11/11/2002

CHAMPIONS HONORED AT BANQUET

November 11, Riverhead, NY---  J.R. Bertuccio walked off with $5,000 and plenty of hardware this past Saturday night at the Melville Marriott where Barbara and Jim Cromarty toasted all their 2002 NASCAR Weekly Series presented by Dodge champions. In earning the 2002 NASCAR Modified title at Riverhead Raceway Bertuccio became the youngest driver to win that honor in the 51-year history of the racetrack.

    J.R. Bertuccio not only took home the $5,000 from the $19,810 NASCAR Modified point fund and some handsome trophies from Riverhead Raceway, but he also became the second driver to be presented with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island Driver's Cup. J.R. now gets to keep that cherished award until November of 2003 when next year's NASCAR Modified champion will be presented with the cup.

    Following Bertuccio in the 2002 NASCAR Modified point rankings were Chris Young ($3,000), Bill Park ($2,000) Mike Andrews Jr. ($1,800) and Ed Brunnhoelzl Jr. ($1,500). Completing the top ten were Lenny Fischer ($1,450), Wayne Anderson ($1,400), Ed Densieski ($1,300), Tom Rogers Jr. ($1,200) and Joe Hartmann ($1,160).

    In the 2002 specials awards for the NASCAR Modifieds Tom Rogers Jr. was named Rookie of the Year, while Mike Andrews Jr. was voted Most Improved. Teri Bertuccio was touted as Owner of the Year, with Ed Densieski taking the Best Appearing Car honors.

    Scott Kulesa was feted as the 2002 Late Model champion and that title earned the 23-year old driving talent $2,750 from the $12,150 point fund. Following Scott were Greg Kleila ($2,000), Peter Eriksen ($1,450), Glenn Tyler ($1,000) and Roger Oxee ($950). Rounding out the top ten were Kevin Metzger ($900), Mike Mortimer ($850), Bill Eastman Jr. ($800), Chris Mangels ($750) and Anthony DeMonte ($700).

    Bill Eastman Jr. was named Rookie of the Year and like Tom Rogers Jr. in the NASCAR Modifieds he not only took home that trophy, but a Simpson Racing Helmet from Oval Speed Unlimited. Ranco Sand & Stone, owners of Scott Kulesa's #10 were named Owners of the Year, while Greg Kleila once again won the Best Appearing Car honors.

    2002 Figure Eight champion Tom Rogers Jr. took home $1,000 from the $6,400 point fund when he stepped center stage Saturday night. The past season was a busy one for Rogers who saw double duty in this class in addition to developing his NASCAR Modified program. Roger Maynor was runner-up ($800), with Bill Steen ($750), George Sprague ($700) and Bill Batsche ($650) filling out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Mike Mujsce Sr. ($600), Ed Mistretta ($550), Ron Harrison ($500), Jim Donaldson ($450) and Ken Hyde ($350).

    "Slim" Jim Donaldson was named 2002 Rookie of the Year, while Bill Batsche won the Most Improved Driver trophy. Michael Berner and Bryan Treutle owners of the championship team took home the Owner of the Year hardware, as well the Best Appearing Car for Tom Rogers Jr.

    Rusty Turbush became the third member of his family to be honored as a track champion with his 2002 Charger title. Rusty took home $1,200 for that honor from the $8,520 2002 point fund. Right behind Rusty was his older brother Dan Turbush ($1,050), Jack Orlando $1,000), Ray Minieri ($920) and Richie Carman ($850). Filling out the top ten were, Eric Lutz ($800), Mike Bologna ($750), Chris Buetler ($700), Dave Brigati ($650) and Richie Hubbard ($600).

    Richie Hubbard was tabbed 2002 Rookie of the Year, while John and Suzanne Ellwood owners of Rusty Turbush's championship team were named Owners of the Year. Dave Brigati won the Best Appearing Car.

    In the Blunderbust category Eugene Malverty stepped into the limelight as the 2002 champion walking off with $1,000 in point fund money from the $4,610 total. Bobby Gardner ($800), Chris Chirico ($700), Anthony Aiello ($450) and Sean Byrne ($400) rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Bryan Sescila ($350), Kevin Clarke ($300), Jack Handley ($250), Tommy Walkowiak ($200) and Russell Broy ($160)

    Michelle Malverty took Owner of the Year honors, while Bobby Gardner was named 2002 Best Appearing Car.

    Danny Grennan walked off with the 2002 Super Pro Truck title worth $700 from a $3,800 point fund. Trailing Danny were Larry Costa ($550), Lou Maestri ($450), Rich Giordano ($400) and John Denniston ($400). Completing the top ten were Lenny Costa ($350), Mike Albasini ($300), Hank Hallock ($250), Mike Jurkowski ($225) and Luke Ferland ($200).

    Dan Grennan was touted as Owner of the Year, with John Denniston named the Best Appearing Truck.

    Peter Bertuccio and Scott Schelin were honored as 2002 Train race Champions earning $600 for that honor, with "Slim" Jim Donaldson taking home the 2002 Car Rollover championship.

    Barbara and Jim Cromarty presented the 19th annual Cromarty Award for Dedication and Service to Riverhead Raceway to Mike & Janet DeBello. They also gave a special presentation to Patricia Carbello who commuted from Southern Virginia to work at the track in 2002.

    John Cushing was named 2002 Mechanic of the Year, while Mike Mortimer and his crew were named the Best Dressed Team.

    Bob Finan and Jeff Bressler who emceed the affair moved the program along in quick fashion and everyone was treated to two uninterrupted hours of music and dancing to complete the evening.

   The 2003 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge campaign will open on Saturday night April 26th with all six divisions in action. The opening night will be proceeded by the two pre-season practice days on April 12th and 19th and be followed the very next day Sunday April 27th with the first of seven Enduro programs.

   For sponsorship or other information please contact the Riverhead Raceway office at 631-842-RACE or visit our website at www.riverheadraceway.com.

Sources:  Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  November 11, 2002