11/08/2003

RIVERHEAD RACEWAY HONORS CHAMPIONS AT BANQUET

 A lively gathering of 450 saluted the 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series champions from Riverhead Raceway this past Saturday night at the Melville Marriott. John Fortin the 2003 NASCAR Modified champion lead the 2003 Parade of Champions.
    Highlighting the evening was the 20th annual Cromarty Dedication to Riverhead Raceway award, which was presented to Chuck Steuer, the runner-up to Fortin in the NASCAR Modified title chase. Steuer pressed on this past season despite losing his wife and life partner, Chrissy, to cancer late in the summer. Barbara and Jim Cromarty presented the award to Chuck, not just for his dedication to the sport he loves, but also for his great family values. Steuer is the first driver since the late Fred Harbach to be honored with this award.
    For the second time over the past three years John Fortin was feted as the NASCAR Modified champion and the Holtsville resident walked away with a handsome $3,500 from a $14,688 point fund. John also earned $6,100 for his seventh place finish in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series New England region, as well another $1,000 from that series as track champion. In total John's crown was worth over $10,600 and Fortin announced he'd be back in 2004 to defend his championship.
    Following John in the points race and earning point fund checks were, Chuck Steuer $3,000, Wayne Anderson $1,700, Tom Rogers Jr., $1,500, Bill Park $1,000, Ed Brunnhoelzl Jr. $960, Dan Jivanelli, $900, Lenny Fischer $878, Mike Andrews Jr. $750 and Ken Heagy $500.
    John Manno was named 2003 NASCAR Modified Rookie of the Year taking that trophy as well the Oval Speed Unlimited helmet. Nicole Fortin was honored as Owner of the Year on the championship team, Chuck Steuer won Best Appearing Car and Eddie Brunnhoelzl III was named Most Improved Driver.
    Young veteran Glenn Tyler of Hampton Bays basked in the spotlight with his first ever Late Model title with car owners John & Sheryl Heather.  Glenn earned $2,500 from a $10,600 2003 point fund. Glenn's family, including his mother Betsy Tyler, Chief Scorer for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, all joined in on the special night.
    Second through tenth behind Glenn were, Roger Oxee, $2,000, Dave Brigati, $1,500, Scott Kulesa, $1,000, Peter Eriksen, $900, Greg Kleila, $800, Kevin Metzger, $650, Doug Wholey, $550, Jarrod Hayes, $450 and Mike Mortimer $250.
    Freshman talent Sean Patterson was named 2003 Rookie of the Year and he too took home an Oval Speed Unlimited helmet along with a handsome trophy. John & Sheryl Heather were tabbed Owners of the Year and Greg Kleila was voted Best Appearing Car and Best Dressed crew at the track in 2003.
    For the second consecutive year Tom Rogers Jr. of Patchogue and his car owners, Michael Berner and Bryan Treutle, were crowned Figure Eight champions. The championship team took home $1,000 from a $5,740 point fund and will not defend their title in 2004 as they will concentrate on their NASCAR Modified effort.
    Chasing Rogers in 2003 were Roger Maynor, $940, George Sprague, $900, Tom Kraft $800, Ron Harrison, $500, Ken Hyde, $450, Ken Darch $400, Jim Donaldson, $300, Mike Mujsce, $250 and Dennis Kurras, $200.
    Dennis Kurras was voted Rookie of the Year, while Michael Berner and Bryan Treutle took Owner of the Year honors. Jim Donaldson was voted Most Improved and George Sprague took Best Appearing Car.
    For the second time in his illustrious career "Dynamite" Dan Turbush of Hampton Bays took to the stage as Charger champion with his car owner Ray Bouchard. The championship was worth $1,200 from a $7,050 point fund.
    Also taking home part of that fund were, Jack Orlando, $1,000, Rusty Turbush, $900, Scott Lehmann $800, Chris Buetler, $750, Rob Tribuzio, $700, Eric Lutz, $650, Brad Van Houten, $500, Chris McGuire, $350 and Richie Hubbard, $200.
    Eric Goodale took Rookie of the Year honors, with Ray Bouchard the Owner of the Year and Brad Van Houten the Best Appearing Car. Harold Burton, the 2003 Craftsman Tools National Mechanic of the Year was presented with his New England Region plaque by NASCAR Representative Jerry Cook. Burton is the crew chief for Rob Tribuzio.
    Another repeat champion from 2002 was Eugene Malverty of Lindenhurst who along with his car owner/wife Michelle earned $1,000 from a $3,870 point fund. Malverty will be moving up to the Charger ranks in 2004.
  Rounding out the top ten were Chris Chirico, $650, Bobby Gardner, $450, Tom Slee, $400, Kevin Clarke $350, Anthony Aiello, $300, Bryan Sescila, $250, Doug Watson, $220, Chris Busick, $150 and Tommy Walkowiak, $100.
    Michelle Malverty was named Owner of the Year while Bryan Sescila took Best Appearing Car honors. Eddie Carroll, crew chief for both Bobby Gardner in the Blunderbusts and Lenny Costa in the Super Pro Trucks, was named the overall Riverhead Raceway Mechanic of the Year.
    Also repeating from 2002 was 2003 Super Pro Truck champion Danny Grennan of Glen Cove who, with truck owner and wife Kim, took $950 from the $3,540 point fund.
    The top ten was completed by, Lou Maestri, $600, Dave Brigati, $470, Peter Sparks, $400, Mike Albasini, $300, Lenny Costa, $250, Dave Koenig, $200, Frank Dumicich Sr., $150, John Denniston, $120 and Frank Dumicich Jr., $100.
    Kim Grennan was the 2003 Owner of the Year and Lou Maestri won Best Appearing Truck.
    Peter Bertuccio of Bohemia and Scott Schelin of Southold won their second straight Train Race title and split $600 for their effort. Jeff Wolfe of Selden took his second career Car Rollover championship in his final year of rolling.
    All eyes now turn to the 2004 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series which will open Saturday April 24th at Riverhead Raceway and be followed by the Enduro series opening day Sunday April 25th.
    For additional information or a 2004 schedule please call 631-842-RACE or visit our website at www.riverheadraceway.com

Sources:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  November 13, 2003