Late Models and ELIR Go-Karts Share June 21st Spotlight
As spring becomes summer the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is heating up at Barbara & Jim Cromarty’s historic Riverhead Raceway. Saturday night June 21st will usher in summer with a 6 feature event program starting at 6:00 pm. Headlining the action are a 30-lap Late Model main event with time trial qualifying and the annual Eastern Long Island Racing Go-Kart exhibition.
Originally on the 2014 schedule as a Twin 15 feature promoters Barbara & Jim Cromarty at the request of the Late Model owners and drivers agreed to make the race one 30-lap contest with the field to be determined by time trial qualifying. All the “heavy hitters” will be going for the gold including defending LM champion Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead, Chris LaSpisa of Shirley, Mike Bologna of Melville and Peter “Buzzy” Eriksen of Baldwin all of whom have scored victories to date in 2014, with “Buzzy” the author of two wins. Despite the fact the following drivers have not won yet in 2014 don’t count out Shawn Patrick of Brightwaters, Ken Alfano of Southold, Roger Oxee of Peconic, Kevin Metzger of Massapequa as well Scott Kulesa of Georgetown, Ma. With time trials the qualifying mode for the extra distance race don’t be surprised if Calverton speedster Jarrod Hayes is on hand and also keep an eye on upstart rookie Chris Lescenski of Riverhead.
The 600 horsepower NASCAR Modifieds will run a 35-lap feature event, their final tune up a week prior to the Hoosier Tire 200 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at the demanding quarter mile. Completing the stock car portion of the program are the Super Pro Trucks, Legend Race Cars and a 50-lap Grand Enduro. The Saturday night Grand race is their first under the lights in 2014 and all the top runners will be out in force including James Charrier of Shirley, Jimmy “The KId” White of Southampton, Steve Mastro of Port Jefferson, Greg Zaleski of Jamesport, Phil LaManna of Smithtown and Joe Parcelluzzi of W. Sayville. White won the last race for the class over Memorial Day weekend as he topped a 19 car field for the victory.
Normally if you desired to see Eastern Long Island Racing go-kart action you’d have to make you way to Riverhead Raceway on a select Sunday however this Saturday will be the one exception of the year. On and off track exhibition will take place and for some of the younger drivers in the various classes of ELIR it will be a thrill of a young lifetime to perform in front of the weekly NASCAR audience of which they normally are part of.
What better way to usher in the first official day of summer than with a visit to a summertime institution on Long Island, Riverhead Raceway Saturday June 21st. Legend Race Car heat races will be at 4:30 pm, Late Model time trials at 5:00 pm with the NASCAR Modifieds to qualify at 5:30 pm. Feature event racing will start at 6:00 pm. For the entire 2014 schedule, rules and entry blanks please visit www.riverheadraceway.com or call 631-842-RACE
Source: Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR