01/28/2002

CHAMPIONS OF MEDFORD
by J.A. Ackley

Danny Jones
2001 Medford Raceway Junior I Champion

Danny Jones, an aspiring dirt racer, would take down his first championship on asphalt, by winning the 2001 Junior I gold at Medford Raceway.

Danny Jones’ family owned #11 kart would tour victory lane many times during the season and would not be one to count out on any Friday night at Medford Raceway.  Although Jones would have a dry spell during the latter part of the season, Jones would break his dry spell in dramatic fashion by taking the checkers of the final race – capping off a season to remember, a moment that Jones classifies as one of his most memorable.

Jones would like to thank his mom, as well as Eric & Neil from KREW Motorsports.  However, Danny Jones attributes much of his success to his father, Rob Jones, of who is a former sprint car racer in his own right.

“My dad taught me a lot,” Danny commented.

In addition to Danny Jones’ schedule at Medford for 2002, this young second-generation racer plans on beginning his dirt-racing career as well.  If Jones’ anything on dirt like he is on asphalt, Jones may be seeing checkers all too soon once again.

Nick Conroy
2001 Medford Raceway Junior Restricted Champion

Nick Conroy’s 2001 season was an incredible one indeed.  This second-generation racer in his #21 KREW Motorsports kart made it look easy, as he would take the checkers every Friday night on his way to the 2001 Junior Restricted championship.

However don’t let the statistics fool you, Nick Conroy’s opponents weren’t pushovers, as Conroy would have to battle some of the best of the island during the year, which included the likes of seasoned veterans such as Amanda Sperling, Mallory Tooker, and up and comers such as Ryan Sullivan, Joe Orlando Jr., and Nick Ruggiero.

Nick Conroy attributes his success on the track to the hard work back in the garage.  Along with his hard work, Nick Conroy would like to thank Neil & Eric from KREW Motorsports for their help as well.

In 2002, Nick plans on moving to bigger tracks, such as Riverhead, Westhampton, and Poughkeepsie.  In addition, Nick plans on defending his championship at Medford as well.  Wherever Nick may race next season, Nick Conroy will be taking his track record with him, and already has more wins than some get in a career.

Joey Palmieri
2001 Medford Raceway Amateur Champion

Joey Palmieri would not miss a beat during the 2001 season, as he would take down numerous wins and at the end of the season, Palmieri would take down the Amateur championship once again, which would be the icing on the cake of a successful 2001 racing campaign.

One of Palmieri’s most memorable moments came early on in the season, when Palmieri would take down his first win of the season, by not only beating his fellow Amateur competitors, but those in the Medium class as well.

Joey Palmieri would like to thank Eric & Teresa Holmberg, Eric Wilkensen & Neil Blatt from KREW Motorsports, Rich Henry from RJH Motorsports, and Jill Nolan.

For 2002, Joey Palmieri plans on moving up to the Medium class, a class in which he hopes to carry some of his success from the past.

“Two years in Amateurs is enough,” Palmieri commented, “Medium is tough, but I’ll try my best to get as many wins as possible.”

If his years of success in the Amateurs any indication of how Palmieri may fare in the Medium class, it shouldn’t be too long before we see Joey Palmieri and his #53 sitting in victory lane once again.

Eric Hersey
2001 Medford Raceway Junior Sportsman Champion

Eric Hersey and his #27 S&H Welding entries would do double-duty week in and week out, competiting both in Junior II and Junior Sportsman Champ classes regularly.  Hersey’s goals were very simple for 2001.

“I have one goal [and that’s] always win.  Win the race, win the championship, or try my best,” Hersey commented.

Although Hersey would earn many wins during the course of the season in the Junior Sportsman Champ class, but it would be a tight battle for the championship that would be determined by the last race of the season.  Hersey’s most memorable moment would be the final race of the season, as it would be a close battle between himself, Kevin Gordon, and Matt Mendes.  But when the dust settled and the checkered flags waved, Hersey would win up with the 2001 championship.

Eric Hersey would like to thank his sponsors S&H Welding, Body Works by Adam, Island Steel, Bonsignore Kart Shoppe, and Motion Pro Racing Engines.  In addition, Hersey would like to thank his dad, the Bonsignores, his mom, his sister, Adam Pollis, his Grandmother and Grandfather, and Joey D.

In 2002, Eric Hersey plans on competiting in the regionals as well as Medford and EKRA once again.  Eric has one goal once again for 2002, and you may have guessed it…  “To Win.”

Ken Vogel Jr.
2001 Medford Raceway Senior Champ Champion

Ken Vogel Jr. and his #25 Brian’s Auto Body/Meade’s Welding entry would be a tough act to beat throughout the season, and Vogel’s consistency would pave the way to the 2001 championship.

Vogel’s consistency was apparent in a 6-race win streak, which did not come easy, as in many of the races it would be a close battle to the end, some of the closest Medford would see in 2001.

Ken Vogel would like to thank his sponsors Brian’s Auto Body, Meade’s Welding, Fischer Race Engines, and Bonsignore Kart Shoppe.  In addition, Ken Vogel Jr. would like to thank his parents and Billy Fischer for their help.

Vogel’s 2002 plans are currently up in the air.  Tentatively Ken Vogel Jr. plans to take 2002 off and in 2003 maybe moving up to the stockcar ranks at Riverhead Raceway.  One thing’s certain; wherever Vogel may wind up, expect Vogel to continue his success once again.

 

Editor's Note:  Special Thanks to Bob McCormack and Eric & Teresa Holmberg

Story:  J.A. Ackley/LongIslandJam.com
Photos:  Howie Nathanson/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  January 28, 2002