STSS Race Day: Delaware International ‘Diamond State 50’ Storylines, Stars & Sleepers
DELMAR, DE – It’s Race Day in the Diamond State!
The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco treks to Delaware International Speedway for the eighth time in its history.
The STSS big-block/small-block Modifieds do battle in the Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply ‘Diamond State 50’ at the half-mile clay oval in pursuit of a $5,000-plus grand prize.
The race was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, but was postponed one day due to rain moving through the area. It also marks the first STSS event in Delaware this season.
THE STORYLINES
Despite being the fourth race on the Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply South Region schedule, tonight’s feature serves as Round No. 2. Rain at both Georgetown (Del.) Speedway and Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway has delayed the South Region kicking into full swing.
Ringoes, N.J.’s Ryan Godown enters the event as the point leader after winning the opener at Pa.’s Port Royal Speedway. Godown tops Mike Gular, Michael Maresca and the rest of the southern drivers entering tonight’s event.
Sprakers, N.Y.’s Stewart Friesen has won the last two ‘Diamond State 50’s’ and three overall, the most in the seven-race history of the STSS-sanctioned event.
THE STARS
Friesen appears to have finally shaken off the bad luck that followed him to start the ‘22 campaign. The series’ all-time winningest driver is fresh off a $12,000 victory at his home track – Fonda (N.Y.) Speedway – this past Saturday in the Montgomery County Open remembering Jack Johnson.
Savannah, N.Y.’s Matt Sheppard joins Friesen as the only multi-time ‘Diamond State 50’ winner under STSS sanctioning. Sheppard won the event in 2018 and 2019, and finished runner-up to Friesen in each of the last two events.
Potsdam, N.Y.’s Michael Maresca has gotten off to a hot start with the STSS in 2022. Maresca claimed his first series win at the ‘Sunshine Swing’ at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., and earned a podium finish at Port Royal. Maresca had a strong car in the ‘21 ‘Diamond State 50’ before mechanical issues ended his night.
THE SLEEPERS
Millsboro, Del., native Ryan Riddle has always been a faithful racer on Delmarva and was rewarded in the season opener this season at Delaware International with his first career Modified victory. The First State driver looks to maintain his momentum with the stars of the STSS invading.
Pipersville, Pa.’s Danny Bouc consistently brings speed in the Craig and Leslie Pondish No. 6 car. Bouc and the team will look for a little luck on their side to pair with that speed in search of his first career STSS victory.
Brad Trice has teamed up with Jeff Brown and J.W. Brown Logging No. 9 machine for the ‘22 racing season. The combination has gotten off to a solid start and the Parsonsburg, Md., native hopes to defend his home turf.
ALSO IN ACTION
The Crate 602 Sportsman of the Belmont’s Garage South Region finally kick off their 2022 campaign. The 25-lap feature pays $1,500 to win to open the South Region after the first two attempts were canceled due to rain.
GATES AND PRICES
For the April 27 event, pit gates open at 3 p.m. with grandstand gates to follow at 5 p.m. Hot laps are scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start with racing set to take place at 7:15 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $25 for Adults. $20 for Seniors (ages 65 & up) and Students (ages 13-17). Kids (ages 9-12) get in for $10 and Children ages 5 & under get in FREE.
Pit admission is $40 (ages 13 & up). Kids (ages 6-12) get in for $10 and $2 for Children (ages 5 & under).
HOW TO WATCH
The entire night of racing, along with every STSS race in 2022, will be broadcast LIVE on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv).
Delaware International Speedway is located at 37854 Sussex Highway in Delmar, Del. 19940 and can be reached by phone at 302.846.3911 (office) or 302.846.3968 (race night). The speedway website is www.delawareracing.com.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco, visit www.shorttracksuperseries.com, e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, check out ‘Short Track Super Series’ on Facebook or @ShortTrackSS on Twitter or Instagram.
The Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, Sunoco Race Fuel, Insinger Performance, FloSports, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Halmar International, River Valley Builders, Hurlock Auto & Speed, Velocita-USA, St. Lawrence Radiology, Design for Vision & Sunglass Central, Belmont’s Garage, Precision Hydraulic & Oil, Prime MAC Tools, F.X. Caprara Car Companies, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Beyea Custom Headers, Bicknell Racing Products, Dirt Track Digest, EIBACH, Elite Welder Testing & Training, Flach Performance Products, Henry’s Exhaust, Hig Fab, Penske Racing Shocks, Schultz Racing Fuel Cells, Spyder Filters, Superior Remodeling, Teo-Pro Car, VAHLCO, Wegner Automotive & Wilwood.
Sources: Chris Moore/BD Motorsports Media LLC