12/04/2003

ENDURO RACING CONTINUES TO FLOURISH AT RIVERHEAD

   Once thought to be just a "fad" in auto racing, Enduro racing has stood the test of time at Riverhead Raceway for well over a decade and continues to flourish at the eastern Long Island quarter mile oval. Another action packed Enduro season will kick-off at Barbara and Jim Cromarty's facility on Sunday afternoon April 25th.
    One thing Enduro purists are guaranteed to find at any Riverhead Raceway Enduro show is the variety of events that are conducted. In fact, track announcer and noted radio broadcaster, Jeff Bressler, recently tabbed Riverhead as the "Enduro capital of the world," a statement that is hard to argue.
    Some of the best side by side, last lap battles for the victory can be found in these "wall to wall brawls" on any given Enduro date. Aside from providing great action during their own races, the Enduro series has also been a feeder division to the six classes that make-up the weekly NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Chief among those Enduro graduates is two-time Blunderbust kingpin Eugene Malverty, who still enjoys a good Enduro or two as well.
    Not resting on any laurels in 2003 track officials introduced the Grand Enduro, a race geared toward the more sophisticated Enduro car and driver With the advent of the Grand Enduro, the regular 8-Cylinder Enduro found a more even playing field established and indeed made those races much more competitive.
    "Dynamite" Danny Webster dominated the new Grand Enduro class for 2003, scoring four out of a possible seven victories. Also taking home wins in the Grand Enduro competition were, Eugene Malverty, 'Lil John Alway and Ed Brill.
    Meanwhile the 2003 8-Cylinder Enduro races saw Walter Stroud Jr. lead the way with 3 wins, with Eugene Malverty, Dennis Sheehan and Dominic Ranieri all taking two victories. Eddie Russo, Anthony Pizzo, Tommy Walkowiak and Danny Webster enjoyed single trips to the winner's circle.
    For the compact car enthusiasts Riverhead Raceway offers a 4-Cylinder Enduro on Enduro Sundays and leading the way to victory lane were both Pat Verwys Jr. and Billy Weigelt who each won twice. Steve Johnson and Michael Smith each scored single wins. The last 4-Cylinder Enduro in September saw nearly 100-cars enter, a track record, and officials hope to have to run two races per show in '04.
    Not to be left out are the truck fans and competitors with a 4/6 Cylinder Truck Enduro a fixture on Enduro race day. John Cozza dominated this class in 2003 as the former Blunderbust champion won four of seven races. Andy Owen, Dan Jones and Rob McCormick all took single wins.
    How talented and entertaining are the Riverhead Raceway Enduro racers and races? Enough that each class will run as part of a NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Saturday night program during the month of July in lieu of the normal Sunday afternoon date.
    After the April 25th lid-lifter the remaining Enduro cards on the 2004 Riverhead Raceway slate are as follows, Sunday May 30th, June 20th, August 8th and September 5th. The final Enduro show of 2004 will be the traditional last show of the season on Saturday evening September 25th.
    The 2004 Enduro rulebook, along with Demolition Derby rulebook are now available through the track office by calling 631-842-RACE from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. You can also visit the Riverhead website by clicking on www.riverheadraceway.com.

Sources:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  December 7, 2003