OPEN COMPETITION SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS AND SPORTSMAN RACE FOR EXTRA MONEY IN DIAMOND NATIONALS...By Gary Lileck

Forestville, PA - September 17, 2009 Whether they were called Sportsman, Small Blocks, or 358's, the Modifieds have headlined racing action at Big Diamond Raceway since the track's birth in 1972. On September 27, as part of the Diamond Nationals, the Small Block Modifieds compete in an open comp show, racing for extra prize money.

Landis C. Deck & Sons Site Contractors (Bernville) and Yuengling - America's Oldest Brewery (Pottsville) are presenting this year's Diamond Nationals. Five different classes of machinery will be showcased (Sept. 26, Sept. 27). The total weekend purse exceeds $50,000. Sunday's show actually features a double header program of Open Competition Small Block Modifieds and Sportsman.

Small Block competitors are reminded of the rules: Hagerstown style, 13- by 92-inch tire that is readily available from the manufacturer, and a weight limit of 2350 pounds. Sportsman regulations include: meeting home track specs for motors, steel wheels are required, and wieght limit of 2450 pounds.

The SBM competitors "played by the rules" all season, which helps to bring the excitement to this event on Sept. 27. An open competition event allows drivers to experiment with different set-ups, and invites several teams who compete at other speedways.

Sunday's Open Comp SBM feature is 50-laps, paying a crisp $5000 to the race winner. This event marks the 5th extra dollar SBM race of the season. Previous '09 winners include: Jeff Strunk (April 5 - $3000), Rick Laubach (May 25 - $5000), Keith Hoffman (July 3 - $4000), and Ryan Godown (September 6 - $10000).

The Sportsman feature is 25-laps, carrying a $1200 winner's check. It is the 7th higher paying Sportsman contest of 2009. Previous winners include: Earl Paules (March 28 - $2000), Brad Brightbill ( April 5 - $1000 & July 19 - $1000), Paul Kline (May 25, $1000), Jared Umbenhauer (July 3 - $800), and Mike Loney (September 4 - $2000).

On Sunday September 27, gates open at 2:30PM. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 4:30PM and qualifying takes place at 5:00PM. Grandstand tickets are $15, Children 12 and under Free, Pit Passes $30.

Rule questions may be directed to the track office at 570-385-0744. For complete event information, visit the speedway's official website located at www.bigdiamondraceway.com