Henry Cataldo Returns to Riverhead
Ron
Gibbs, owner of the Ron Gibbs Racing #44 Charger, announced that RGR has
joined forces with the Phantom Racing Team and driver Henry “The
Phantom” Cataldo for the 2006 season at Riverhead Raceway.
“Ron
Gibbs Racing is very excited about our prospects for the 2006 season
with our new driver Henry Cataldo,” said Gibbs. “He brings a blend of
talent and proven experience that I feel can make the #44 car a serious
contender for the Charger Division championship.”
After
winning the Blunderbust Division championship in 2000, Cataldo competed
for three more seasons in the Modified Division before taking a break
for some “family time” with his wife Denise and his young son Michael.
With his new ride at RGR, The Phantom is very anxious to get back into
action. “I had some feelers over the last couple of seasons,” he said,
“but either the timing or the situation weren’t right. When I talked to
Ron Gibbs, I found that we had a great deal in common. Like me, Ron
also took time away from racing to spend with his two young sons. Our
interest in family carries over to our approach to racing. We both want
to present a ‘family-friendly’ image to our fans, both on the track and
in the pit. And we both want to win! The first time I talked to Ron, I
knew this was a good fit for both of us.”
In
addition to Gibbs and Cataldo, the #44 car will be in the capable and
experienced hands of Crew Chief John Engelbert, who has more than 20
years of experience as a Crew Chief on the Charger Division. Several
other veteran crew members, including Tire Specialist Bill Green, will
be contributing their talent and expertise to the team. The team’s
major sponsors, including The Irish Coffee Pub, Post Office Café,
Bellport Country Club, Night Cap, Bee Line Towing, Sharper Image
Collision, Bunger Surfboards, Automatic Technology and Grand View Auto
Body are already on board and negotiations are underway to sign several
more sponsors. A team website is currently under construction.
Everyone connected with Ron Gibbs Racing is looking forward to Opening
Night on May 6 with great anticipation. “With our combination of a
great car, a talented driver, a dedicated and experienced crew and loyal
sponsors,” says Gibbs, “I think we’re going to be a force to be reckoned
with.”