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Riverhead, NY June 10th
By Bob Finan
Riverhead Raceway will spring into summer Saturday evening presenting a program containing nine NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series feature events highlighted by the first Kid’s Big Wheel Race and 4/6-Cylinder Demolition Derby of 2022. The Eagle Auto Mall Crate Modifieds and Late Models each run their first Miller Lite Triple Crown Series events of the young season Saturday.
After a rare scheduled night off June 11th, the Crate Modifieds step right back into the fire Saturday with a 40-lap Miller Lite Triple Crown Series contest. Opening night victor Eric Hersey of Commack leads the championship rankings by 13 over veteran Mike Albasini of Flushing who’ll be hunting for his first win of ’22. Vinny Delaney of Islip Terrace was a three time winner in ’21 is 16 points back of Hersey and like Albasini out for his first win of the year. With his May 21st triumph, Owen Grennan of Glen Cove tied Dave Brigati for the top spot on the Crate Mod all time win list at 11, Saturday Owen looks to take sole possession with a 12th career win, while most recent winner Michael Berner of Patchogue looks to go back to back after his June 4th win. Other drivers in the top ten in points seeking their first win of 2022 are AJ DeSantis of Yaphank, Sean Glennon of Northport, Alex Colasanto of Selden, Rich Gerbe of Northport and veteran Dennis Krupski of Calverton.
On the Late Model side they start their Miller Lite Triple Crown Series off with a 50-lap contest, just their second race of a six race slate for 2022. Versatile Dave Brigati of Calverton who has scored feature event wins over five divisions during his career won the May 21st opener and Dave is eyeing a repeat performance a month later. Ray Minieri of Bay Shore and Chris McGuire of Selden chased Brigati to the finish in May and both hope he’ll be chasing them Saturday. Shawn Patrick of Brightwaters, Gerard Giordano of Freeport, Ethan Brown of Floral Park, Alyssa Paprocky of Rocky Point, Brandon Turbush of Manorville, Kevin Metzger of Massapequa, Jeff Otto Jr. of Deer Park and Jimmy Rennick of Howard Beach will also contend for the win.
Right after opening ceremonies the Kid’s Big Wheel Race will be contested from the fourth turn to the start/finish line of Riverhead Raceway with the winner of the boys and girls category awarded their winning Big Wheel for their efforts. The NASCAR Modifieds, Figure Eights, INEX Legend Race Cars, Mini Stocks and 8-Cylinder Enduro complete the racing portion of the program. The night is set to conclude with a 4/6-Cylinder Demolition Derby, their first of 2022 as well first in two weeks as they return for the 72nd Year Celebration Fireworks program July 2nd.
Spectator gates will open Saturday at 4:00, adults are $30, kids 6-12 $10, 5 & under are free. Qualifying is set for 5:15 pm with opening ceremonies and feature event action set to commence at appox. 6:45 pm. For additional information including the balance of the 2022 race schedule, championship standing visit www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com, the phone number remains 631-842-RACE.
