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Riverhead, NY Mar 28th
By Bob Finan
Photo Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
Often times in racing the dawning of a new season finds many drivers scrambling to find either rides or sponsors prior to opening night. Allan Pedersen of Center Moriches, however, is in the enviable position of having three seats waiting for him at the Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Pack the Track Night opening night May 4th. A seven division Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series program will usher in the 74th season of racing at Riverhead on May 4th.
CheckerWon Motorsports founder Artie Pedersen Jr. announced plans for both Allan and elder son Artie III Thursday morning. “Allan will be busy at Riverhead Raceway in 2024” the proud father boasted, “we are putting the finishing touches on the Superior Manufacturing NASCAR Modified for opening night. Right now, we plan on running up until and including the Tribute to Wayne Anderson WMT 200 May 18th, after that how often we run the Modified is contingent on early season success and sponsorship”. Allan, 24 was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year for the Tour Type Modifieds of Riverhead.
What came next in the CheckerWon Motorsports season preview was the most revealing, “Artie III is super busy right now. Between growing a business and upcoming wedding to Amber Fortin, racing full time for a Late Model or Figure Eight championship in 2024 isn’t in the cards”. Artie Jr. offered. Artie Pedersen III, 28 owns and operates both Superior Manufacturing & CheckerWon Manufacturing, having recently moved the firm to larger quarters in Ronkonkoma.
“That being said, Allan Pedersen will take over the driving chores for car owner Jennifer Joann in the New York Bernedoodles Late Model for 2024”. Last season Artie Pedersen III scored three wins as he and eventual champion Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead dominated the winner’s circle in the class. It was also announced that Allan would continue to chase the Figure Eight title at Riverhead for car owner Chris Elliott in the Top-Notch Performance Chevy. Over the past two seasons Allan has finished second in the championship chase, 2022 to Uncle Scott Pedersen and last year to Ken Hyde Jr.
While he may not be racing full-time with the Late Models or Figure Eights in 2024, Artie Pedersen III will not sit totally idle. “AP3” as he is known to family and friends will run “a pick and choose” combination Riverhead and open Modified races off Long Island his busy business schedule and sponsorship permits.
After two free to the public practice sessions at Riverhead Raceway April 20th & 27th, opening weekend unfolds with the NASCAR Pack the Track night lid lifter Saturday evening May 4th, followed hours later by the May Meltdown program Sunday May 5th. The complete schedule of events for 2024 can be viewed at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com, the phone number remains 631-842-RACE.
