04/01/2003

DOWN THE BACKSTRETCH
by Peter Milano

Is it time to come out of Hibernation? With all this snow we had, how many Charger drivers were able to get to their racecars prepared for the upcoming season of 2003? Hopefully the drivers and crews were able to burrow their way to the garage and work hard on their cars. It's time to warm up the engines and hear that sweet sound coming from the engine. With all Charger drivers working hard on their programs for the new season, we can expect to see closer racing than previous years, this division could be Riverhead's shining class!

Seems like last season was all Turbush and Turbush, with Rusty beating out his brother Dan by 34 points. Rusty in the #17x took down 3 wins with 17 top tens, while brother Danny's #8 had 2 wins with 14 top tens, beating out the field in first and second in points. With the impressive season of last year by the brothers Turbush, who's up to the challenge in 2003 to unseat the top two contenders or will they do a repeat of 2002 with the possibilities of a switch in the top two positions. Well, that's what makes this division so fun to watch, because the unexpected could walk away with a win any night that they're on the bill. While there are drivers who are more consistent than others, we could see a lot of surprises come out of this class. All I can say is expect the unexpected as usual.

Jack Orlando's #99 had the class in wins, but finished 3rd in points with 16 top tens. Jack had more wins and more top tens then Danny Turbush but finished nine times in the top five, the same amount of top five finishes Danny had. Jack Orlando must never be counted out. He seems to be the driver no one pays attention to on the track and then takes care of business without causing much of a hassle to his opponents. Then again, when racing on a 1/4-mile oval, you're always going to be rubbing elbows with other cars. Jack always manages to work his way to the front on race nights.

Another driver that has earned much respect among all of the drivers in the various racing classes at Riverhead is #43 Ray Minieri. Ray came away with the title after a huge points battle with the Turbush's two seasons ago. You will always see him moving towards the front of the pack each night, unless some driver goes haywire and causes an accident, which is common again on a 1/4-mile bullring. Ray Minieri came close to a few wins in 2002 but walked away with 11 top five's and 13 top tens. Ray is a driver with a strong motor package and he's one to keep an eye out for if you are looking for some exciting racing action. Richie Carman took down a win last year but this season it looks like we won't be seeing much of the #30. Richie has sold the car to the #10 of Brad Van Houten and is looking to run SK modifieds up in the Northeast. With 8 top five's and 12 top tens, Richie Carman should be turning heads in New England not in too long of time.

The four drivers that finished 6th thru 10th could easily make a huge impact this season, with #36 Eric Lutz, the #00 of Mike Bologna, #21 Chris Beutler, #1x of Dave Brigati and #58 Rich Hubbard. All four of these drivers could drive their racecars into victory lane this season. Dave Brigati took his #1x there last season and looks to improve back to champion form this season, but how much time will we see him place in his Late Model effort. We did see him run with the bigger motors last year. Dave was very impressive with 10 tops tens with 7 coming in 5th or better.

With Robin Vollmoeller walking away and hanging up the firesuit and full time newcomer Jeremy McDermott comes into the ride this season. He almost walked away with two wins and managed 4 tops tens in the #2 car last season. This kid is one to watch in 2003, with great equipment that is proven under veteran Vollmoeller, Jeremy McDermott has the greatest opportunity out at Riverhead this season, unless.... you look at Chris Turbush! Chris took down a win two years ago while subbing for his father Dan Turbush who was unable to race for a period. Last season Chris took over head-wrench as a rookie and took his father's car to second in points. Not bad at all, he has proven himself knowledgeable of a racecar and how it should handle.  Chris bought the old #34 of Mike Watson, which wasn't too old to begin with. Let's see if he can hook it up like he did his father's racecar. Could this be the ride of the year over Jeremy??? Then again... We have John Denniston in the 22x, who looked impressive while taking down a win last year in the few limited Charger races he was in. He did however raise a few eyebrows as he drove up and under some of his fellow competitors. This kid has got desire. Hopefully, he keeps his head straight and doesn't push around the wrong guys. Like most tracks, there seems to be a due system. You've got to earn respect with the Chargers. It took Chris Beutler a little time, learning and listening. But some of the veterans will not be pushed around by young guns and will take them right up to the wall. Money will flow out of ones pocket because of the damage done by a thickheaded rookie. I hope you take this into light as good advice to all the young drivers. Veterans know the cost racing and the extras due to unthinking rookies and will quickly put them in their place.

#3 Don Ahlers, Jr., his return to the track with a refurbished car, looks to turn some heads with his new 99 Monte Carlo body. #7 Darryl Baker climbs the ladder and moves in the Late Models but will run the Chargers when money and time will allow. What improvement will we see from #10 Brad Van Houten and #11x Brain Schwarz? #16 Scott Lehmann walked away with a great win last season that had many fans on their feet in ovation for this hard working charger. Scott has purchased a former Langdon mount for the undercarriage and is looking to gun down a championship season. He could end up in the top ten; a little harder work possibly a top five, who knows? Anyone know why Tony Anello's name is under the Charger roster? Dave Xavier in #31 looks to come back for a full season at the Head. #44 of Jim O'Connor could get more sponsors and in more time he could be a major threat to the points lead. Could this be the season we see improvements from #91 Darryl Atkinson and #89 of Chris McGuire, time will time.

This coming season is going to be wall-to-wall action, something we always expect from the Charger division. I firmly believe this division is one of the best, if not the best, division from a competition standpoint. I can't wait for the season to begin. Till next time, I'll be sitting on the backstretch.

Selah
Peter Milano

Sources:  Peter Milano/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  April 1, 2003