It was announced today by Riverhead’s Bob Finan and Rich Pallai of CARQUEST Auto Parts that CARQUEST Auto Parts has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2nd annual Tom Baldwin Memorial set for July 29th at Riverhead Raceway. If the 2006 edition of the Baldwin Memorial is anything like the inaugural 77 lap race last year then fans are in for another short track classic.

    “We are extremely pleased to be sponsoring the Tom Baldwin Memorial race, Rich Pallai VP of Marketing for CARQUEST Auto Parts noted in making the announcement. “Tom was a true leader on and off the track for NASCAR Modified racing and for CARQUEST to be the title sponsor for his race at his home track indeed is an honor”.

    Tom Baldwin was known in NASCAR Modified racing as the leader of the “Long Island Gang” on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, which he supported since its inception in 1985. Tom also owned and operated the highly successful Baldwin Automotive in Bellport, L.I. that in fact is an authorized CARQUEST Tech-Net Auto Repair facility. Tom Baldwin Jr. runs the family business from Yates Racing in North Carolina.

    “The 2005 Tom Baldwin Memorial 77 was a wonderful short track classic” Bob Finan of Riverhead commented. “We’re both proud and very excited to have CARQUEST Auto Parts come on board as title sponsor of this special race for a very special person”.

    The 2005 race found John Fortin and Wayne Anderson dueling for the first 60 laps of the contest before Anderson took the lead from Fortin on lap 61. Upon arriving in victory lane Tom Baldwin Jr. proclaimed to Finan, “that’s short track racing the way it’s meant to be”.

    The CARQUEST Auto Parts Tom Baldwin memorial is part of an energetic 2006 Riverhead Raceway schedule put together by Barbara and Jim Cromarty, which will kick off Saturday night May 6th. A six for one NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series program will usher in the new campaign with qualifying at 4:30 pm and feature event racing at 6:00 pm.

    For further information concerning Riverhead Raceway please call 631-842-RACE or visit www.riverheadraceway.com

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