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Riverhead, NY Sept. 9th
By Bob Finan
Photo: Tom Morris Racing Photography
Monday afternoon, John Ellwood, GM of Riverhead Raceway along with Rich Gerbe of HighMark Building Efficiency announced the Jason Shephard Crew Chief of the Race Award for the WMT Eddie Partridge 256 Saturday at Riverhead Raceway. The award celebrates the racing career and life of Jason Shephard, longtime crew chief for Eric Goodale on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour who passed away suddenly in August.
While making the announcement, Gerbe disclosed HighMark is sponsoring $500 for the award, breaking down how it was being distributed. The winning crew chief will be presented $250 as the Jason Shephard Crew Chief of the Race, while HighMark Building Supply presents $250 to Jason’s wife Jodie Madeline and their children. For his part, John Ellwood will provide a commemorative plaque to the Jason Shephard Crew Chief of the Race winner from Iron Man Welding, the track welding business John oversees.
Jason Shephard and Eric Goodale shared much more than the bond usually found between a race car driver and crew chief, the two became more like brothers with Jason involved with the Goodale family business, Riverhead Building Supply. On track, Jason and Eric collaborated for 5 NASCAR WMT victories, and 40 top five finishes over the years. Many outside the Goodale camp tapped upon Jason’s vast knowledge and experience, including many Riverhead Raceway Tour Type Modified and Crate Modified teams. Many leaned on Shephard for advice on shocks and general race set-ups, many crediting the man they called “Jay Shep” when they enjoyed success.
The Eddie Partridge 256 will be the 75th WMT event since 1985 at Riverhead Raceway, Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville is the defending race winner after winning his 11th career WMT race at his home track. Saturday, he hopes to break the tie he and Mike Ewanitsko share at the top of the all-time WMT win list at Riverhead. Ron Silk of Norwalk, Ct. won the most recent event at the bullring winning the Miller Lite Salute to Wayne Anderson 200 in May. Silk, the defending WMT champion, is 5-points back of Bonsignore coming to the 256 Saturday.
Complimenting the program Saturday are the Late Models, Blunderbusts, Street Stocks and Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars. Final WMT practice runs from 3:30 pm through 4:15 pm, qualifying is set for 6:00 pm with an 8:00 pm green flag scheduled for the 256.
Further details can be found at http://www.riverheadracewaay.com, emails reach us at office@riverheadraceway.com, out phone number is 631-842-RACE
