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Riverhead, NY Sept. 4th
By Bob Finan
A busy month of September for the NASCAR Modifieds of the Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series of Riverhead Raceway intensifies this Saturday September 9th when the Celebrating Chris Young Twin 49’s go to post. Originally slated for July 29th, inclement weather pushed the Twin 49’s to Saturday, joining the Sara Sylvester INEX Legend Race Cars National Qualifier 50.
Known as the working man’s racer, Chris Young was a staple on Long Island’s NASCAR Modified scene after starting his successful driving career in the Figure Eight divisions of Riverhead Raceway and Islip Speedway. Young was a two-time champion at each track before starting his career open wheel endeavors. Working out of a modest shop at his home in Calverton, Chris embarked on a NASCAR Modified career at Riverhead that resulted in 33 career wins, 5th on the all-time list led by Charlie Jarzombek and Tom Rogers Jr. with 63 each.
The Celebrating Chris Young Twin 49’s will be the third installment of the Crown Jewel Series of Riverhead Raceway. Baldwin, Evans & Jazombek 77 winner Kyle Ellwood leads the Crown Jewel Series rankings by eight over John Beatty of Merrick, Beatty is the defending Ted Christopher Cup champion. Beatty is also embroiled in the championship chase for the 2023 NASCAR Modified title with JR Bertuccio of Centereach and Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills heading to Saturday. Chris Young of Calverton and Slepian are tied for third in the Crown Jewel Series standings. Nothing would please the second-generation version of Chris Young more than a victory in one of, if not both Twin 49’s.
Also hunting victory in the Twin 49’s will be Justin Brown of Manorville, most recent winner this past Saturday, Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead, Jack Handley Jr. of Medford, Michael Rutkoski of Mattituck, Chris Rogers of Patchogue, Dave Brigati of Calverton and Mark Stewart of Riverhead.
Perhaps there was no bigger a fan, or advocate of INEX Legend Race Car racing at Riverhead than Sara Sylvester. She worked tirelessly soliciting lap money for the annual National Qualifier, and after her untimely passing the race Sara put all her energy towards now bears her name. Saturday the 50-lap Sara Sylvester INEX National Qualifier will unfold. In the tradition set forth by Sara Sylvester, two complete sets of lap money and other bonus awards have been arranged for by Erin Delaney, just like Sara would have loved.
Cam Bolin of York, SC was declared the winner of the 2022 Sara Sylvester INEX Legend Race Car National Qualifier, however Bolin has embarked on a CARS Tour racing venture and will be unable to defend Saturday. 2023 championship contenders Richie Dadidowitz of East Moriches and Jeff Farruggia of Riverhead will continue their tussle for the 2023 title Saturday during the National Qualifier, the duo has distanced themselves from the championship pack.
The race will serve as the third and final leg of the Miller Lite Triple Crown Series with Davidowitz leading those rankings by 8 over Joey Braun of Manorville. Defending track champion Eric Hersey of Commack, Jason Castaldo of Shirley and Farruggia make up the top five heading into the MLTCS finale.
The third and final leg of the Miller Lite Triple Crown Series unfolds for the Figure Eights during a 20-lap main event, a race run Remembering Kenny Hyde Sr. It will be the final race of 2023 as well. Gary Frtiz of Mastic Beach won the Remembering Kenny Hyde Sr. last year clinching the Miller Lite Triple Crown Series championship. Kenny Hyde Jr. of Medford and Allan Pedersen of Center Moriches are tied at the top of the 2023 Miller Lite Triple Crown Series ranking heading into Saturday. Both drivers are the main combatants for the 2023 track championship with 2022 champion Scott Pedersen of Shirley ranked third. Kenny Hyde Jr. and sister Kim have sold lap bonus money for Saturday night’s event as well as introducing a limited offer t-shirt.
Completing the program are the Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds and the Bock Auto INEX Bandoleros. Qualifying will start at 5:00 pm with opening ceremonies to follow. General admission will open at 4:00 pm, $30 for adults, kids 6-12 $15 with 5 & under free.
Further information can be obtained by visiting http://www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com. The phone number is 631-842-RACE.
