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Riverhead, NY July 8th
By Bob Finan
If there were a driver who was custom made to fit the image of a grassroots racer, Dennis Krupski of Calverton could play the part to critical acclaim. Sadly, while his fellow racers twirled around Riverhead Raceway on June 29th, Dennis passed after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Monday, his beloved home track announced the July 27th Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified 100 would be extended to 112-laps to celebrate and memorialize Dennis Krupski.
“Dennis was a staple of Riverhead Raceway, he met every definition as a local community short track racer” Riverhead GM John Ellwood fondly recalled, “We actually raced out of the same shop, Gottmer Stables back in our Blunderbust days with Brian Schwarz, longtime Dave Brigati crew chief”. Indeed, Dennis Krupski’s career at Riverhead Raceway followed the natural progression through the divisional ladder. After posting three career wins with the Blunderbusts between 1990 & ’91, Dennis soon made the move to the Chargers where he won two career features, both in 1999. From there it was onto the Late Models where he was a one event winner in August of 2005. It was during his LM days Dennis grew fond of traveling to races in New England, mainly at Thompson Speedway and Waterford Speedbowl. When the Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds were introduced to Riverhead Raceway by new track owners Eddie & Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz, Krupski was all in. Having come close, Dennis unfortunately was unable to win in the new class.
During the reveal of the Dennis Krupski 112 Ellwood disclosed that Erin Delaney, veteran race official would be organizing lap bonus money at $20 per lap. Those who’s like to sponsor a lap or other race bonus money should contact her on Facebook where she is known as Erin Elizabeth. Additionally, Ellwood announced that Dennis Krupski’s #12 Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified would pace the 112-lap event prior to the initial start.
The 2nd annual Two for TK Twin 9 Figure Eight event are set for action July 27th remembering Long Island Figure Eight icon and former track official Tom Kraft. Kraft, a 29-time winner as a driver is credited with preserving the Figure Eight racing tradition on Long Island as well as mentoring all the modern-day drivers. That same night the NASCAR Modifieds return for a 50-lap event after having the first weeks of July off. The INEX Legend Race Cars, Bock Auto INEX Bandoleros and Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars will complement the race card.
Opening ceremonies are set for 6:30 pm proceeded by the night’s qualifying. Additional information can be gathered at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com. The land line remains 631-842-RACE.
