---

DIAMOND STATE 50 SET TO RETURN TO DIS FOR 2016

 

 

By Brett Deyo - DELMAR, DE – The date has been set for a Delaware dirt-track highlight of 2016.

For the second consecutive year, the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP South Region will visit Delaware International Speedway to take part in the prestigious ‘Diamond State 50’ at Charlie Cathell’s half-mile oval. After a decade-long absence, the event returned to Delaware International last summer, setting the stage for the ’16 edition.

The ‘Diamond State 50’ is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2016. An August rain date will be used, if needed.

“We are very pleased to be able to showcase our series in the First State and work with the Cathell family again next year,� said Short Track Super Series organizer Brett Deyo of BD Motorsports Media LLC. “Our out-of-state racers were blown away by the tacky clay surface and amenities at Delaware International. It was a season highlight for all of us.�

The ’15 ‘Diamond State 50’ was slated for Tuesday, August 4. Heavy rain pushed the event back to Wednesday night. David Van Horn Jr. of Harmony, N.J., picked up the $5,215 victory over Delaware’s Matt Jester, Pennsylvania star Craig Von Dohren and Maryland drivers Shawn Ward and Brad Trice.

The ’16 May date, preceding Memorial Day weekend, will showcase the ‘Diamond State 50’ earlier in the season when race teams are fresh and more competitors are in the mix for top positions in the STSS South Region point standings.

“Last year’s race set the groundwork for a success in ’16,� Deyo said. “The earlier date as a true ‘kickoff to summer’ should allow even more competitors to take part in the event before the summer stretch and get the holiday weekend started with a bang.�

Again, the ‘Diamond State 50’ will be headlined by a big-block/small-block Modified 50-lap main event offering a total purse of more than $25,700. The winner’s share of $5,000 will be boosted by lap money and bonus cash. The 10^th-place finisher will receive a minimum of $1,000, with $400 to take the green flag.

Crate 602 Sportsman will take part in the program. A full lineup will be announced as the event approaches.

Cathell is looking forward to the return of the STSS at the ‘Diamond State 50’ program.

“We had cars from as far north as New York last year and the crowd was strong in spite of the weather postponement we faced,� Cathell said. “We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better show this time around.�

The STSS South Region schedule is set for its second season with a focus on racers from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Ryan Watt of Boyertown, Pa., was the inaugural STSS South Region champion and pocketed $7,500 for his efforts.

Marketing opportunities for the ‘Diamond State 50’ are available now by contacting Deyo at 845.728.2781 or via e-mail: bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com.

The Delaware Motorsports Complex, located on the First State side of the Delaware/Maryland border, includes Delaware International Speedway, the U.S. 13 Dragway and the U.S. 13 Kart Track. The Cathell family has operated the facility since 1963.

The ‘Diamond State 50’ is the first of two midweek Modified events on the track’s ’16 calendar. The annual Camp Barnes Benefit Stock Car Race is slated for a Tuesday night in June. This event is run to benefit the Camp Barnes, not-for-profit youth summer camp run by the Delaware State Police in Ocean View, Del.

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports Media, visit www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 or e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com.  “Like� Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.

Delaware International Speedway, located at 37854 Sussex Highway Delmar, Delaware 19940, is on the web atwww.delawareracing.com and can be contacted by phone, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at 302.846.3911.

Past ‘Diamond State 50’ Winners

2015: David Van Horn Jr. (Modified)
2005: Danny Johnson (Modified) & David Hill (Late Model) 2004: Ricky Elliott (Modified) & Kenny Pettyjohn (Late Model) 2003: Weather 2002: Jimmy Horton (Modified) & David Hill (Late Model) 2001: Jimmy Horton (Modified vs. Late Model) 2000: Kenny Brightbill (Modified vs. Late Model) 1999: Gary Stuhler (Modified vs. Late Model)

Photo Credit: Series Facebook Page

Back to News