RGeeProductions
06-27-2011, 11:47 PM
WAYNE ANDERSON COMPLETES COMEBACK WITH 32ND CAREER RIVERHEAD RACEWAY VICTORY SATURDAY NIGHT
Former five-time Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified champion Wayne Anderson of Yaphank completed his comeback from a medical episode after the May 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame 100 at Riverhead Raceway with a victory in the 35-lap NASCAR Modified feature Saturday night. The win was Wayne's 32nd career triumph at the historic quarter mile oval which ties his record with Bill Park for 4th on the all-time win list.
The first few laps of the race belonged to the youthful drivers with rookie Jason Augugliaro leading the first three laps and third generation driver Eddie Brunnhoelzl Jr. and Jerry Solomito all running right behind the race leader. The third and fourth laps of the race would actually determine the outcome as Jerry Solomito Jr. was able in one clean sweep to get his way by Augugliaro and Brunnhoelzl after they got out of shape bringing Wayne Anderson to second. On the very next lap Solomito spun around in turn two after he and Anderson raced into the first turn hard. After those two wild laps the race then settled in with Wayne Anderson the new race leader with Brunnhoelzl sitting second. For a half dozen laps Brunnhoelzl looked for a way by Anderson, but he was soon under attack from third place Shawn Solomito.
Lap 13 found Solomito working his way by Brunnhoelzl for second and it was now his turn to try and wrestle the lead away from Anderson. From laps 13 to 26 Shawn, seeking his first career Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified win, was all over Anderson who was controlling the pace of the race. With ten laps remaining in the race Justin Bonsignore entered the mix as he worked his way by Solomito on a 26th lap single file restart and it was Justin's turn to see if he had anything for Wayne, the 1994 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion. Over the closing laps, like Solomito before him, Bonsignore would try and sneak the nose of his car under Anderson exiting the corners, but the crafty veteran was equal to all challenges from all challengers on this night.
At the finish it was the Eastport Feeds Chevy of Wayne Anderson scoring the win to complete his comeback from the heart problem he had last year, the win was his first since May 10th of 2008. "My hats off to my crew lead by Kenny Lechner "Wayne boasted afterwards, "they just kept working at this car and tonight we had a good piece". When asked about this completing his comeback from last year Wayne changed the subject and instead praised his sponsors, "I really want to thank my sponsors for sticking with us over the least year".
Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, who wasn't scheduled to be at Riverhead but was able to race when Monadnock Speedway pushed their WMT race to Sunday, made it a worthwhile trip with a runner-up finish in the M3 Technology Chevy that also moves him into the point lead. Shawn Solomito of Islip had another solid outing with a third in the Acme Sanitary Service Chevy, while Eddie Brunnhoelzl III of Levittown and John Fortin of Holtsville rounded out the top five.
Jarrod Hayes of Calverton more than likely didn't bring a broom to the J&R Steak House night 50 for the Late Models, but he could have as he scored a clean sweep in the event. First Hayes set fast time with a lap of 112.571 earning the Brigandi Brothers Automotive $50 fast time award, and in the redraw, among the top six, drew 5th. That would be the only blemish on the evening. Scott Kulesa broke out front at the drop of the green with Mike Bologna giving chase for the first two laps before he was over taken by two-time and defending LM champion Kevin Metzger on lap 3. Metzger chased Kulesa for three laps before Jarrod Hayes entered the picture slipping by Metzger on lap 6. With Hayes having to race with Metzger for second over a handful of laps Scott Kulesa was allowed to get away from the pack and once to second Hayes had some work to do. From laps 7 to 21 Hayes ran second to Kulesa for the lead and on lap 22 with an inside move entering turn three Hayes was able to drive under Kulesa for the lead. Once out front "J-Rod" Jarrod Hayes drove to his 8th career Late Model win, his first since May of 2007. Scott Kulesa of Georgetown, Ma was runner-up in the Ranco Sand & Stone Pontiac and it would be Roger Oxee of Peconic turning in the performance of the night as he placed third in his Southold IGA Pontiac. Oxee elected to start in the rear after timing second quickest and later had to recover from a turn four spin to earn his finish.
The 20-lap Blunderbust feature event appeared to have a feel good first career win story to it for Gary Caldwell of Miller Place but in the end it didn't turn out that way. Gary and his 17-year old daughter come to the track together every Saturday and are a two member team, unloading and working on their machine week in and week out. After taking the lead from Scott Sepe on lap 4 of the race it looked like Gary Caldwell scored his first career win after 10-years of trying to hold off "Krazy" Ed Mistretta in the process. However in post race tech Gary was found with un-approved suspension parts in his front end and was disqualified. When explained to Gary what the issue was, as one would expect from the soft spoken driver he nodded his head in agreement and calmly walked away, giving back the trophy he thought he had won. That turn of events made Ed Mistretta of New Hyde Park the race winner in the Busy Bee Pest Control entry, his first since August of 2007 and 4th overall in his career. Newcomer Jack Handley Jr. of Medford turned plenty of heads during the race and was second in his Mignone & Sons Construction machine, while Tommy "The Wildchild" Walkowiak of Ridge was third in his Blaze Fuel Oil Chevy.
Brian McElearney of N. Babylon indeed did get to enjoy the thrill of a first career win when he topped the 20-lap Super Pro Truck feature event. Brian, the son of Late Model legend Paul McElearney, a 45-time winner at Riverhead Raceway made a nice move to pass both Kathleen Hallock and Kevin Scharfenberg for first and second and was joined one lap later at the front of the field by Frank Dumicich Jr. who moved to second on the third circuit. For the remaining laps of the race it was Dumicich pestering McElearney every turn of the way as Frank glued himself to Brian's rear bumper. All those years being around his father and his ultra successful race team would indeed pay dividends for Brian McElearney as he was able to protect his line and keep Frank Dumicich Jr, at bay for the rest of the contest. At the finish it was the Finishline Carting Chevy of Brian McElearney posting a popular win with Frank Dumicich Jr. of E. Quogue runner-up in his Teddy Bear Graphics Chevy. Lou Maestri of Deer Park, whose team has aided McElearney and his effort along the way, was a proud third in the 5-Star Kennels racer.
The Legend Race Cars turned in a much needed non-stop 20-lap feature event and when the race was over it would be Chris Young of Calverton collecting his second victory of 2011. Vinny Delaney broke to the early race lead when the green light winked on and over the first half a dozen laps was pursued by Tom Marsh, Jason Sendlewski and defending champion Kevin Nowak. While all that was taking place Chris Young, who started 8th in the 24-car field was making his move towards the front and on lap 7 was able to slip by Nowak for second. With all the jockeying that took place for second Delaney was able to open up a very comfortable lead and if Young was going to catch Vinny he'd have plenty of work to do. Mission accomplished as Chris got his fishing reel out and lap after lap reeled in Delaney and the fruits of his labor were rewarded on lap 16 when he took the lead and eventual win in his Ray The Plumber backed racer. Vinny Delaney of Holtsville was runner-up in his sponsor wanted machine while Kyle Soper of Manorville had another solid run with a third place finish in the News 12 Long Island mount.
Robin Vollmoeller Sr. of Riverhead collected the win in the 4/6-Cylinder Truck Enduro after taking the lead late in the 50-lap tilt. Ben Gregor gunning for two in a row broke out to an early and commanding lead and seemed to be on cruise control when suddenly on lap 18 he veered into the infield with mechanical woes. That moved second place "Jumbo" Jimmy Denis out front in Kevin Nowak's "Grocery Getter" and he looked like he was headed to victory lane. However Robin Vollmoeller had other ideas and he caught and passed Denis for the race lead on lap 37 and then drove off to victory in the SAP Enterprises Chevy. Jimmy Denis of Middle Island was runner-up and third went to Don Nelson Jr. of Rocky Point in his Repo Joe Chevy.
Gene Burbol of Brookhaven made it two for two in the 6-Cylinder Enduro ranks as he won their 50-lap race after a torrid, see-saw battle with Mitchell Pattern. Pattern led from the outset of the race and was chased for the first 7 laps by Shawn Wanat. Gene Burbol moved to second on lap 8 and after chasing Pattern for seven laps passed Mitchell for the lead on lap 16. However Pattern repaid the favor just three laps later re-passing Burbol for the lead on the 19th lap. The duo then settled in for a run that saw Pattern pull away for awhile as Burbol had fits with lapped cars, but the never say quit Burbol resurfaced on lap 45 taking the lead back from Pattern, a lead he'd keep to the finish in his Gene's 112 Service Center racer. Mitchell Pattern of Southold was runner-up in the MOJO entry, while "Pirate" Peter Rabaglia of Bohemia was third.
(continued)
Former five-time Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified champion Wayne Anderson of Yaphank completed his comeback from a medical episode after the May 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame 100 at Riverhead Raceway with a victory in the 35-lap NASCAR Modified feature Saturday night. The win was Wayne's 32nd career triumph at the historic quarter mile oval which ties his record with Bill Park for 4th on the all-time win list.
The first few laps of the race belonged to the youthful drivers with rookie Jason Augugliaro leading the first three laps and third generation driver Eddie Brunnhoelzl Jr. and Jerry Solomito all running right behind the race leader. The third and fourth laps of the race would actually determine the outcome as Jerry Solomito Jr. was able in one clean sweep to get his way by Augugliaro and Brunnhoelzl after they got out of shape bringing Wayne Anderson to second. On the very next lap Solomito spun around in turn two after he and Anderson raced into the first turn hard. After those two wild laps the race then settled in with Wayne Anderson the new race leader with Brunnhoelzl sitting second. For a half dozen laps Brunnhoelzl looked for a way by Anderson, but he was soon under attack from third place Shawn Solomito.
Lap 13 found Solomito working his way by Brunnhoelzl for second and it was now his turn to try and wrestle the lead away from Anderson. From laps 13 to 26 Shawn, seeking his first career Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified win, was all over Anderson who was controlling the pace of the race. With ten laps remaining in the race Justin Bonsignore entered the mix as he worked his way by Solomito on a 26th lap single file restart and it was Justin's turn to see if he had anything for Wayne, the 1994 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion. Over the closing laps, like Solomito before him, Bonsignore would try and sneak the nose of his car under Anderson exiting the corners, but the crafty veteran was equal to all challenges from all challengers on this night.
At the finish it was the Eastport Feeds Chevy of Wayne Anderson scoring the win to complete his comeback from the heart problem he had last year, the win was his first since May 10th of 2008. "My hats off to my crew lead by Kenny Lechner "Wayne boasted afterwards, "they just kept working at this car and tonight we had a good piece". When asked about this completing his comeback from last year Wayne changed the subject and instead praised his sponsors, "I really want to thank my sponsors for sticking with us over the least year".
Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, who wasn't scheduled to be at Riverhead but was able to race when Monadnock Speedway pushed their WMT race to Sunday, made it a worthwhile trip with a runner-up finish in the M3 Technology Chevy that also moves him into the point lead. Shawn Solomito of Islip had another solid outing with a third in the Acme Sanitary Service Chevy, while Eddie Brunnhoelzl III of Levittown and John Fortin of Holtsville rounded out the top five.
Jarrod Hayes of Calverton more than likely didn't bring a broom to the J&R Steak House night 50 for the Late Models, but he could have as he scored a clean sweep in the event. First Hayes set fast time with a lap of 112.571 earning the Brigandi Brothers Automotive $50 fast time award, and in the redraw, among the top six, drew 5th. That would be the only blemish on the evening. Scott Kulesa broke out front at the drop of the green with Mike Bologna giving chase for the first two laps before he was over taken by two-time and defending LM champion Kevin Metzger on lap 3. Metzger chased Kulesa for three laps before Jarrod Hayes entered the picture slipping by Metzger on lap 6. With Hayes having to race with Metzger for second over a handful of laps Scott Kulesa was allowed to get away from the pack and once to second Hayes had some work to do. From laps 7 to 21 Hayes ran second to Kulesa for the lead and on lap 22 with an inside move entering turn three Hayes was able to drive under Kulesa for the lead. Once out front "J-Rod" Jarrod Hayes drove to his 8th career Late Model win, his first since May of 2007. Scott Kulesa of Georgetown, Ma was runner-up in the Ranco Sand & Stone Pontiac and it would be Roger Oxee of Peconic turning in the performance of the night as he placed third in his Southold IGA Pontiac. Oxee elected to start in the rear after timing second quickest and later had to recover from a turn four spin to earn his finish.
The 20-lap Blunderbust feature event appeared to have a feel good first career win story to it for Gary Caldwell of Miller Place but in the end it didn't turn out that way. Gary and his 17-year old daughter come to the track together every Saturday and are a two member team, unloading and working on their machine week in and week out. After taking the lead from Scott Sepe on lap 4 of the race it looked like Gary Caldwell scored his first career win after 10-years of trying to hold off "Krazy" Ed Mistretta in the process. However in post race tech Gary was found with un-approved suspension parts in his front end and was disqualified. When explained to Gary what the issue was, as one would expect from the soft spoken driver he nodded his head in agreement and calmly walked away, giving back the trophy he thought he had won. That turn of events made Ed Mistretta of New Hyde Park the race winner in the Busy Bee Pest Control entry, his first since August of 2007 and 4th overall in his career. Newcomer Jack Handley Jr. of Medford turned plenty of heads during the race and was second in his Mignone & Sons Construction machine, while Tommy "The Wildchild" Walkowiak of Ridge was third in his Blaze Fuel Oil Chevy.
Brian McElearney of N. Babylon indeed did get to enjoy the thrill of a first career win when he topped the 20-lap Super Pro Truck feature event. Brian, the son of Late Model legend Paul McElearney, a 45-time winner at Riverhead Raceway made a nice move to pass both Kathleen Hallock and Kevin Scharfenberg for first and second and was joined one lap later at the front of the field by Frank Dumicich Jr. who moved to second on the third circuit. For the remaining laps of the race it was Dumicich pestering McElearney every turn of the way as Frank glued himself to Brian's rear bumper. All those years being around his father and his ultra successful race team would indeed pay dividends for Brian McElearney as he was able to protect his line and keep Frank Dumicich Jr, at bay for the rest of the contest. At the finish it was the Finishline Carting Chevy of Brian McElearney posting a popular win with Frank Dumicich Jr. of E. Quogue runner-up in his Teddy Bear Graphics Chevy. Lou Maestri of Deer Park, whose team has aided McElearney and his effort along the way, was a proud third in the 5-Star Kennels racer.
The Legend Race Cars turned in a much needed non-stop 20-lap feature event and when the race was over it would be Chris Young of Calverton collecting his second victory of 2011. Vinny Delaney broke to the early race lead when the green light winked on and over the first half a dozen laps was pursued by Tom Marsh, Jason Sendlewski and defending champion Kevin Nowak. While all that was taking place Chris Young, who started 8th in the 24-car field was making his move towards the front and on lap 7 was able to slip by Nowak for second. With all the jockeying that took place for second Delaney was able to open up a very comfortable lead and if Young was going to catch Vinny he'd have plenty of work to do. Mission accomplished as Chris got his fishing reel out and lap after lap reeled in Delaney and the fruits of his labor were rewarded on lap 16 when he took the lead and eventual win in his Ray The Plumber backed racer. Vinny Delaney of Holtsville was runner-up in his sponsor wanted machine while Kyle Soper of Manorville had another solid run with a third place finish in the News 12 Long Island mount.
Robin Vollmoeller Sr. of Riverhead collected the win in the 4/6-Cylinder Truck Enduro after taking the lead late in the 50-lap tilt. Ben Gregor gunning for two in a row broke out to an early and commanding lead and seemed to be on cruise control when suddenly on lap 18 he veered into the infield with mechanical woes. That moved second place "Jumbo" Jimmy Denis out front in Kevin Nowak's "Grocery Getter" and he looked like he was headed to victory lane. However Robin Vollmoeller had other ideas and he caught and passed Denis for the race lead on lap 37 and then drove off to victory in the SAP Enterprises Chevy. Jimmy Denis of Middle Island was runner-up and third went to Don Nelson Jr. of Rocky Point in his Repo Joe Chevy.
Gene Burbol of Brookhaven made it two for two in the 6-Cylinder Enduro ranks as he won their 50-lap race after a torrid, see-saw battle with Mitchell Pattern. Pattern led from the outset of the race and was chased for the first 7 laps by Shawn Wanat. Gene Burbol moved to second on lap 8 and after chasing Pattern for seven laps passed Mitchell for the lead on lap 16. However Pattern repaid the favor just three laps later re-passing Burbol for the lead on the 19th lap. The duo then settled in for a run that saw Pattern pull away for awhile as Burbol had fits with lapped cars, but the never say quit Burbol resurfaced on lap 45 taking the lead back from Pattern, a lead he'd keep to the finish in his Gene's 112 Service Center racer. Mitchell Pattern of Southold was runner-up in the MOJO entry, while "Pirate" Peter Rabaglia of Bohemia was third.
(continued)