Winter Weather Forced Money In The Mountain Race Postponement To Friday April 15th
Story By: SHAWN WOOD / BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY MEDIA Photos By: GEORGE STEIGERWALT JR. / RACERSGUIDE.COM
MINERSVILLE PA- April 13, 2016- The calendar may say April, but with rain, cold weather and snow on the way in northeastern Pennsylvania, it doesn’t feel anything like spring.
The winter-like weather forecast for last Friday had forced Big Diamond Speedway to postpone the Money In The Mountain race for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds to this Friday, April 15.
A talented field of 358 modifieds drivers is expected at the coal region oval on Friday for the second points race of the year. Doug Manmiller won the season-opening race on April 1.
Also on the card next week will be the U.S.S Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners and the first appearance of the year for the No Sweat Service Group street stocks. Normal Big Diamond Speedway rules apply.
When it comes to big money races at Big Diamond Speedway, there’s no counting out veteran Ryan Godown of Ringoes, N.J.
Now in his 14th year behind the wheel of a modified, Godown, the nephew of modified legend Stan The Man’ Ploski, finished runner-up last year to Ryan Watt in the Money In The Mountain race. Godown won the race in 2014.
“Our set-up really seems to click at Big Diamond,” Godown said. “We found something in running with Johnny Ray and Norm Hansel along with our part-time racing at the track.” Last year Godown and his team swept the Coalcracker event winning the Prelude to the Coalcracker and then the annual Coalcracker 72-lap season-ending show.
It was the third time that Godown had won the Coalcracker. “Were are going to be there as much as we can. I like Jake (Smulley, promoter), and the guys at the track and the track is nice to race at,” he said.
A self-employed landscaper, Godown’s shop in New Jersey is a three-hour drive to the track on Friday nights. “It is nice that they start late as that gives us time to get the track, but I wish it was a little bit closer,” he said. “I really like the place.”
Godown had yet to finish outside the top five in five features to date in 2016 scoring four, fourth-placefinishes and a runner-up.
“I’m happy with that,” he said of the early-season results. “We had some tweaks on the car and to still be able to salvage a top-five finish, I’ll take that any day of the week.”
Godown noted that his uncle spends about 20hrs. a week helping him out with the business while offering advice to him on the car.
“He keeps talking about getting into a car one day, we’ll see,” he said.
Another part of the success at Big Diamond according to Godown, is his crew.
“I’m have a bunch of guys who are dedicated and quite good at what they do,” he added. “I’m think a lot of races are won in the shop.”
On Friday, the gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with warm ups at 7:45 and racing getting underway at 8:15.
General admission next week is $25; seniors, $23, and kids 12-and-under and active military with a VALID ID are free.
Be sure to follow Big Diamond Speedway on Facebook and on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.
