Riverhead's Wildest Finish
1975 was a strange year for Riverhead Raceway. For one, it was the only time in the history of the track that it wasn't called Riverhead. That year it was known as Vimco Speedway. Also, as I recall, they ran on Wednesdays instead of the traditional Saturday shows. Back then the incomparable Charlie Jarzombek was at the height of his career and was nearly unbeatable at the county seat oval. Running the Vega version of the Jarzombek rocket ships Charlie proceeded to kick butt and take names all year. One of his wins was more memorable than the others. Charlie had started in the back and ripped through the field as only he could do. It was no contest and the fans simply waited for the laps to run out before leaving. But it was to be an exciting finish. Far more than Charlie J would have liked. Coming off of turn four for the checkered Jarzombek tangled with the lapped car of Herbie Hulse. At the finish Charlie was pointed in the right direction but was in midair about ten feet off the ground and upside down. After coming to a stop Jarzombek climbed out and, showing little interest in the checkered flag he had earned, proceeded to have a rather animated "discussion" with Mr. Hulse. There is a picture out there of this finish although I can't recall who took it. What a finish!
