Alex Yankowski, of Covington Township, returned to his roots Friday night, capturing the $10,000 top prize in the Fritz Roehrig Memorial “Money in the Mountains” at Big Diamond Speedway.
The 50-lap feature on DBR Industrial Services Night was cut short after 37 laps when a heavy rainstorm moved through the region. Despite the early end, Yankowski remained the dominant force throughout the event, leading from the pole and navigating lapped traffic with ease.
“This place has always been special to me,” Yankowski said. “I kind of learned to race here in the beginning of my Sportsman Modified days. Leaving here with this win feels very good.”
Yankowski, who now competes as a top touring driver across the Northeast, started on the front row alongside Anthony Perrego. While Perrego maintained second for much of the race, his night ended on lap 34 when a left-rear flat tire forced him to a stop.
On the ensuing restart, Tim Buckwalter surged past Brett Kressley to take second place. Yankowski maintained a multi-car-length lead until officials displayed the checkered flag three laps later as the rain intensified.
The victory marked Yankowski’s first win at the 3/8-mile oval since the 2021 Coalcracker. He credited car owner Rick Stankowicz and crew chief Kevin Bates for adapting the car to the speedway’s specific technical requirements, including a right-side Panhard bar setup.
“You have guys here like Duane Howard, Louden Reimert, the Watts, and Timmy Buckwalter who are really good here,” Yankowski said. “When you get a package that they run all year long and we only come down a few times, we have to think a little bit more, but it’s fun.”
In the Roadrunner feature, Mike Reichert, of New Ringgold, earned his 19th career victory after a physical battle with brothers Jared and Joe Bassininsky. Reichert took the lead with eight laps remaining and held off the pair, aided in part by Joe Bassininsky spinning in Turn 4 with two laps to go while attempting a pass for the lead.
Due to the weather, the 602 Crate Sportsman and Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman features were postponed. Those events will be added to the April 17 program.
Big Diamond Speedway Results
Fritz Roehrig Memorial | Friday, April 10, 2026
358 MODIFIEDS Fritz Roehrig Memorial (37 laps/Rain): 1. Alex Yankowski ($10,000), 2. Tim Buckwalter, 3. Brett Kressley, 4. Louden Reimert, 5. Mike Lisowski, 6. Kevin Beach Jr., 7. Dom Buffalino, 8. Duane Howard, 9. Billy Pauch Jr., 10. Cody Manmiller, 11. Brandon Edgar, 12. Kevin Olenick, 13. Heath Metzger, 14. Cliff Quinn, 15. Anthony Perrego, 16. Ryan Watt, 17. Alan Rudalavage, 18. Logan Watt, 19. Jax Yohn, 20. Jared Umbenhauer, 21. Wayne Witmer, 22. Chris Espisito, 23. Alex Tonkin, 24. Kenny Hildebrandt. Did Not Qualify: Mike Burrows, Rick Laubach, Alex Payne.
ROADRUNNERS Feature (20 Laps): 1. Mike Reichert, 2. Jared Bassininsky, 3. Jim Kost, 4. Joe Bassininsky, 5. TJ Fitzpatrick, 6. Brian Johnson, 7. Tod Roth Jr., 8. Alex Schoffstall, 9. Terry Kramer, 10. Matt Ney, 11. Eric Buchsinski, 12. Johnathan Trumbo, 13. Andrew Buchsinski.
602 CRATE SPORTSMAN Feature: Postponed (Rain) to April 17.
ROOKIE 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN Feature: Postponed (Rain) to April 17.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY
April 17, 7 p.m.: 358 Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Roadrunners, Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman
April 24, 7 p.m.: Tony’s Meat Market Night 358 Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Roadrunners,
May 2-3: 2X Monster Trucks
Article/results compiled by Dino Oberto/Big Diamond Speedway
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