At the races: May 18

The sky was dark and cloudy, with rain in the forecast, but luckily amidst a few sprinkles, there was a full night of racing ahead. Here’s the recap:

1st Race – 20-lap Super Pro Trucks, with 13 trucks on the track. With the throw of the green, Lou Maestri in the #1 truck started in third, but quickly vaulted to the head of the pack by the 3rd lap. His lead lengthened by lap 5, ahead of the pack, just ahead of a major crash involving truck numbers 97 and 17. There was also a heated battle in 3rd and 4th place between Roger Turbush in the no. 88 truck, and Erin Dumichich in the no. 95 truck. When the checkered flag waved, Lou Maestri in the no. 1 truck was the winner, notching his 25th career win.

2nd Race – 20-lap, 16-car Blunderbust race. On the wink of the green, “Turbo” Tom Sullivan, in the no. 7 car, dominated the race from the get-go. On a side note, Tom Pickerell, in the no. 4 car went from 13th place to 5th place in only five laps. A few minor scrums, but in the end, “Turbo” Tom Sullivan would be the winner, the first time since August 2005, and his third career win.

3rd Race – 25-lap, 10-car Late Model race. When the green flags waved, Arne Pedersen, in the no. 88 car vaulted out front, but for only a few laps. In lap 8, he was nudged by Roger Oxee in the no. 39 car. Roger Oxee then took the lead and never looked back. He cruised to his 62nd career win on his 61st birthday. Nothing like getting your own present!

4th Race – Twin 30-lap race, a 20-car Modified race. In a very clean 60-lap race, Howie Brode, in the 96 car, jumped to the front and basically remained there for the entire race. On occasion he was challenged by Ryan Preece, in the 20 car, but overall, Brode dominated the race with some smooth driving. He win both halves of the race, his 12th career win since July, 2010.

5th Race – 20-lap, 28-car race. This was a uneventful race, with a minor scrape involving the no. 15 car and the wall in turn 1. Kyle Elwood, in the 71x car, starting on the pole, took the lead and held on throughout for the win, his first of 2013.

6th Race – 20-lap, 10-car Charger race. John Baker in the no. 7 car started on the pole, but spun out in lap 10, falling from first to last. That left an opening for Eric Zeh, in the no. 34 car, to take the lead. He fought off numerous challenges, but held on for his second career victory.

Well Folks, thats about it for the races this week, let’s hope for some warmer weather, and a brand new pair of brake shoes. Be safe — hello to Wendy, great job by the officials, and track services. Brigandi Brothers towing, a superb job clearing the accidents this evening. Thanks to my dear wife, she takes great notes. Stay lubed, keep the petrol flowing, and I will see you again soon…

at the races!

Be well,
George

RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella
Click thumbnails to enlarge images
{gallery}2013/slideshows/2013_0519_races{/gallery}