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Riverhead, NY Oct. 8th
By Bob Finan
In January when revealing the 2024 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series schedule for Riverhead Raceway, track owners Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz announced an $3,000 increase for the winner’s share of the 8th annual Islip 300 to $10,000. Monday, track GM John Ellwood disclosed Rich Gerbe of HighMark Building Efficiency has agreed to becoming the title sponsor of the November 16th Tour Type Modified event, driving the winner’s share to $12,000.
“Super excited to be helping out” Rich Gerbe proclaimed. Gerbe, a former INEX Legend Race Car champion at the track remains very passionate about his home track, “Riverhead is arguably the best track in the country and without a doubt has the best drivers. They deserve a special purse for such traditional and special race, thrilled to be part of it”. With the entitlement sponsorship disclosure, the 2024 event is titled the Islip 300 by HighMark Building Efficiency.
“Just can’t say enough about Rich Gerbe, he just loves what we do and puts his sponsorship where his heart is” John Ellwood said during the announcement, “HighMark Building Efficiency has been involved with our Bubba 150, they’ve sponsored the Jason Shephard Crew Chief for the Eddie Partridge 256 WMT and now agree to be the title sponsor of our marquee race, just a wonderful marketing partner”.
The HighMark Building Efficiency sponsorship, coupled with the $3,000 increase from Partridge & Gatz allowed Ellwood the opportunity to increase and adjust prize money throughout the top ten. “The Islip 300 by HighMark Building Efficiency will pay the race winner $12,000” John proudly revealed, with some purse and starting field Ellwood continued, “second place now pays $5,000 with third receiving $3,000 while fourth and fifth will pay $2,500 and $2,000” Sixth through tenth place finishers earn, $1,800, $1,700, $1,500, $1,400 and $1,100. In concluding Ellwood noted, “we are fine tuning 11th through 22nd, but I can tell you the race still pays $600 to start”.
Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa is the defending Islip 300 by HighMark Building Efficiency winner with the Elite Towing Long Island based team.
The Islip 300 by HighMark Building Efficiency will roll to the starting grid Saturday November 16th at Riverhead Raceway. Complimenting the program are a 50-lap, Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified event, 40-lap INEX Legend Race Car event and the popular Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars.
Race day itinerary for November 16th and the upcoming Ch
