2013 Season Preview Series: Timmy Solomito, Erin Dumicich and More

LongIslandJam.com’s next installment of its 2013 Season Preview series includes Modified driver Timmy Solomito; Super Pro Truck driver Erin Dumicich; Charger driver Cory Midgett; Blunderbust driver Tom Puccia; and Figure 8 driver Kenny Hyde Jr.

Timmy Solomito takes a new direction for the 2013 season. He will drive the legendary No. 15 of the five-time Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified champion, Wayne Anderson. “We plan on racing for the track title as well as the NASCAR New York State championship,” said Solomito. Anderson’s long-time crew and sponsors will back Solomito and the effort. Helping turn wrenches include crew chief, Kenny Lechner; Marty Bechtal; Doug Grein; Mike LaMura; Tony Lagrega; Steve Ostendorff; Tony Pasini; and Matt Pasini. Sponsoring the effort include Eastport Feeds, Axel Anderson Inc., Blue Point Deli & Catering, Oval Speed Unlimited, Performance Technology, Unlimited Truck & Tank, and LLC and Long Island Fuel Oil Accessories. Solomito would like to thank Anderson and his entire crew for giving him this once in a lifetime opportunity to race in such a renowned Modified at Riverhead Raceway.

Erin Dumicich, driver of the Teddy Bear Graphics No. 95 Super Pro Truck, won her third career race and came seventh in points in 2012. Despite a wedding on the horizon to No. 59 Modified driver Jerry Solomito, her plans for 2013 have never wavered. “I just plan on racing, and helping Jerry race,” said Dumicich. Dumicich would like to thank her father, Frank; her mother, Joyce; her brother, Frank Jr.; her sister-in-law, Melanie; and her husband to be, Jerry for all their love and support throughout her racing career.

Cory Midgett finished seventh in Riverhead’s Charger points standings, with one win to his credit. Midgett is back again in 2013 and said he is hoping for an even better run than last year. “I think I can get maybe a couple more wins, and a championship, maybe” said Midgett. Midgett hopes to build off the momentum that last year’s win gave him and hopefully attract some more sponsors.  “I have three so far,” said Midgett. “My main sponsor is R. Bono Jr. Heating and Plumbing.” Mickey’s Carting and Russel H. Mill Roofing and Siding will also be on the No. 14.

Tom Puccia finished the 2012 Blunderbust season 14th in points, but Puccia said that could be attributed to poor luck. “Last year we had some bad luck,” said Puccia. “We just need to keep working on the car and just hope that effort pays off.” Puccia said he hopes to get a few good point finishes in his third season in the division. “This is only my third season,” said Puccia. “I just want to pick up my first win and finish in the top 10 for the first time.” Puccia has a couple of potential sponsors lined up, with Ferrandino and Sons Contractors already committed for the 2013 season.

Kenny Hyde Jr., driver of the No. 58 Figure 8, has big plans in store for the 2013 season. “I’m going for the 2013 championship,” said Hyde. Besides setting high goals for himself at Riverhead Raceway, Hyde as other plans as well. “I plan on going dirt racing in Kentucky for Gordon Bernzott at Florence Speedway and MolerRacewayPark in Williamsburg, Ohio,” said Hyde. “I also would like to try and qualify for the North/South 100, which is a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race. It will be televised on Speed.” Hyde would like to thank the following people for their support in his racing career: his father, Kenny Sr.; his mother, Dorothea; his sister, Kim; Jay Stoddard; Erick Zegel; Bob and Robert from Planet Automotive; Carl from No Chem Paint Stripping for sand blasting his car and K&K Towing.

Source: Danielle McCormack/Rob Blount/LongIslandJam.com