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Photo: Michael Jaworecki/Myracenews
Riverhead, NY June 25th- Iconic Long Island Modified racer Fred Harbach loved celebrations, the bigger the better. Saturday night at Riverhead Raceway track owners Connie Partridge & Tom Gatz have a big celebration planned for the 74th Year Celebration, complete with award winning Fireworks and “Flying Dutchman Tribute” 74 Modified feature event, a celebration Harbach himself would be proud of. Throw in a Kids Big Wheel Race, plus five additional Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series events, now you have yourself a party.
The 3rd annual running of the “Flying Dutchman Tribute” spotlights the on-track racing, the 74-lap tilt is the second race of the 2024 Crown Jewel Series. Former five-time track champion Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead is the defending race winner after scoring his 63rd win early last summer. Since then, Tom has remained knotted at the top of the track all-time Modified win list with “Charging” Charlie Jarzombek, Rogers hope to break that tie Saturday. Defending NASCAR Modified champion John Beatty Jr. of Merrick won the inaugural “Flying Dutchman Tribute” when the race debuted as a 90-lapper in 2022, that win served as the launch pad in winning the Ted Christopher Cup as Crown Jewel Series champion. Beatty comes to the 2024 edition of the race red hot having won three events since Memorial Day weekend.
2023 Ted Christopher Cup winner Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead will bear watching Saturday, Kyle won three races in the Crown Jewel Series last year and is ready to claim his first 2024 victory this week. Opening night winner Justin Brown of Manorville is ready to pay his second visit to victory lane Saturday as are other 2024 winners, Timmy Solomito of Islip, JB Fortin of Holtsville an JR Bertuccio of Centereach.
Searching for their first wins of 2024 during the “Flying Dutchman” Tribute will be Chris Young of Calverton, Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills, Dave Brigati of Calverton Owen Grennan of Glen Cove, Chris Rogers of Patchogue, Mark Stewart of Riverhead, Michael Rutkoski of Mattituck, Roger Turbush of Riverhead and CJ Lehmann of Lake Grove. Of those mentioned, Lehmann comes to the 74th Year Celebration event on a roll boasting a runner-up and fourth place tally over the past two events.
Complimenting the NASCAR Modifieds will be the returning Figure Eight stock cars, Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds, INEX Legend Race Cars, Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars and Truck Enduro.
Once all of, or most the racing is completed fans, young and old alike can sit back and marvel as the stadium lights are dimmed and the night sky lights up with breathtaking fireworks to kick off their 4th of July week.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6:30 pm, qualifying will proceed those ceremonies. A complete race day itinerary can be viewed at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach us at office @riverheadraceway while the phone number is 631-842-RACE.
