By yohnson 
MINERSVILLE, PA – A brand-new season is ushering in a torrent of drivers to the modified ranks at Big Diamond Speedway.
Three drivers, namely Frank Porreca from Honesdale, Billy Lasko from Bethlehem, and Kenny Hildebrant from Nazareth, are all primed to make their debuts in the Steel & Metal Service Center 358 modifieds.
Also returning to the fray of 358 modified competition this year is Kevin Albert from Lebanon.
Frank Porreca, at the age of 25 and a second-generation driver, initiated his racing journey in go-karts when he was merely eight years old. He is now entering his third year in the modifieds and his second full season, having competed in the past few years at Penn Can Speedway (Pa.). He is still on the hunt for his first career modified victory.
“We’ve been deliberating about moving to the 358 ranks over the past year and we were in discussions with Craig VonDohren and a few others. Eventually, we made the decision to come and race at Big Diamond this year,” he stated. “I’ve never even set foot in the speedway, but we have one of Craig’s engines, so that ought to be a promising start.”
Lasko, a 16-year-old high school student, embarked on his racing career in quarter midgets at Phoenxiville when he was just five. He is entering his fourth year in modified racing, having spent the last three seasons in the asphalt dirt modified division at Mahoning Valley Speedway (Pa.), where he emerged as the runner-up in the points standings last year.
“We’ve been contemplating going dirt for two years, but I wanted to accumulate more seat time at Mahoning,” Lasko said. “The challenge will be the setup when entering the turns and getting accustomed to running with the likes of Billy Pauch Jr. and Jeff Strunk. We won’t be a top-five car like we were every week at Mahoning.”
Hildebrant, 37 years old, spent the last season at Five Mile Point Speedway (N.Y.) and is now in his 11th season in modified racing. His father George, who still races to this day, began his career in the rookie modified division at the Flemington Speedway (N.J.) in 1975 along with Billy Pauch Sr.
“Big Diamond is closer to home and it was high time to make a change,” he said. “I’ve never raced at this track, but competing with the renowned guys, a different setting, along with the enthusiastic crowd and the considerable number of cars is going to be truly thrilling.”
The unofficial commencement of the 2017 season commences from March 6 to 10 with the annual Schuylkill Mall car show in Frackville, Pa., just off Route 61 and Interstate 81.
An open practice is slated for Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. for any car with a cage.
The 46th season opener will unfurl the green flag on Friday night, March 31, featuring a 30-lap, $4,000-to-win event for the 358 modifieds. Also on the docket will be the U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners and the No Sweat Service Group Street Stocks.
The 2017 rules, pit license, and mall show forms are currently accessible at the speedway’s website, www.bigdspeedway.com. Additionally, season passes are still available.
For the latest updates, be sure to like the Big Diamond Speedway Facebook page; www.facebook.com/Bigdiamondspeedway and follow the track on Twitter, @BigDSpdwy