03/07/2005

TOM BALDWIN MEMORIAL DATE CHANGE TO JULY 30

    Riverhead Raceway promoters Barbara and Jim Cromarty announced today a change in the date for the Tom Baldwin Memorial 77 lap NASCAR Modified event. Originally it was set for Saturday evening May 7th, but now has been moved to Saturday July 30th.
    In making the announcement the Cromarty's noted the change in dates was being made to accommodate Tom Baldwin Jr. who would not be able to make the May 7th event due to his Nextel Cup commitments. Usually the Mother's Day weekend was an off weekend for the Nextel Cup schedule, but this year a Saturday night date on May 7th will be utilized at the famed Darlington Raceway. Tom is of course crew chief for 2004 Nextel Cup Rookie Of The Year Kasey Kahne.
    With an off weekend before the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Speedway August 6th, the July 30th date worked better for Tom Baldwin Jr, who already scheduled to be on Long Island that weekend tending to the family business founded by Tom Sr., Baldwin Automotive. Tom's younger sister Tammy will be joining her older brother on what truly will be one of the most emotional and special nights in Long Island racing history.
    When the May 7th date was originally announced many NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams expressed interest is taking part in the 77-lap tribute, but the July 30th date finds the touring series at the Seekonk Speedway.
    "All of us at Riverhead Raceway wanted Tom Baldwin Jr to be part of this special night and it was not going to work out for May 7th" Bob Finan stated, "Barbara and Jim moved the race because Tom Baldwin Sr. was a big part of the racing landscape not only at Riverhead, but at Islip Speedway as well and he'd want his son to be there with his daughter".
    The May 7th NASCAR Modified feature will now be a 50-lap, double point contest with time trials while the July 30th race will be the third and final double point event of the 2005 season.
    For further information please contact Riverhead Raceway at 631-842-RACE or visit www.riverheadraceway.com

Source:  Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR
Posted:  March 8, 2005