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  | April 22nd, 2008 |


EYE ON RIVERHEAD
(EXCERPTS)

RIVERHEAD, New York — Well all I can say is, what a glorious day greeted all of us at Riverhead Raceway on Saturday past for our first of two pre-season practice sessions leading up to the opening weekend of May 3rd and 4th.

The following is just some of the highlights of the day, in no particular or divisional order, just random thoughts as we recall them.

Young Gun #1. Timmy Solomito in the Riverhead Building Supply #66 Charger, Timmy will take over for brother Shawn in the Pontiac bodied racer as the 2007 Rookie of the Year goes SK Modified racing this season. Timmy was on the money right from the first practice.

Young Gun #2. Johnny Gloor IV in the Jarrod Hayes Late Model, after Hayes and the team had him run the first few practices on older tires they threw some new "shoes' at the car and Johnny was equal to the increased speed.

Young Gun #3. Bryan Johnson in the #92 Legend race Car, Bryan is a third generation driver whose grandfather is Marty Himes Sr., and uncle is Marty Himes Jr. The Long Island Freightliner team was impressive later in the afternoon.

Howie Brode #96 on hand in his Bogart's Auto Body NASCAR Modified, Howie remains among the best physically fit drivers there are in the game today.

Former Legend Race Car champion Tony Naglieri #94 testing two cars Saturday, both were very quick. Tom Sherman also had two Oval Speed Unlimited #27 entries on hand and like Tony both were quick. Glenn Maningo #12 was fast in Legend practice all day long. Love the "glitter" gold paint job on Mike Malone's #47 Gownsales.com Legend race Car. Lance Brunson #6 lost a wheel on his Brunson Construction Legend Race Car early in the afternoon and was done for the day. Joe Seddotto #43 was very impressive in his first Legend effort in the Purple Hearts Candles entry.

Don't forget this Saturday April 26th we have another free to the public practice session at Riverhead Raceway. The NASCAR stock cars and INEX Legend Race Cars practice from 12: noon until 4:30 pm and then the Enduro drivers take over the course.

Make your plans now for opening day weekend, NASCAR stock car racing on Saturday May 3rd with six divisions in action and then Sunday it's the INEX Legend Race Cars with a full compliment of Enduro Racing, a Car Rollover Contest and One-On-One Spectator Drags Sunday May 4th. (Bob Finan/Riverhead Racewa)
 

  | March 4th, 2008 |


LEGENDS DIVISION GATHERS FOR MEETING

RIVERHEAD, New York — This past Saturday, the Legends division held a meeting in Amityville to discuss some of the issues that will be facing the returning class in 2008, as well as to brainstorm and come up with some ideas to ensure that the racing is satisfying for all involved. Roughly 25 drivers and crew members were in attendance, and they touched on some important topics to the division, which could have a regular turnout of as many as 20 or more cars, based on expressed intent.

Racing in the division should prove to be exciting, with approximately a 50/50 mix of veterans and new drivers. Go-kart drivers Bryan Johnson and Jim Byrne plan to make the jump into Legends cars, as do Enduro competitor Greg DiCanio and former Mini Cup driver Joe Sedotto.  Add to that a group of seasoned Legends drivers that includes 2000 Riverhead Legends champion Tony Naglieri, two-time Kauneonga Legends champion Bob White and three-time Catskill Mountain Speedway champion Paul Dodorico. Those who have been traveling off of Long Island to race are certainly excited about the opportunity to return "home" to race, thanks to the efforts of Jim Maggio, Mike Cappiello and Bob Finan, and with the support of Barbara and Jim Cromarty.

Tech for the division will be handled by INEX-certified Walter Bonczyk. All drivers will be required to obtain an INEX license in order to compete, while all others will have to obtain NASCAR licenses to cover them while in the pit area. It is hoped that the drivers will have a chance to meet with the track crew at one of the pre-season practice days to address some of the division-specific concerns, including fuel shut-off, the fact that the cars have no reverse gear and methods for extricating drivers and towing cars in the event of a crash.

It is expected that the division will run the season based on a line-up draw for heat races, without handicapping. Under this system, the features will line up based on heat race finishes. It is hoped that this will encourage visitors to bring their Legends cars to Riverhead, since the cars are uniform. It is also hoped that this will provide for more exciting racing throughout the course of the day.

In all, the meeting was deemed to be a success. The division will undoubtedly have some issues to address in order to make their return as smooth as possible for all involved, but the drivers have expressed a willingness to face whatever challenges may arise to make the division as strong and exciting as they can. (LongIslandJam.com)
 

  | February 15th, 2008 |


BRYAN JOHNSON MOTORSPORTS SIGNS TWO BIG SPONSORS FOR 2008

MASTIC, New York — Bryan Johnson Motorsports is very pleased to announce the signing of two new sponsors for the 2008 Legends racing season.

The team would like to welcome aboard Applebee's - Together is good, and Panera Bread. These two restaurants will be backing the team for the racing season in 2008. Find an Applebee's location nearest you by visiting www.applebees.com , and to find a Panera Bread location nearest you visit www.panerabread.com. Both companies are family oriented are proud to join the family run racing team for '08. Bryan Johnson Motorsports is also still currently seeking additional sponsors for the racing season.

Bryan Johnson will also proudly display the NY Organ Donor Network logo on the #92 1934 Ford Coupe Legends Race Car. NY Organ has been an important part of the Johnson families life since the passing of Scott A. Johnson. Scott's organs went on to save the lives of 3 adults in New York. For more information on NY Organ Donor Network please visit them online @ www.donatelifeny.org or stop by the trailer at the races for the informational packages. (Bryan Johnson Motorsports)
 

  | January 4th, 2008 |


LEGEND RACE CARS RETURNING TO RIVERHEAD RACEWAY IN '08

RIVERHEAD, New York — Back in November Barbara and Jim Cromarty announced that the Legend Race Cars would make a return to Riverhead Raceway in 2008 and indeed the move has turned out to be a very popular one. As of New Years Day the track office has received 28 requests for car numbers and their debut on Sunday May 4th is very much anticipated.

    After their debut on Sunday May 4th the Legend Race Cars will compete an additional 7 times at Riverhead Raceway on both Saturday evening race cards and Sunday afternoon shows. Among the first to sign-up for a car number was former champion Tony Naglieri who will be joined by other Legend veterans, Paul Dodorico, Tom Sherman, Tom Enders, Larry Altholtz, Buddy Commerdinger, Dan Pace, Robert White Sr., Glen Maningo, Fred Card and John Rigney.

    Among the Legend newcomers for 2008 who have registered for a car number there are some pretty interesting names in the mix from the Riverhead Raceway stock car and go-kart scene. Tommy Walkowiak, two-time Blunderbust champion and Dave Brigati of the NASCAR Modified and Late Models along with Mike Albasini of Super Pro Truck fame have signed-up for a Legends number, as has Enduro veteran Greg DiCanio.

    Among the East End Kart Racing go-kart graduates calling for a Legend number are Timmy Solomito, Stephanie Brigati, Tim Card, Anthony Cacioppo and Bryan Johnson.

    The 2008 season will open with a doubleheader weekend at Riverhead Raceway with a six for one NASCAR Whelen All American Series show Saturday evening May 3rd and be followed by the Sunday May 4th afternoon card featuring the Legend Race Cars and the cars and stars of the Enduro Series at 12:30 pm.

    To register your Legend Race Car number or nay car numbers please call 631-842-RACE Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. For a copy of the 2008 schedule or 2008 rules please click onto www.riverheadraceway.com.
(Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway)
 

  | November 11th, 2007 |


TIME TO REGISTER 2008 CAR NUMBERS AT RIVERHEAD RACEWAY

RIVERHEAD, New York — With the 2007 NASCAR Whelen All American Series awards dinner for the champions and top stars of Riverhead Raceway in the record books, it’s now time to start turning your attention towards the 2008 season. With that in mind track officials announced today that the car number registration is now underway.

    Whether you’re a 40-year veteran or perhaps a driver and race team embarking on your first year of racing at Riverhead Raceway you must re-register or register for your car number. Numbers are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, with preference given to owners and drivers who raced in 2007. Teams in the NASCAR Modifieds, Late Models, Figure Eights, Chargers, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks, Legend Race Cars, Grand Enduros and 4/6-Cylinder Truck Enduro can all call for a car number in 2008.

    The 2008 rulebooks are not yet finalized, but race teams should note that there are no major changes forthcoming in any division, perhaps just some rewording of the rules to eliminate the “gray” areas. Aside from the 2008 rules, promoters Barbara and Jim Cromarty are also very close to announcing a new tire dealer at Riverhead Raceway for 2008 and other details applying to that area as well.

    Chief Stewards Mike Cappiello and Jim Maggio disclosed that the 2008 Competitor Information Meetings will be staged on Sunday January 27th at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. The gathering will be held in the conference room on the second floor of this historic hall, not the main dining room. A time schedule for these meetings will be announced shortly.

    Even though 2007 is barely in the rearview mirror, 2008 is quickly approaching and the new season of NASCAR Whelen All American Series stock car racing will open Saturday May 3rd, while the Enduro opener takes place Sunday May 4th.

    For car numbers and to update your information with the track office please call 631-842-RACE Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.  (Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway)
 

   | November 11th, 2007 |


RIVERHEAD RACEWAY TO OPEN BUSY 2008 SLATE MAY 3RD AND MAY 4TH

RIVERHEAD, New York — As has become tradition Riverhead Raceway promoters Barbara and Jim Cromarty released the schedule of events for the new race season at the track’s annual awards dinner on Saturday November 3rd and the 2008 slate is indeed a busy one. The campaign will kick-off for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Saturday May 3rd, while the Enduro racing will commence the very next afternoon Sunday May 4th.

    The weekly fare of racing will again find the NASCAR Modified class headlining the weekly card and be joined by the Late Models, Figure Eights, Chargers, Blunderbusts and Super Pro Trucks. Those six divisions will share race dates on various Saturday nights through out the 2008, with the trucks also racing on selected Sunday afternoon Enduro shows as well.

    Back on the 2008 schedule are the Legend Race Cars who will run an 8-race series next season and this announcement has proven to be popular among both race fans and competitors alike. Also returning in ’08 after a one-year hiatus will be the Monster Truck spectacular over Labor Day weekend August 30th and 31st by popular demand.

    The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will stop at Riverhead Raceway on Saturday evening August 2nd and Miller Lite will again sponsor the “flash” event as they have since the very first WMT race back in 1985. The popular Tom Baldwin, Richie Evans & Charlie Jarzombek Memorial 77 is slated for Saturday evening July 19th.

    Aside from their lid lifter on Sunday May 4th the cars and stars of the Riverhead Enduro series will see action on Sunday May 25th, June 15th, August 10th, August 31st and close out their season on Saturday September 20th. The Grand Enduro class will run a Saturday night race on July 12th, with the 4-Cylinders racing July 19th, 6-Cylinders on July 26th and the 8-Cylinders go Saturday August 2nd.

    As per usual the Riverhead Raceway 2008 schedule will offer a wide variety of edge of your seat family entertainment events including Full Size School Bus Figure Eight races and Demolition Derbies, Mini-School Bus events, Police Car Demolition Derby, Blindfolded Taxicab racing, a Taxicab Demolition Derby, a Sprint Cup Demolition Derby, Car Rollover Contests and One-On-One Spectator Drags.

    Two huge Fireworks nights are set, first the Independence Day display on Saturday July 5th as well the I Love America Night display on August 23rd.

    Demolition Derby events remain very popular at the historic quarter mile oval and events for the 8-Cylinder, 6-Cylinder and 4-Cylinder cars will be staged throughout the season and be capped off by the 2008 National Demolition Derby Championship presented by Miller Lite Saturday September 13th.

    Sunday afternoon August 24th has been set aside for the Memory Lane Cars & Stars day to revisit the golden era of stock car racing not just on Long Island, but in the Northeast. This event is the only type on Long Island where the cars that thrilled fans over the decades will actually turn laps on a racetrack and it’s a day not to be missed.

    For the lowdown on the entire 2008 Riverhead Raceway schedule, please visit www.riverheadraceway.com or call the track for a copy at 631-842-RACE. It’s going to be great in ’08 at Riverhead Raceway.  (Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway)
 

 

 
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