Jaws: 3 Important Short Track Races, 2 Great Guys
It's hard to believe that after the long, cold, snowy Winter and really wet Spring, we have arrived at the first of the big three 1/4 mile short track Modified races in the Northeast.This Saturday night, May 21st, is the Riverhead 100 Hall of Fame race at Riverhead Raceway. The two other races are the Star SBM 125 on June 4th, and the Riverhead 200 on July 30th.
Why did I pick these 3 races? Are they the highest paying? longest distance? or the biggest tracks? No, they are not. But what ARE these three races?
They are a labor of love for two very dedicated race fans and friends, Jim Schaefer, the LImodmaniac, and Kevin Rice. Jim and Kevin are life long short track race fans, both from New York. Kevin is originally from Fulton, NY, home of Fulton Speedway and close by to Oswego Speedway, Brewerton Speedway and many other tracks. Kevin relocated to New Hampshire several years ago and now follows the races at many of New England's premiere short tracks. Kevin also writes a weekly racing column for the Area Auto Racing News. Jim, on the other hand, is just a huge Modified fan, and is from right here on Long Island, just down the road from Riverhead Raceway.
Why are these races a labor of love? Both Jim and Kevin have spent all Winter raising money, twisting arms, and promoting these races all over the Northeast. They are helping to make these 3 races must see events this year. Sponsors have been signed, fans have sent money through Paypal and race teams have signed on in big numbers. They have made these three races events, not just races.
What do Jim and Kevin get in return? Nothing! Nothing but the satisfaction of a job well done and some great nights of racing.
Jim has raised money to increase the winners portion this week at Riverhead, from $1,450.00 to win to $3,450.00 if you are a WMT regular, or $2,950.00 if you are a Riverhead regular. That will help to bring WMT regulars Ryan Preece, Richie Pallai Jr., Ronnie Silk, Justin Bonsignore, Tom Rogers, Jr., Eric Goodale, George Brunnhoetzl, and possibly others, to the little quarter mile on Eastern Long Island, in addition to the full field of Riverhead regulars. Last year's race was a great one, with Ronnie Silk being chased to the checker by Tom Rogers, Jr., the 2010 Riverhead track champion. An added bonus Saturday night will be the Charlie Jarzombek Vega turning a few laps and pacing the 100 lap feature. Jim is also trying to raise over $10,000.00 for the July race, in hopes of making it a $10,000.00 to win race. If he accomplishes his goal, it would be one of the highest paying races on the WMT circuit this year!
Kevin's agenda is a bit different. His home track, Star Speedway, has reopened this year after sitting dormant. The track had been sold several years ago, and with much fanfare, featured the open wheel Modifieds with a nice seasonal point fund. Unfortunately, that point money was never paid. Kevin's idea; partner with the current owners of the track and put on a big Modified race and raise money to pay off that point fund. The 125 lap race will feature a $25,000.00 base purse and when all is said and done, about a $33,000.00 total payout. It is $5,000.00 minimum to win race. This race will feature all the top modified teams from New England, VMRS and WMT tours. On top of that, $10.00 from every tire sold and the proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go toward paying out that point fund.
So if you love short track racing, and you really love Modified racing, come on out and support these 3 races at Riverhead Raceway and Star Speedway. Oh, and while you are at these races, find Jim and Kevin to thank them. Thank them for all their hard work, the dedication, the money they have raised and all the time that they have spent to make these races the special events they have become.
For more information on the races check the tracks web sites, www.riverheadraceway.com and www.star-speedway.com plus follow the weekend at www.myracenews.com and Myracenews on Facebook.
See you at the track.
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Michael Jaworecki
We wanted to add this comment we received directly to this story. Thanks, Anne!
Comment: Anne H.
I do not know Jim, but I know Kevin. I can only assume that Jim is just as dedicated to simply doing the right thing for modified racing, as Kevin is. I can talk about Kevin, and, in all likelyhood, I can say "ditto" for Jim.
I saw Kevin at Monadnock last year when the Laticrete 125 (Formerly known as SBM 125) at Star was a wild idea. He plugged away. He worked all through the winter. He was everywhere! He is a good man, with a good heart, and deserves so much credit for the Star race on June 4. He will always be held in high esteem by Goodwin and me (71ME). Sadly, I rarely remember who I've met, and who I haven't! So, Jim, if I have met you, my apologies. Regardless, I commend you, also ,for what you have done for Riverhead. I hope you have a great show this weekend, and that you will be at Star on June 4. That way, I can meet you and wish you the best for your July show. The world, not just the racing world, needs more men like Kevin and Jim.
I do not know Jim, but I know Kevin. I can only assume that Jim is just as dedicated to simply doing the right thing for modified racing, as Kevin is. I can talk about Kevin, and, in all likelyhood, I can say "ditto" for Jim.
I saw Kevin at Monadnock last year when the Laticrete 125 (Formerly known as SBM 125) at Star was a wild idea. He plugged away. He worked all through the winter. He was everywhere! He is a good man, with a good heart, and deserves so much credit for the Star race on June 4. He will always be held in high esteem by Goodwin and me (71ME). Sadly, I rarely remember who I've met, and who I haven't! So, Jim, if I have met you, my apologies. Regardless, I commend you, also ,for what you have done for Riverhead. I hope you have a great show this weekend, and that you will be at Star on June 4. That way, I can meet you and wish you the best for your July show. The world, not just the racing world, needs more men like Kevin and Jim.
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