Big Diamond's stand on Craig Whitmoyer

BDR Opening Note: Just to clarify Craig Whitmoyer's status as a driver at Big Diamond due to the story run by Randy Kane in mid to late December based on discussions they had several weeks earlier...

There were many rumors circulating late in the 2003 season at Big Diamond that track promoter Fritz Roehrig was considering forcing Craig Whitmoyer to leave the Sportsman Modifieds at Big Diamond, due to his domination of the class, and return to the Modifieds he ran years earlier at other speedways. This rumors were circulating very publicly and Fritz Roehrig did not deny that he felt that Whitmoyer should move up.

Nothing was officially announced or shared with Craig Whitmoyer until the Big Diamond Raceway banquet on November 1. At that time Whitmoyer and Roehrig did have a conversation. Initially Roehrig did share with Whitmoyer that he wanted him to move up. After some conversation between the two and other track officials, Fritz reconsidered and told Craig that night that he could return but he was encouraging him to move up if he had the opportunity.

Craig shared that he thought he had a lead on a Modified ride but Roehrig did leave it with him that he could return to the Sportsman Modifieds if it did not work out.

Again, this entire on the record conversation took place on November 1.

Upon talking to Whitmoyer right after Kane's story ran, Craig told us (Big Diamond) that he did understand things as I have explained them here. He also shared that he had spoken to Randy Kane many weeks before the story ran.

Whitmoyer is looking to join Fran Purcell Racing at Big Diamond as a third Modified driver teaming with 2003 Purcell drivers Rick Schaffer and Kevin Hartnett. If things work out, that is where he plans to be for the season. If they do not work out, he does have the opportunity from the track to return to the 99 Sportsman Modified or any other Sportsman ride. For now, word is Dave Dissinger will be in the 99 Sportsman in 2004.

Craig is an outstanding driver and a fine representative of Big Diamond Raceway as a champion. The 99 that Craig drove was under very close scrutiny by officials due to his successes and no rules infractions were ever detected.

Thank you.
    Big Diamond Raceway