01/15/2004

DAYTONA 500 TO HEAT THINGS UP ON LONG ISLAND FEBRUARY 15TH

A sure sign a new race season is just around the corner on Long Island is the annual Daytona 500 party that has been part of the racing landscape for 11 years and on Sunday February 15th the 12th annual 500 party will be presented. Bob Finan of Riverhead Raceway and his former announcing partner Steve Halpin will again host the affair.
After a very successful debut for the 2003 Daytona 500 party at Mike's Place Too it was decided by Bob and Steve that a return to the Mastic Beach restaurant is in order for the 2004 "Great American Race". Aside from the race and a great time in 2003 at Mike's Place Too, Bob Finan recalls what stood out most at the party. "In the 10 years prior doing this party with Steve and Tim Halpin, never have I seen non-stop food like I did last year at Mike's Place Too" Bob recalled "Even with the two rain delays, once a tray was empty or near empty, another one was in its place right up until the checker flag".
Aside from a non-stop carousel of food in 2004, Mike's Place Too will again offer $2 pints of Budweiser and Michelob Light beer, as well as numerous giveaways. Also currently available at Mike's Place Too is a Super Bowl type pool for the Daytona 500 party that will find one lucky patron taking home a 65" big screen TV. Those boxes can be purchased by visiting Mike's Place at 1086 Mastic Road in Mastic Beach, right next to the fire department.
Of course another staple to the Daytona 500 party are the pools run by Steve and Tim Halpin that find folks drawing a staring position number for just $5. If the car that starts in that spot wins then that lucky fan takes home some cash. In 2003 no less than a half dozen of this type pool went off for the 500.
"It's hard to imagine" Steve Halpin reflected, "this will be the 12th straight year for this party which Bob and I started as just a way for a few friends to gather and watch the race. It really has turned out to be a much anticipated part of racing on Long Island". Halpin currently is a member of the "Tiger" Tom Baldwin effort on the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series.
So come on out Sunday February 15th and watch the Daytona 500 on the big screen TV that someone will take home, as well as the 16 other monitors at Mike's Place Too. Door open at 11:30 so fans can get in the various pools and grab a good seat for all the fun and excitement. For directions call Mike's Place Too at 631-281-1169.

Sources:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  January 18, 2004