RPW Column: Jared Umbenhauer Excited To Be Back At Big Diamond Speedway For 2020 Season

RPW Column By: BRAD KEITSOCK / RPW – RICHLAND, PA – In 2019, for the very first time, Richland Pa’s Jared Umbenhauer finally got to celebrate as a 358 modified racer in Big Diamond Speedway’s victory lane.

The 28-year-old has celebrated there before, as Umbenhauer is the former 2013 sportsman modified champion at the Minersville Pa speedway and has been victorious in that division many times.

After those accomplishments, it was time for Umbenhauer to move on to bigger and better things.

When the 2014 season rolled around Umbenhauer made the move up to the headline 358 modified division at the speedway.

Over the years Umbenhauer has come oh so close and flirted with that first 358 modified win at the speedway on multiple occasions, but for different reasons wasn’t quite able to attain it.

That all changed for Umbenhauer on Friday July 12th 2019.

“My first Big Diamond win last year I think was the hardest one to get. We were so fast every week but just couldn’t get it done.” explained Umbenhauer.

Umbenhauer continued, “It felt so good getting that first win at Big Diamond last year, we’ve been so close over the years. It was especially gratifying because the week prior I destroyed the car at a mid week race at different speedway and we had to miss a Friday night just to get the car put back together. We came back the next week and won.”

“Getting that first win there was a big sigh of relief it felt, sort of getting the monkey off our back you could say I guess.” quipped Umbenhauer.

When the 2020 racing season gets the green flag for opening night Friday April 10th, Umbenhauer will once again find himself behind the wheel of the # 1H Bicknell race car owned by Mike and Jen Harvey of Millville NJ.

Umbenhauer mentioned, “The new clay they put down on the track last year was definitely an improvement, the visibility and racing were a lot better.”

“As a driver, I’m a fan of the switch over to all gasoline this season. When you run alcohol you have to put so much fuel in the car, the car is constantly changing throughout the race. It’s hard to set the car up right, either you want to be good early in the race to make your moves or be terrible in the beginning until the alcohol burns off and the car finally starts to come in late in the race and risking it might be to late.” explained Umbenhauer.

“With gasoline you put a lot less in, which the car stays pretty close to the same throughout the race.” finished Umbenhauer.

Umbenhauer is excited and ready to get the new racing season going.

“I’m looking forward to the new season at Big Diamond. As long as everything goes as planned we’ll be there on Friday nights. With our Bicknell race car powered by our Nick Gatto motor we should be strong this year again. I’d like to pick up a few wins at Big Diamond this year and a top 5 in points I think is achievable.” explained Umbenhauer.

“I have to thank Mike and Jen Harvey, my crew chief Jason Hernley, all my crew help, and all of our sponsors who are behind this deal and have stuck with me over the years. Without them this wouldn’t be possible for me.” commented Umbenhauer.

They always say the first win is always the hardest to achieve.

So chances are you’ll be seeing Jared Umbenhauer back in Big Diamond Speedway’s victory lane this season now that that has been concurred, as win number two for Umbenhauer at the speedway is most likely in his near future.