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Riverhead, NY June 27th
By Bob Finan
For decades the popular game show Family Feud has filled television airwaves, mainly in repeats. For over half a century Figure Eight racing has thrilled fans at Riverhead Raceway. When the Figure Eights return for their first race since mid-May Saturday, the starting grid will resemble an episode of Family Feud, minus Steve Harvey. The Figure Eights will be part of the 73rd Year Celebration Saturday, complete with a Fireworks spectacular.
To date in 2023, members of three families have battled each other in this most unique form of short track racing. So far the Pedersen family has found the most success. Defending champion Scott Pedersen of Shirley is the most recent winner back on May 13th. In order to claim that victory, Scott had to hold off one of two nephews he races against regularly in the class Allan Pedersen of Center Moriches. Opening night May 6th, the roles were reversed, as Allan came out on top with Uncle Scott runner-up. Allan’s older brother Artie III was 5th and 4th over those first two events leaving all three Pedersen family members at the top of the 2023 championship chase standings. Scott and Allan are tied, with AP3 ten back in third.
Without question in the Riverhead version of Figure Eight Family Feud, no two drivers are closer family then twins Ken Hyde Jr. of Medford and sister Kim of Riverhead. Ken Jr. has been at the game quite a bit longer having won the 2013 & 2016 track title complimenting his 11 career wins, while sister Kim is staring her third full season of racing. Ken’s next win will tie his with his father on the all-time win list. Back in the day, the late Ken Hyde Sr. and wife Dorthea raced against each other making for unique conversation over Sunday coffee.
The Warren brothers take their sibling rivalry back to the Figure Eight course of Riverhead Saturday, hoping to provide some fireworks of their own. Joe Warren Jr. and brother Ryan, both of Ridge will be chasing the checker flag in the 15-lap main event. Joe has authored 4 career Figure Eight wins and was the 2020 track champion, while brother Ryan, the 2022 Rookie of the Year hopes to win his first career feature in 2023.
Heading into action Saturday other drivers chasing both the Riverhead Raceway and Suffolk Association of Figure Eight Racing championships include Cody Triola of Bay Shore, Gary Fritz Jr. of Mastic Beach, Bryan Quilliam of Manorville, Bob Dalke of Farmingville and Paulo Miguel of Selden. Tom Ferrara of S.A.F.E.R noted all drivers competing in 2023 are members of S.A.F.E.R that has existed since the early ’70’s for the betterment of Figure Eight racing.
Aside from Figure Eight racing and Fireworks spectacular Saturday Riverhead Raceway will present the 73rd Year Celebration “The Flying Dutchman” Tribute NASCAR Tour Type Modified event, Eagle Auto Mall Crate Modifieds, INEX Legend Race Cars, Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars and Truck Enduro.
Qualifying starts at 5:30 pm followed by opening ceremonies at approximately 6:30 pm. Spectator gates open at 4:00 pm, general admission for adults $30, kids 6-12 $20, 5 & under free.
To view other great family entertainment events schedules for 2023 visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com. E-mails reach us at office@riverheadraceway.com, the phone number remains 631-842-RACE.
