creek Concrete Crate Rookies.

The Dave Kamp Memorial race is an annual event run in the honor of a man who was dedicated to the sport of racing who called Big Diamond Speedway his home. Dave was a gentle giant of a man who was best friends with Johnny Deatrich who raced at Big Diamond from 1993 to 2004 in many divisions. Dave was a crew member for Johnny and got the itch to race himself. Dave started racing in the Roadrunner and Street Stock division and had some success winning features at Big Diamond and other local speedways. Dave always joked with his good friend Johnny that once he caught and passed Johnny’s win total, he would never let him forget it. Unfortunately, Dave was never able to get to that point. Dave was two weeks away from his 40th birthday when he was on his way to the hospital because he wasn’t feeling well only to suffer from a massive heart attack and pass away while going through a toll booth.

“I have the race to remember him and to celebrate his memory and love of racing by putting money and prizes into the support classes that he loved and dedicated his life to. It’s always been a great race for all the drivers, both those that knew him as well as those who didn’t” explained Johnny. “To keep his memory alive and remind us to cherish the time we have with friends and loved ones, remember to enjoy and make time for the things we enjoy doing since you never know when your time is up.”

After his statement win last Friday night, Brett Kressley has to be the odds-on favorite to take the big money, but it won’t be easy with the quality of the competition every Friday night at Big Diamond. Throw in the fact that after not qualifying last Friday night due to a heat race crash, Duane Howard will be back with a vengeance this Friday looking to right the ship with his Getz Motorsports No. 15G. Last year’s Dave Kamp Memorial Race winner Rick Laubach would like nothing better than to make it two in a row with the extra cash being offered.

With a Friday night off last week, the USS Achey Crate 602 Sportsman will be excited to get back at it this week. Jordan Henn currently leads Logan Watt in the race for the 2023 points championship but do not look past Danny Buccafusca who is making a charge up the standings after winning last Tuesday’s Crate race.

Young rookie racer Alex Bartorillo garnered his first ever win last Friday night in the Big Creek Concrete Rookie feature. Danica Getz has been a model of consistency in the rookie class and a win seems just around the corner for the young driver.

The Red White and Blue Autos Roadrunners came off last Friday night when the division ran four 8-lap features with Kris Ney being the big winner of night winning two races. The other wins went to points leader Chuck Fayash and Alex Schoffstall. This Friday night the division will return to their normal routine with an always exciting 20-lap main event.

Also, on the racing card this Friday are the Xcel 600 Modifieds who always put on a great show for the Big Diamond Speedway fans.

The racing action will get underway on Friday night at 7:45 PM with hot laps starting at 7:15 PM

Pit gates will open Friday night at 5:00 PM with the Grandstand gate opening at 5:30 PM

Pit admission is $35 for those with a Big Diamond License. Non-licensed Pit admission is $45.

General admission for this Friday is $20.