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Riverhead, NY July 26th
By Bob Finan
After a two-week mid-season break, the NASCAR Modifieds jump back into action Saturday in a big was when they compete in the Celebrating Chris Young Twin 49’s. Also returning to racing after a couple of weeks off from NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series racing are the Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds and INEX Legend Race Cars.
The Twin 49’s will honor and celebrate the life and successful racing career of local talent Chris Young, who many referred to as the working man’s racer. The do-it-yourself driver scored 33 career Tour Type Modified victories at Riverhead, 5th best all-time. Prior to his Modified success Chris was a two-time champion in the Figure Eight division of Riverhead Raceway in 1976 & 1977 before moving west to Islip Speedway, winning two titles in 1978 & 1979. Today Chris & Ann Young’s son Chris implements many of the hard work ethics instilled in him by his father in racing, working out of the same shop that produced 33 wins.
The Twin 49’s will be the third installment of the 2023 Crown Jewel Series for the NASCAR Modifieds. Both races will pay full championship points towards both the Crown Jewel Series as well the chase for the 2023 NASCAR Modified track championship.
Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead, winner of the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77 in June leads the Crown Jewel Series chase for the Ted Christopher Cup by 8 points over John Beatty Jr. of Merrick entering competition Saturday. Chris Young of Calverton, who would love to sweep the Twin 49’s is tied with Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills in Crown Jewel Series points 16 points back of leader Ellwood. JR Bertuccio of Centereach, most recent winner on July 8th sits fifth in the Crown Jewel standings, 20 back.
The season long NASCAR Modified title fight finds Dylan Slepian atop the heap with John Beatty Jr. and Chris Young knotted for second 16 behind Dylan. Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead is fourth 22 marked back of the leader, while JR Bertuccio sits fifth, 24 points back. Michael Rutkoski of Mattituck, Chris Rogers of Patchogue, Jack Handley Jr. of Medford, Matt Brode of East Islip and rookie Allan Pedersen of Center Moriches complete the top ten.
Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified championship leader Chase Grennan of Glen Cove will lead the troops back into action Saturday for a 25-lap feature event. Chase sits a slim 2-point advantage over Michael Berner of Patchogue as they return to racing. Older brother Owen, the defending Crate Mod champ sits third 18 points back of his sibling with Sean Glennon of Northport fourth 28-back and Max Handley of Medford is 30 markers back in fifth.
The INEX Legend Race Cars should have a jam-packed paddock area following two weeks off. Winning four races in succession continues to payoff for championship leader “Big Money” Richie Davidowitz of East Moriches who enjoys a comfortable late July 30-point margin over Jeffrey Farruggia Jr. of Riverhead. Indeed there is plenty of INEX Legend Race Car racing remaining to be contested, good news for the drivers ranking third through fifth. Third place Jason Castaldo of Shirley is 68-points out of the lead while Jim Sylvester of Massapequa is 82 and fifth place Joey Braun of Manorville is 108 points back.
Completing the program Saturday are the Street Stocks where Jarrod Hayes of Calverton looks to make it three in a row, the Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars with an 8-Cylinder Enduro closing out the show. In that event popular veteran Woot Lawrence of Southampton, victorious last Saturday hopes to go back-to-back.
Qualifying starts at 5:30 with time trials for the NASCAR Modifieds, opening ceremonies to follow. Spectator gates open at 4:00 pm, adults $30, kids 6-12 $15, 5 & under free.
To view our remaining 2023 events please visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails reach us at office@riverheadraceway.com, our phone number is 631-842-RACE.
