04/11/2003

GRAND ENDURO TO BE INTRODUCED AT RIVERHEAD APRIL 27th

    Bill Denniston announced today the formation of a new form of Enduro racing at Riverhead Raceway when the Chief Steward announced the birth of the Grand Enduro.  This is not a new racing division but it is a new form of Enduro.  The new Enduro class will debut with all the other exciting forms of Enduro racing at the quarter mile oval Sunday afternoon April 27th at 12:30 pm.
    In explaining the Grand Enduro Bill Denniston stated it had been a year or two in the making, "for the last couple seasons we've had drivers bring what really amounts to race cars to compete in our 8 Cylinder Enduro events."  Bill quickly noted that he understood why since, "many of these teams race at other tracks in the tri-state area where they needed to upgrade their machines for both safety and performance". Denniston added, "That is all well and good but it gave those cars a distinct advantage over the true Enduro cars.  We just wanted to level the playing field so everyone has a chance to win or finish in the money."
    Denniston and track owners and promoters Barbara and Jim Cromarty decided on the title Grand Enduro for the class and they will race their own race while those who race a car in the true original spirit of Enduro racing will have their own events.
    Teams that plan on competing in the Grand or regular 8 Cylinder Enduro events on April 27th, or at any time in 2003 need to contact the Riverhead office for the amended rules for the Grand Enduro. A dozen items are listed on the Grand Enduro rules that differ from the regular Enduro rules sheet.
    "The first race will be a learning curve for both the drivers and my staff.  We'll work with them for the first race but when the second race rolls around on May 25th everyone needs to be on the same page".
    Joining the Grand Enduro on April 27th will be regular 8 Cylinder Enduro, 4 Cylinder Enduro and the 4/6 Cylinder Truck Enduro. Filling out the card will be a Car Rollover Contest and One On One Spectator Drags. Pit gates will open at 10:00 am and the first race goes green at 12:30 pm.
    For further information please contact the Riverhead Raceway office at 631-842-RACE or logon to our website at www.riverheadraceway.com

Sources:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  April 11, 2003