0
0
Riverhead, NY Aug. 3rd.
By Bob Finan
With severe thunderstorms probable Saturday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 pm, Riverhead Raceway management canceled the night’s racing program mid-morning. While at the time of the cancellation disclosure the decision was met with social media scorn, it turned out to be a prudent choice when storms rocked the Riverhead area at 7:15 pm. A busy seven-day stretch awaits Riverhead Raceway this week with a School Bus Demo Wednesday, and I Love America Fireworks Saturday evening.
With a heat advisory for Long Island already in place, Riverhead Raceway GM John Ellwood explained the thinking on pulling the plug early, “yeah the heat was here, but if it were just the heat that we had to concern ourselves with, that would’ve been okay. It was those damn storms packing a big punch right around opening ceremonies that worried us”. A busy program with nine feature events was scheduled for Saturday, any weather delays would be impossible to navigate. “While disappointing to many, us included, making the call early before everyone got here, paid to get in, unloaded and practiced only to have it rain on us made the most sense” Ellwood concluded.
Wednesday August 7th is another family fun night of thrills featuring a School Bus Demolition Derby. Last week Jon Calfa topped a wild, hard hitting School Bus Demolition Derby. During the event Figure Eight veteran Johnny Vullo took and gave so many hits the body of his body came clear off the chassis. More motorized mayhem awaits this Wednesday when the TK Figure Eights, Super Pro Trucks, Street Stocks, Bock Auto INEX Bandoleros, 4/6-Cylinder Gut & Go Enduro and JuiceBox Racers event complete the program. Qualifying is set for 6:30 pm, followed by opening ceremonies.
Just a couple days later Saturday August 10th the track hosts the popular I Love America night with an award-winning Fireworks show taking the spotlight. The NASCAR Modifieds will compete in the Cecil Palm Tree 66, and be joined by the Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds, TK Figure Eights, INEX Legend Race Cars, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Bock Auto INEX Bandoleros and a Kids Big Wheel Race. Opening ceremonies are set for 6:30 pm.
Admission for both programs is $30 for adults, kids 6-12 $20, 5 and under are free. To view the remainder of our 2024 schedule please visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach the track at office@riverheadraceway.com, out phone number is 631-842-RACE.
