EKRA Practice Notes – April 14
By
Danielle McCormack
With an off week for the EKRA
go-karts, karts hit the track to take some practice. While the turnout was
lighter than normal, those who did take the opportunity to run had a great
time on the new in-field flat track. For most it was a learning curve and
for others it brought back memories of the defunct Medford Raceway.
“It's going to take some time
to get use to,” long-time EKRA member Tony Colandro commented.
Colandro
was on hand helping his grandson, Tony Colandro III, whom was practicing for
his first time in a go-kart. With Tony’s grandson now behind the wheel of a
kart, the feat makes the youngest Colandro the first third-generation kart
racer on Long Island. Tony Sr. was an accomplished go-kart racer on Long
Island for many years, as well as a prominent engine builder under his Tony
Power Race Engines banner. He was followed by his son Tony Jr. who won
almost everything you could, from national events to local championships.
Now to keep their family tradition alive, his grandson is taking his first
steps at Riverhead Raceway this season. One thing Tony III already has
going for him is that racing is in his blood, and his enthusiasm for the
sport is unmatched, ready to take to the track whenever he can.
In addition to the new track,
and one of EKRA’s newest drivers, Colandro III will be competing in a new
class – the Kid Champ Kart class, which was pushed for in the EKRA by his
grandfather Tony. It’s a class for kids from 5-7 years-old who are just
starting out. The class will also be offered at some regional and national
events this year. In keeping step with changing times, EKRA decided to
offer this class for competitors this season.
We hope to see some great
things from Tony III along with new and seasoned competitors this year at
Riverhead Raceway. With the addition of the new flat-track, expect some
great racing this year, reminiscent of kart racing of years ago. We hope to
see you at the next meet, Sunday April 22 where you can see the new track in
action.
Source: Danielle
McCormack/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
April 15, 2007
