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Riverhead, NY June 26th
By Bob Finan
Photo Michael Jaworecki
Riverhead Raceway has a dual celebration lined-up for Saturday July 1st and everyone is invited to join in on the excitement and fun. Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz will present a award winning Fireworks spectacular for the 73rd Year Celebration of the track and 4th of July Independence Day holiday. On track the mighty NASCAR Modifieds will race 73-laps highlighting the 73rd Year Celebration, the event run in a tribute to “The Flying Dutchman” Fred Harbach.
Once the action-packed race program is completed, the track lights will be dimmed with the illumination of fireworks will take over the night sky. A glorious way to commemorate the 247th birthday of America and 73rd of historic Riverhead Raceway where over time generations have been entertained. Part of that entertainment over the decades has been the death-defying Figure Eight racers who’ll be part of the thrills Saturday with a 15-lap event.
Round two of the 2023 Crown Jewel Series for the Ted Christopher Cup will unfold during the 73-lap Tour Type Modified main event Recently the family of Fred Harbach announced a bonus program for “The Flying Dutchman” tribute. The race winner will collect $900 in bonus money awarded by JoAnne Harbach-Kitzen and husband Alex, runner-up will pocket $600, with third receiving $300. Podium style trophies will be bestowed upon the trio, complete with a Matchbox style X-90 Pinto sitting atop the trophies. Additionally, long time X-90 team members George & Jenine Venth will award the 9th place finisher $180.
In 2022, “The Flying Dutchman” tribute was contested in June as a 90-lap event, John Beatty Jr. of Merrick took down the win in the MSM Elite Motorsports Chevy. Going into Saturday Beatty is still in search for his first win of 2023. Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead won round one of the 2023 Crown Jewel Series two weeks ago when the driver of the Buzz Chew Chevrolet entry captured the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77. Aside from Beatty and Ellwood, a full compliment of NASCAR Modifieds is expected Saturday.
The Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars will provide a trip down racing memory lane Saturday and be joined by the Eagle Auto Mall Crate Modifieds, INEX Legend Race Cars and a Truck Enduro.
Qualifying is set for 5:30 pm with opening ceremonies at 6:30 pm. Spectator gates open at 4:00 pm, general admission for adults is $30, kids 6-12 $20 with 5 & under free.
The remainder of the 2023 schedule is available at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com, the phone number is 631-842-RACE
