RGeeProductions
05-09-2011, 10:20 PM
Saturday night's opening night NASCAR Whelen All-American Series 35-lap Modified feature event did not disappoint the race hungry fans that turned out at Riverhead Raceway. "The Natural" Timmy Solomito of Islip scored his 5th career victory in the lid lifter, using a lapped car as a rolling "pick' to take the race lead with just five laps remaining in the contest.
Chris Young roared out front at the throw of the green flag from the pole with Timmy Solomito slipping under Ken Darch for second on the first lap. Given the history between the tested tough veteran Young and the up and coming Solomito from 2010, fans sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the fireworks to explode. Instead of fireworks what they wound up being treated to was a barn burner of a race as Solomito hounded Young every inch of the way waiting for the right moment to make his move.
That moment presented itself as the leaders started the 30th lap racing towards the first corner as the duo quickly closed on the lapped car of Frank Saladino. Chris moved to the outside of Saladino, while Solomito slipped underneath using Saladino as a pick. Suddenly they were three wide racing off the second corner and as they entered the third turn Solomito and Young were nerf bar to nerf bar with Timmy holding the preferred inside lane which he would ride to the race lead with less than five laps to go. A late race green, white checker gave Young one more shot at retaking the lead from Solomito but the youngster would prevail.
After exiting his winning 2B Brothers Industries Corvette Timmy Solomito was greeted by NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Jerry Cook who noted, "That was some good old fashioned NASCAR Modified racing we just witnessed". Indeed the race winner agreed, "first off I have to thank Chris for running me real clean" Timmy noted, "We came up on the lapped car and I saw an opportunity open-up and I went for it, then Chris and I were side by side and it was fun to race him like that for the win".
Chris Young of Calverton wheeling the Bronson Speedway Chevy would have to settle for runner-up money, while a fast closing John Fortin of Holtsville in his SGS Stone Works Chevy was third. Dave Brigati of Calverton and Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville completed the top five.
Chris LaSpisa walked through the pit gate with one goal in mind Saturday afternoon; win the 25-lap Late Model feature for his fellow racer Ken Alfano's wife Julie who passed away after a battle with cancer earlier in the week. When the checker flag waved it was mission accomplished for Chris as he scored his fourth career victory and more importantly gave the Alfano family an emotional boost in their time of need. LaSpisa, who raced the final few races of 2010 as a teammate to Ken Alfano led the entire distance chased at first by Shawn Patrick for the first 16 laps. On lap 17 Peter "Buzzy" Eriksen worked his way by Patrick for second, bringing Roger Oxee to third with him which meant in Chris LaSpisa's mirror sat 99 career Late Model wins between the duo. Undaunted by Eriksen and Oxee's presence behind him Chris LaSpisa drove his McBetts Racing Engine machine to an emotional and popular victory. Peter Eriksen of Baldwin was runner-up in the Harley Davidson of Nassau County entry, while Roger Oxee of Peconic was third in the Southold IGA Pontiac.
Mike Mujsce of Westhampton Beach appeared to be on his way to an opening night trip to victory lane in the 15-lap Figure Eight feature until a late race restart with just three laps to go interrupted his plans for the night. Musjce quickly moved out front at the drop of the green with Ken Hyde Jr. shadowing him for the first 11 laps of the race before he was passed by Arne Pedersen on lap 12. A quick yellow flag waved setting up a dash for the win between Mujsce, Pedersen and Hyde. On the first attempt at a restart Pedersen suddenly stopped at the intersection drawing another yellow, which now left Mujsce, Hyde and Tom Rogers Jr. sitting in the top three. When the green light came back on Tom Rogers Jr. in the Island Wide Garage Doors Chevy made his move racing from third right to the race lead and eventual win in one clean sweep in the Ralph Tasso owned racer. At the finish it was Rogers enjoying his 17th career win with Mike Mujsce in his Bill Beener Tree Service Chevy runner-up. Defending champion Scott Pedersen made a late race move to claim third in the Land Air & Water Environmental Chevy.
Chris McGuire of Shirley topped the 20-lap Charger main event to earn his 12th career main event win. Derek Stachecki and Erin Dumicich broke out front early on and ran one-two for the first six circuits of the race before a yellow flag set up a double file restart. On the restart Chris McGuire was able not only to race under Dumicich for second, but also use that momentum to get by Stachecki for the lead. Just moments later Dumicich also moved by Stachecki for second and she was able to keep pace with McGuire as the race wore on. However with just three laps remaining Jeremy McDermott made his presence known working his way by Dumicich for second and hoping to make a run at McGuire for the win. However when the checkers waved it was Chris McGuire steering the M3 Technologies Ford to victory lane, with Jeremy McDermott of E. Stroudsburg, Pa second in the Suffolk Precast Chevy. Erin Dumicich of E. Quogue came home an impressive third in her Teddy Bear Graphics Toyota.
In the 20-lap Blunderbust feature event Tommy "The Wildchild" Walkowiak of Ridge notched his 44th career victory after a hard fought battle with rival Tom Pickerell midway through the race. Scott Sepe bolted out front at the throw of the green and for the first half of the race built himself what started to appear to be an insurmountable lead. However an untimely yellow flag at the halfway point of the race would be Sepe's undoing as when the race resumed both Tom Pickerell who had just moved by Jack Handley Jr. for second and Tommy Walkowiak powered their way by Sepe to battle for the lead. Battle they did with Walkowiak testing Pickerell in every turn before the latter was slowed by a flat left rear, perhaps caused by contact trying to ward off the challenger. That turn of events moved Walkowiak into the race lead with the likes of Sepe, Rob Bader and "Krazy" Ed Mistretta all lined-up to make a run at him. Bader nearly made an inside pass off turn four pay off before he got too loose under Walkowiak, allowing Mistretta to get by for second. At the checker Tommy Walkowiak in the Blaze Fuel Oil Chevy would again prevail, with Ed Mistretta of New Hyde Park second in the Busy Bee Exterminating Chevy second. Rob Bader of Holtsville crossed the line third in the MoMo's Sports Bar & Grill mount.
In a non-stop 20-lap Super Pro Truck main event Chris Turbush of Riverhead made a mid race pass for the lead stand up to score the victory. Former champion Frank Dumicich Sr. broke to the race lead at the start of the race with Turbush moving to second with the tandem running nose to tail for the first half of the race. On lap 9 Turbush dove to the inside of Dumicich entering the third corner and by the time they raced off turn four to the crossed flags and halfway mark of the race Chris was the new race leader. Once out front Turbush in the MCS Builders Chevy scored the popular victory. Frank Dumicich Sr. of E. Quogue had to be content with second in the Wesemann's Sand & Mason Supplies Ford, while Lou Maestri of Deer Park made a late race charge to finish third in the Gershow Recycling Chevy.
There is no better way to start off a title defense than with an opening night win and that is exactly what 2010 Legend Race Car champion Kevin Nowak of Medford did in their 20-lap feature. Jim Byrne raced out front at the start of the contest and lead right up and until the halfway point. Jeffrey Goodale and Tom Sherman both moved to second at one time behind Byrne, but soon after getting to second they both met with misfortune. Nowak raced his way to second on lap 6 and after hounding Byrne for four laps made his winning pass exiting the second turn on lap 10. Once out front Kevin Nowak in the Racing Creations Sedan drove off into the sunset and victory lane. Timmy Solomito of Islip was second in the Goodie's Racing entry, while Justin Strumpf of Selden collected third place money in the Monster's Recycling machine.
The busy but yet fast paced night of racing concluded with a 75-lap 8-Cylinder Enduro which also provided a great battle for the lead between eventual winner Dominic Ranieri of East Northport and Walter Stroud of Yaphank. Ranieri and Stroud put on a dazzling driving display, swapping the lead numerous times before Stroud's fine ride ended with a flat tire. With Stroud now on the infield Ranieri appeared to be on cruise control until late in the race Anthony Pizzo starting chipping away at Dominic's lead. However the laps were running short and Dominic Ranieri in the Westhampton Auto Salvage Monte Carlo would preserve his victory. Anthony Pizzo of Ronkonkoma was closing in fast when the race ended, but would have to be happy with runner-up money in the STS Tire Works Chevy.
(continued)
Chris Young roared out front at the throw of the green flag from the pole with Timmy Solomito slipping under Ken Darch for second on the first lap. Given the history between the tested tough veteran Young and the up and coming Solomito from 2010, fans sat on the edge of their seats waiting for the fireworks to explode. Instead of fireworks what they wound up being treated to was a barn burner of a race as Solomito hounded Young every inch of the way waiting for the right moment to make his move.
That moment presented itself as the leaders started the 30th lap racing towards the first corner as the duo quickly closed on the lapped car of Frank Saladino. Chris moved to the outside of Saladino, while Solomito slipped underneath using Saladino as a pick. Suddenly they were three wide racing off the second corner and as they entered the third turn Solomito and Young were nerf bar to nerf bar with Timmy holding the preferred inside lane which he would ride to the race lead with less than five laps to go. A late race green, white checker gave Young one more shot at retaking the lead from Solomito but the youngster would prevail.
After exiting his winning 2B Brothers Industries Corvette Timmy Solomito was greeted by NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Jerry Cook who noted, "That was some good old fashioned NASCAR Modified racing we just witnessed". Indeed the race winner agreed, "first off I have to thank Chris for running me real clean" Timmy noted, "We came up on the lapped car and I saw an opportunity open-up and I went for it, then Chris and I were side by side and it was fun to race him like that for the win".
Chris Young of Calverton wheeling the Bronson Speedway Chevy would have to settle for runner-up money, while a fast closing John Fortin of Holtsville in his SGS Stone Works Chevy was third. Dave Brigati of Calverton and Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville completed the top five.
Chris LaSpisa walked through the pit gate with one goal in mind Saturday afternoon; win the 25-lap Late Model feature for his fellow racer Ken Alfano's wife Julie who passed away after a battle with cancer earlier in the week. When the checker flag waved it was mission accomplished for Chris as he scored his fourth career victory and more importantly gave the Alfano family an emotional boost in their time of need. LaSpisa, who raced the final few races of 2010 as a teammate to Ken Alfano led the entire distance chased at first by Shawn Patrick for the first 16 laps. On lap 17 Peter "Buzzy" Eriksen worked his way by Patrick for second, bringing Roger Oxee to third with him which meant in Chris LaSpisa's mirror sat 99 career Late Model wins between the duo. Undaunted by Eriksen and Oxee's presence behind him Chris LaSpisa drove his McBetts Racing Engine machine to an emotional and popular victory. Peter Eriksen of Baldwin was runner-up in the Harley Davidson of Nassau County entry, while Roger Oxee of Peconic was third in the Southold IGA Pontiac.
Mike Mujsce of Westhampton Beach appeared to be on his way to an opening night trip to victory lane in the 15-lap Figure Eight feature until a late race restart with just three laps to go interrupted his plans for the night. Musjce quickly moved out front at the drop of the green with Ken Hyde Jr. shadowing him for the first 11 laps of the race before he was passed by Arne Pedersen on lap 12. A quick yellow flag waved setting up a dash for the win between Mujsce, Pedersen and Hyde. On the first attempt at a restart Pedersen suddenly stopped at the intersection drawing another yellow, which now left Mujsce, Hyde and Tom Rogers Jr. sitting in the top three. When the green light came back on Tom Rogers Jr. in the Island Wide Garage Doors Chevy made his move racing from third right to the race lead and eventual win in one clean sweep in the Ralph Tasso owned racer. At the finish it was Rogers enjoying his 17th career win with Mike Mujsce in his Bill Beener Tree Service Chevy runner-up. Defending champion Scott Pedersen made a late race move to claim third in the Land Air & Water Environmental Chevy.
Chris McGuire of Shirley topped the 20-lap Charger main event to earn his 12th career main event win. Derek Stachecki and Erin Dumicich broke out front early on and ran one-two for the first six circuits of the race before a yellow flag set up a double file restart. On the restart Chris McGuire was able not only to race under Dumicich for second, but also use that momentum to get by Stachecki for the lead. Just moments later Dumicich also moved by Stachecki for second and she was able to keep pace with McGuire as the race wore on. However with just three laps remaining Jeremy McDermott made his presence known working his way by Dumicich for second and hoping to make a run at McGuire for the win. However when the checkers waved it was Chris McGuire steering the M3 Technologies Ford to victory lane, with Jeremy McDermott of E. Stroudsburg, Pa second in the Suffolk Precast Chevy. Erin Dumicich of E. Quogue came home an impressive third in her Teddy Bear Graphics Toyota.
In the 20-lap Blunderbust feature event Tommy "The Wildchild" Walkowiak of Ridge notched his 44th career victory after a hard fought battle with rival Tom Pickerell midway through the race. Scott Sepe bolted out front at the throw of the green and for the first half of the race built himself what started to appear to be an insurmountable lead. However an untimely yellow flag at the halfway point of the race would be Sepe's undoing as when the race resumed both Tom Pickerell who had just moved by Jack Handley Jr. for second and Tommy Walkowiak powered their way by Sepe to battle for the lead. Battle they did with Walkowiak testing Pickerell in every turn before the latter was slowed by a flat left rear, perhaps caused by contact trying to ward off the challenger. That turn of events moved Walkowiak into the race lead with the likes of Sepe, Rob Bader and "Krazy" Ed Mistretta all lined-up to make a run at him. Bader nearly made an inside pass off turn four pay off before he got too loose under Walkowiak, allowing Mistretta to get by for second. At the checker Tommy Walkowiak in the Blaze Fuel Oil Chevy would again prevail, with Ed Mistretta of New Hyde Park second in the Busy Bee Exterminating Chevy second. Rob Bader of Holtsville crossed the line third in the MoMo's Sports Bar & Grill mount.
In a non-stop 20-lap Super Pro Truck main event Chris Turbush of Riverhead made a mid race pass for the lead stand up to score the victory. Former champion Frank Dumicich Sr. broke to the race lead at the start of the race with Turbush moving to second with the tandem running nose to tail for the first half of the race. On lap 9 Turbush dove to the inside of Dumicich entering the third corner and by the time they raced off turn four to the crossed flags and halfway mark of the race Chris was the new race leader. Once out front Turbush in the MCS Builders Chevy scored the popular victory. Frank Dumicich Sr. of E. Quogue had to be content with second in the Wesemann's Sand & Mason Supplies Ford, while Lou Maestri of Deer Park made a late race charge to finish third in the Gershow Recycling Chevy.
There is no better way to start off a title defense than with an opening night win and that is exactly what 2010 Legend Race Car champion Kevin Nowak of Medford did in their 20-lap feature. Jim Byrne raced out front at the start of the contest and lead right up and until the halfway point. Jeffrey Goodale and Tom Sherman both moved to second at one time behind Byrne, but soon after getting to second they both met with misfortune. Nowak raced his way to second on lap 6 and after hounding Byrne for four laps made his winning pass exiting the second turn on lap 10. Once out front Kevin Nowak in the Racing Creations Sedan drove off into the sunset and victory lane. Timmy Solomito of Islip was second in the Goodie's Racing entry, while Justin Strumpf of Selden collected third place money in the Monster's Recycling machine.
The busy but yet fast paced night of racing concluded with a 75-lap 8-Cylinder Enduro which also provided a great battle for the lead between eventual winner Dominic Ranieri of East Northport and Walter Stroud of Yaphank. Ranieri and Stroud put on a dazzling driving display, swapping the lead numerous times before Stroud's fine ride ended with a flat tire. With Stroud now on the infield Ranieri appeared to be on cruise control until late in the race Anthony Pizzo starting chipping away at Dominic's lead. However the laps were running short and Dominic Ranieri in the Westhampton Auto Salvage Monte Carlo would preserve his victory. Anthony Pizzo of Ronkonkoma was closing in fast when the race ended, but would have to be happy with runner-up money in the STS Tire Works Chevy.
(continued)