At the races: June 22

Another dry Saturday evening once again rolled into town, and with it a full card of racing at Riverhead Raceway. There was a great night of racing ahead, and as an extra treat, the future racers of Riverhead brought there Go-Karts to show their stuff, so let’s get started:

First Race, 15-car, 20-lap Blunderbust Race. It was a smooth start at the wink of the green, but by lap 5, Justin Wahl, in the #61 car, lost his rear wheel in turn 4, and ground his way to a stop, with the officials sending off Paul Parisi, in the 69x car, who was leaking tranny fluid. This opened the way for Bill Wegmann Jr., in the #76 car to jump out front. In lap 13, Bill Wegmann Sr., in car #79, burst into flames in turn 4, bringing the race to a halt. By lap 16, Jack Handley Jr., in car #49, grabs the lead form Wegmann Jr., and holds on for the victory. Handley Jr. went from 12th place to 1st place with only 5 laps remaining in the race. To make matters worse, his transmission went, and he could not complete his victory lap. But hey, great race Jack !

Second Race, 26-car, 20-lap, Legends Race. In an accident filled race, It would remain a close battle for the lead, with Justin Strumpf, in the #15 car, in second, and Frank Scimeca Jr., in the #9 car in first. A spinout in lap 4 by Anthony Marsh, in the #11 car, and in lap 5, Artie Pedersen lll, in the #51 car also spins out. With just three laps remaining, Johnny Gloor lV, in the #1 car and Brandon Bock, in the #33 car, decide to get together with the wall in turn 4, bringing the race to a halt. But in the end, Frank Scimeca Jr., in the #9 car, holds on and grabs the checkered flag for his first ever victory at Riverhead. Congrats Frank!

Third Race, 12-car, Twin 15-lap, Late Model Race. Late model favorite Roger Oxee, in the #39 car was in the pole position for the start, with Scott Kulesa, in the #10 car a close second. The race was fairly smooth, with some bumping and grinding in the early laps, but by lap 10, Scott Pedersen, in the #1 car, spins out in turn 2, slowing down the race. But by the 15th lap, Roger Oxee, in car #39, grabs the first half victory.
Now, with the second half starting, Roger Oxee, in the #39 car, would face no great challenges from any opponent, and easily take the second 15 lap race, a clean sweep. It was his 63rd victory at Riverhead. Good job Roger!

Fourth Race, 12-car, 35-lap Modified Race. In what would be a snoozer of a race, Dave Brigati, in the #98x would get the pole at the start, with Tom Rogers Jr., in the #0 car a close second throughout. After a few minor tussles, and some slick driving, Tom Rogers Jr., in the #0 car, would prove once again unstoppable by grabbing the lead, and holding on for the victory, his 2nd victory in a row. Great job Tom !

Fifth Race was the Figure 8s. John Vullo, in the #66 car, would grab the checkered square for the victory.

Sixth Race, the 4/6 cylinder Truck Enduros, with Greg Harris grabbing the victory.

Also, the future stars of Riverhead Raceway, both boys and girls, manned the Go-Karts, and put on quite a display of driving for the crowd. It was truly a sight to see these young people tear up the track. Great job, and good luck in your racing endeavors.

I would like to thank my dear wife, who tirelessly takes my notes, Wendy at the VIP booth, always a dear. Track services, another great job from these guys & gals. Brigandi Brothers towing, Kevin at “Need for Speed Video” great job, pick up his video’s, for all you old time race fans, contact Kevin @ kvbac1@aol.com for some great DVD’s. Riverheadlocal.com, love you guys! Well I’m gonna get the crankshaft lubed, restock the Mobil One, check the pressure in the tires, and call it a night. Until we meet again next time, I will see you…

AT THE RACES !!

Be Well,
George
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RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella
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