Tune-up race added to Black Diamond weekend activities
Building on the success of the inaugural ‘Black Diamond 125’, the Circle Track Management Group, promoters of ‘the Bullring’ at the Tyler County Speedway, have added a ‘West Virginia State Championship Modified’ race to the Labor Day weekend race card.
The 2011 version of the unique and already popular event has already been bolstered with the inclusion of the nationally recognized ‘World of Outlaws’ late model sanctioning.
The Late Model format will remain true to the original race, with twin features used to qualify competitors for the ‘Sweet 16’, $20k to win feature.
On the heels of the exciting WoO sanctioning news comes the word that twin modified complete shows have been added to the ‘Black Diamond’ weekend.
‘Black Lightning Thursday’ will see the TSMA sanctioned modifieds headline the kick-off evening of the 3 night ‘Black Diamond’ weekend with a $800 to win complete show.
Sharing the Thursday night card will be the TSMA sanctioned ‘Hot Mod’ division racers, as they will run the prelims for their Friday night 25 lap, $500 to win feature race.
The Hot Mods are the area’s newest and most economical division of rear wheel drive race cars. Limitations on suspension, engine c.i.d. and compression, two barrel carbs and spec tires have proven effective in maintaining reasonable costs for competitors and close racing for the fans in this fast growing class.
“We’re excited that we will be able to showcase the HotMod class” said CTMG head Frankie Wilson, an active ARCA racer in his own right.
Saturday night, the TSMA E-mods will return for a second time with another complete show to compliment the WoO sanctioned Black Diamond Late Model event.
Ten lap qualifying heat and consolation races will determine the starting field for the $1,500 to win 30 lap Bridgeport Tool and Equipment West Virginia State Championship Modified feature event.
The race boasts a total purse well in excess of $5000, and guarantees $150 to start the a-main event.
“We were looking for a way to add value to the program for the fans and racers alike” said TCS co-promoter Darren Dodd.
“Anyone who has been here this season already knows how competitive the modifieds are, and we felt the addition of the TSMA mods on Thursday’s show would bring some ‘pop’ to the Black Diamond opening night”.
TSMA founder Tye Twarog was appreciative on behalf of his sanction’s racers. “This is a really good deal for the both the Modified and HotMod racers.”
“Every racer wants to be a part of a major event, and this is an opportunity to get the regions best together and see how they stack up against each other.”
“With several area tracks taking the weekend off, I look for a lot of the heavy hitters to be in the pits”.
The TSMA (Tri-State Modified Association) modified points reveal four TCS regulars (Mark Dickson, Travis Dickson, Mike Wilson and Tommy Powell) listed in the top 20 in point standings. Track point leader Wilson and the Dickson duo have dominated the track’s winner’s bracket, with only two time defending TSMA champion Kevin Morehouse able to break the trio’s stranglehold.
Those drivers along with the always tough regular track contingents will be challenged by regional class standouts like Kenny Johnson, Jess Hartman, Jesse Wisecarver, Tanner Wilson and many more in a “best of the best” showdown.
Twarog added “It’s a big weekend for the HotMod racers as well.”
“Tyler County’s staff has done a good job in growing that class and enforcing the rules, and has seen steady class growth because of that. It’s a class that’s needed and growing despite of the poor economy”.
TSMA Hot Mod track and sanction point leader Travis Thomas will look to defend his point advantage, as Kurt Burge, Bill Sigmon, Levi Flesher and Mike Conkle are all in striking distance as the season hits the home stretch.
The ‘Black Lightning Thursday’ show will also feature the MWRA Mini-Wedges, Complete $500 to win Mod-Lite show and Eco-Flyer 4 cylinder divisions as well as open practice for the Fastrak and Super Late Model cars.
Black Diamond 125 event information is available at the race’s dedicated website at: www.blackdiamond125.com – where advance tickets are available by secure on-line credit card orders are accepted.
Single day or three day general admission combo and reserved seating ticket packages are available. These ticket packages can also be ordered by telephone at (304) 665-1118.