02/03/2001

TOM SHERMAN MOVES INTO THE LATE MODEL RANKS...

Racing veteran, Tom Sherman, and his Blacktop Motorsports team have announced plans to campaign for the 2001 rookie of the year in the Late Model division of Riverhead Raceway.
            Recently Tom Sherman participated in the Gershow Motorsports fire sale by acquiring the #2 Late Model that was driven to the 1997 championship by Peter Bertuccio.  The car features an engine from Race Engines by McBetts put in a Matlach Fabrication built chassis with a Dodge Avenger body style covering the chassis.
            Last year, Tom Sherman campaigned in the Legends Car division with mixed results, but the 2000-year produced three runner-ups, four top 5’s, and six top 10’s in the competitive Legends Car division.  However, with the recent exit of the Legends Car division from Riverhead Raceway, many Legends Car drivers were left hanging looking for other venues or ways to race.
            “With Riverhead dropping the legends, we were looking to do something that didn't require traveling all the time but at the same time have some weeks off.  This opportunity just kind of fell together nicely,” Sherman commented.
            Tom Sherman is no stranger to racing and being a rookie will not be something new for the 21-year veteran.  Tom Sherman started out as many youngsters do in the go-karts ranks at the age of nine and when he turned legal to race the stock cars at age 16, he started racing Mini (pro-four) Modifieds at Islip Speedway.  Afterwards Sherman would race at the now defunct Riverside (MA) Park Speedway and Thompson Speedway as well as running NASCAR Modifieds at Riverhead Raceway and Thompson, go-karts, and even some SCCA Formula racing.  In recent years, Tom Sherman has raced pro stocks, the PRO Tour, and Legends Cars.
            The Blacktop Motorsports team however is searching for some solid sponsorship for the 2001 season, “It (2001 financial situation) will be somewhat of a struggle, but we're hoping once we run it (the Late Model), people will take some notice and maybe help out some.  Right now it's primarily out of pocket.”
            In the racing world, it’s not only the driver that makes the team run, but also the team as whole, “[I would like to thank] my dad, Cliff.  He got me involved in racing and been with me ever since.  [Also], Charlie Brower our only real solid crew help, he's the best.”
            Tom’s goals for 2000 are “to stay out of trouble, consistently improve and put ourselves in the best position possible.  Hopefully by doing that we can attract some additional support, money or whatever, and continue improving until every week everyone else looks at us with respect.”
            The 2001 season for Tom Sherman and the Blacktop Motorsports team should prove fruitful for rookie of the year contender as this 21-year rookie has the knowledge and attitude to make 2001 a year to remember.

Source:  J.A. Ackley
Posted:  February 3, 2001