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Riverhead, NY Sept. 22nd
By Bob Finan
Whether it was in the Street Stocks, Late Models or Super Pro Trucks for decades there was on constant in Lou Maestri’s racing career, crew chief Joe DiGangi. The tandem raced together at Islip Speedway, Flemington Fairgrounds Speedway before attaining their most success at Riverhead Raceway in the Super Pro Trucks. Since Joe’s sudden passing Lou & Tracy Maestri have presented the Joe DiGangi Memorial Crew Chief of the race award at the final race of the season.
Aside from their racing endeavors Lou & Joe also worked together for the Town of Babylon Department of Public Works where Lou remains to this day as a foreman. The duo were more like brothers than co-workers and racers. No matter what time of the day you saw Joe at the track he was smiling, greeting you with a hearty hello no matter what the on the track result may have been for Lou. When the 20-lap Super Pro Truck finale concludes Saturday, the winning Crew Chief will receive $150 and a trophy in Joe DiGangi’s name, a tradition started after Joe’s 2009 passing. For the first time since starting the award it was Lou who won the last SPT event last October. Lou and Tracy presented the Joe DiGangi award to noted fabricator John Matlach of Maestri Racing who serves as their crew chief.
The 2021 Championship Night at Riverhead Raceway Saturday will include the Buzz Chew Chevrolet NASCAR Modifieds, Late Models, Crate Modifieds, Figure Eights, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks and INEX Legend Race Cars. Aside from all race winners, the 2021 champion in each division will be interviewed post race.
Pits will open at 1:00 pm, practice at 2:00 pm. Spectator gates open at 4:00 pm while qualifying starts at 4:30 pm. Adults are $30, kids 6-12 $10 with 5 and under free. The live stream of the final regular season show will start at 4:15 pm on Riverheadraceway.Tv.
