12/12/2003

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR JOHN FORTIN

    After racing to the 2003 NASCAR Modified championship at Riverhead Raceway without a major sponsor, John Fortin received an early Christmas present this past week when he announced both a major and associate sponsor for 2004. Fortin will begin his title defense at Barbara and Jim Cromarty's historic quarter mile oval Saturday evening April 24th.
    John and his wife/car owner Nicole formally announced this past week that MortgageOne will come on board as a major sponsor, with Assist2Sell of Shirley serving as an associate sponsor. The venture is a cooperative effort between the two companies.
    "I can't tell you how excited I am that both MortgageOne and Assist2Sell are coming on board with our team for next season" Fortin proudly proclaimed. "We basically raced out of our own pockets until late in the season when we did get some help which really helped because our budget was on empty" John added. Fortin, who will be seeking his third career NASCAR Modified title, also indicated that longtime sponsor, Honda of Riverhead, would be back once again as a product sponsor.
    John also hinted he just might have a major sponsorship announcement later this month or just after the New Year if details pan out.
    Tim Halpin of MortgageOne who brokered the deal was equally as excited as Fortin. "I've known John for quite awhile and we're very happy to be part of a championship team for 2004" It's not the first volley into stock car racing for MortgageOne as they have sponsored Scott Lehmann in the Riverhead Charger class to which Halpin reflected, "the move to John Fortin came about when Scott announced he was moving to Pennsylvania, an area where we have no presence. I do however want to thank Scott for putting MortgageOne on the auto-racing map, his contributions are greatly appreciated
    Tim also indicated that MortgageOne would remain an active player in the Riverhead Raceway marketing program in 2004 as well.
    As for Assist2Sell this will mark their first effort in racing as a team sponsor and John Fischer who owns the Shirley branch feels it's a very intense sport and hopes to get deeper into stock car racing over the years. Assist2Sell can sell a home for as little as $2,995.00!
    As to what the 2004 season on the track holds, John Fortin is a realist. "Without question Riverhead has the toughest weekly field of NASCAR Modifieds competition wise". John continued, "On any given Saturday three quarters of the starting field can win the feature event, so you can imagine how tough it will be to win the championship". Fortin also pointed out how diverse the roster is as well, "You have quite a mix every Saturday night of the tested tough veteran to the brightest bunch of young talent anywhere around, so our work will be cut out for us".
    John Fortin's quest for the 2004 NASCAR Modified championship will begin on Saturday night April 24th when the Dodge Weekly Racing Series will open with a six for one program at Riverhead Raceway.

Sources:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  December 14, 2003