Modified Civil War Monday Night In Short Track Super Series Battle At Big Diamond

Story By: BRETT DEYO / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – MINERSVILLE, PA – For Modified fans, Monday night (July 16) at Big Diamond Speedway will produce a Civil war.

For the only time in 2018, the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco Halmar International North Region and Velocita-USA South Region clash on the same battlefield. It all goes down in Coal Country with the 50-lap ‘Anthracite Assault’ offering $5,000 to the winner, $1,000 for 10th, $400 to take the green and a long list of cash bonuses and special awards.

The STSS stop at Big Diamond annually attracts the most diverse STSS field of the season.

Now entering the summer stretch, the heat is on STSS Modified drivers in their championship battles.

It’s been a long gap between STSS Velocita-USA South Region races, with the most recent coming on Thursday night prior to Memorial Day weekend at Delaware International Speedway in Delmar, Del. Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y., tops the standings driving the Hurlock Auto & Speed No. 9s.

Sheppard, with 315 points, leads two-time STSS South champion Ryan Watt (280), David Van Horn (257), Andy Bachetti (246), Craig Von Dohren (238), Duane Howard (237), Ryan Godown (231), Anthony Perrego (229), Billy Pauch Jr. (226) and Rick Laubach (217).

Stewart Friesen of Sprakers, N.Y., leads the Halmar International North Region after two wins in the first three events. Friesen, however, will not be able to attend all events due to commitments with his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series efforts.

Right now, it’s anyone’s race for the $12,500 title.

Friesen has accumulated 290 points and leads Jerry Higbie (255), Billy Decker (249), Mike Mahaney (226), Anthony Perrego (224), Mike Gular and Duane Howard (222), Mat Williamson (216), Rick Laubach (207) and Jeremy Smith (195).

Big Diamond’s event carries added significance with points being offered toward both championships on Monday.

So far, the “south” has risen in each of the STSS combo races. Rick Laubach was the winner in 2015, Ryan Watt in 2016 and Ryan Godown enters Monday night as the defending race winner.

Joining the STSS Modifieds on the program are STSS Sportsman in Race No. 2 of the five-race series ($1,000 to win) and XCel 600 Modifieds.