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Riverhead, NY Apr. 17th
By Bob Finan
Following a decades old Long Island racing tradition, Riverhead Raceway owners Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz are hosting two free to the public practice days at the famed quarter mile with the first session scheduled for this Saturday April 23rd. A second practice day is also set for Saturday April 30th. Spectators can enter the track via the entrance located behind turn three free of charge to get a sneak preview of the 72nd season of racing at Riverhead that starts Saturday night May 7th.
“Growing up a race fan you would anticipate the practice days nearly all winter long” track GM John Ellwood noted at the recent Safety Tech inspections. “We encourage fans to come out, enjoy the fresh air and check out all the cars in their new livery for the 2022 season”. Ellwood also disclosed the format for practice that will start at 12 noon. “The NASCAR/INEX classes will take to the track first and work in a ten division rotation for the afternoon”. John noted this is a slight change from 2021, “last year we had our new Bandolero class with their own session prior to noon, not this year they will be part of the rotation,”.
The NASCAR Modifieds, Late Models, Crate Modifieds, Figure Eights, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks, INEX Legend Race Cars, INEX Bandoleros, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks will make up the practice rotation. After track time for the ten divisions is completed the three Enduro divisions, Trucks, 8-Cylinder and Gut & Go will close out the session Saturday. The practice day schedule in place for this Saturday April 23rd will also be followed the following week April 30th
Ellwood noted the pit gates for competitors will open at 9:00 am, with the Safety Tech inspections to start shortly thereafter once everyone is settled in. No race cars are permitted to practice without first going through and passing Safety Tech and displaying a 2022 sticker confirming the process is complete.
Another point track management wants to stress is the Car Number Registration process can ONLY be completed via www.riverheadraceway.com, click onto the Competitor’s Page link to start and complete the process. Teams must complete the entire process, tax information included, to be assigned their desired number. “We will not be accepting payment for or assigning car numbers at the back gate at any point during the 2022 season” Ellwood emphasized, “we are going to minimize the process at the registration windows moving forward thus alleviating lines”.
Addressing NASCAR and INEX licenses, John disclosed, “while we’ll have NASCAR and INEX license renewals and new license applications available and process them, we again strongly encourage race teams and their members complete this part of the process electronically as well”. INEX Legend and Bandolero teams are reminded that only the driver can be INEX licensed with the lone exception being in the area of a minor driver which allows one parent/guardian to also purchase/renew a INEX license. All other team members are encouraged to purchase a NASCAR license. Pit fees for regular shows at Riverhead in 2022 will be $40 with a license, $60 without.
The entire 2022 schedule of events can be viewed at www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails can be forwarded to riverheadraceway1@gmail.com and the phone number is 631-842-RACE.
