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Riverhead, NY May 2nd.
By Bob Finan
Photos Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
Every race driver is more than ready for a new season to dawn. Chris Young of Calverton is no exception, in fact he is beyond eager for the new NASCAR Tour Type Modified season opening 50-lap event Saturday evening at Riverhead Raceway. Young, who was in the mix for the 2023 until late in the season, announced two new sponsors for his modest team as they prepare to chase the 2024 championship.
“I’m extremely excited for the season to start on Saturday” Young started off, “I’ve put more work into my program this off-season then I believe ever before. Minimally 20 plus hours a week since the end of last season”. Chris then divulged what drove he and his team to the busy off-season at the race shop, “Being in the hunt for the championship and coming up short over the final 3 races in 2023 really lit a fire under me and the team. Since then, we’ve been taking a champions approach to every aspect of the program”.
Young pulled back the curtain even further, “we built a brand new LFR Gen2 car, with help from Dennis Freese at Oval Speed and direct support from Rob Fuller at TFR. Rob and I used all the data I collected last season to design, and test my complete set-up package, utilizing both pull down simulation and data acquisition from on track test sessions. I think it’s given us a great start point and the speed we were able to show in practice supports it. I’m also excited by the stability of the car; my fastest laps came on 40-lap old tires as opposed to sticker tires.”
Young turned in the quickest NASCAR Tour Type Modified lap time on April 27th with a lap of 11.647 leading him to quip, “now we just need to capture some of my dad’s opening night magic.” Chris noted, referring to his father having a penchant of winning on opening night on more than one occasion. Several of the elder Young’s 33 career wins ushered in a new Modified season.
Another reason for Chris Young’s peaked enthusiasm entering the 2024 campaign comes on the business side of home track racing, sponsorship. “We have welcomed Earth’s Splendor to our team”. Young revealed he has signed on to be an athlete partner with Earth’s Splendor, an online health & wellness brand joining among others, NBA shooting guard Landry Shamet of the Washington Wizards. “After the races at the weekly pit party, fans who stop by and show me that you are following Earth’s Splendor on Instagram are eligible for some Earth’s Splendor merchandise” Additionally, Chris disclosed, “Emtech Consulting Engineers, ranked among the top Engineering/Design/Consultants in New York has joined our team. Our longtime partner, Martin Sendlewski, of Sendlewski Architects put us together, I can’t thank him and Andrew Solano, Emtech’s managing partner, enough”.
Returning to the modest team of Chris Young as marketing partners are CPC, a contract pharmaceutical manufacturer who employs Young who noted “we’re hiring, come see me”, Martin Sendlewski of Sendlewski Architects, Brian & Joe Hoerning of SJ Hoerning Construction, Russell & Jeff Goodale of Goodie Racing, Bobby Mason and Ace’s Landscaping and Brandon Stehling and his Brandon’s Beez
“I can’t thank all my sponsors enough for the loyalty and support, we are still seeking that major primary marketing partner, hopefully we will put something together soon.” Young concluded.
Saturday night’s NASCAR Pack the Track night opener will feature seven divisions of racing led by the NASCAR Tour Type Modifieds. Complimenting them are Late Models, Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds, Figure Eights, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks and INEX Legend Race Cars.
Qualifying is set for 4:45 pm, opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6:00 pm. The complete 2024 calendar of events can be viewed at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com, the phone number remains 631-842-RACE
