1) Dan Turbush
#8 Ideal Cesspool Pontiac

Danny Turbush claims another championship, but in another division! The retired, un-retired veteran of Riverhead Raceway knows how to win around the short bullring, claiming the most wins this past season in the late models with 4. After winning ROY in the Late Models the year before, Danny took to the division as if he always been a part of it, finishing 4th last year in points. Former multi-champ in the Chargers and also claiming one Novice title, Danny can put Late Model Championship to his long racing career. Danny is not done yet and looks to return next season in the #8. His retirement plans for racing on hold, his moving to Florida plans on hold for a few years. I think we might be seeing his smiling face again at the podium come November for years to come!

A+
14 races, 4 wins, 13 top 5's, 13 top 10's

2) Greg Kleila
#72 J&R's Steakhouse Pontiac

Kleila decides to stay home!!! In the two open sessions the rumormill was buzzing as Greg Kleila said he was done and was sticking to his guns and not racing at Riverhead Raceway in 2007. But, his heart was wrenching to stay home, his home track that is! We were glad to hear opening day that the 2006 champion would be back defending his title. His efforts fell short 48 points, but Greg brought his beautiful #72 late model to victory once this season.

A
14 races, 1 win, 9 top 5's, 13 top 10's

3) RJ Oxee
#39 The Helman Group Pontiac

Roger Oxee brings home another winning season, 23 years worth! The all-time Late Model winner at Riverhead, Oxee can handle his own. Something seemed to be a miss at the season's start. However, Oxee pushed through all the gremlins that seemed to plague his car and it paid off when the final flag flew. Oxee can add another trophy to the mantle or add another mantle for his trophies!

A-
14 races, 1 win, 8 top 5's, 13 top 10's

4) Ken Matlach
#34 NY Metro Peterbilt Dodge

Matlach is back! Ken Matlach seemed to be the bully in the playground at times. Working his way up the field, taking positions like taking candy from a baby. Matlach was a newcomer to the Late Model division, after taking a few years off from Long Island racing. Matlach felt right at home some nights claiming the checkers twice and 9 top fives in 14 races. Always a threat for the win, Matlach seemed poised to take the checkers on many nights. A few incidents kept him from gaining in the final points and maybe a few more wins.

A
14 races, 2 wins, 9 top 5's, 11 top 10's

5) Scott Kulesa
#10 Ranco Sand & Stone Pontiac

Scott finds his way home! Kulesa had a rough go of it for better part of two years. His last win was in 2005 and his last championship was 2002. Scott always pushed through, the Georgetown, Mass. resident makes the trek down each weekend to race at his home track. Scott seemed to be eager to find his way back home in victory, sometimes driving over the edge. But when the night was right, Kulesa of old was there to bring the car into victory lane. Maybe the saying "finding his smile" was the first headline I should have used. His bright smile was electric that night and finally brought closure for his team to know they still win!

B+
14 races, 1 win, 5 top 5's, 14 top 10's

6) Kevin Metzger
#23 Metzger Racing Chevrolet

Metzger is awaiting for a break! Another season passed and Metzger seemed to be chasing to bring back his career to the form he was during his 2001 runner-up finish in the points. Sometimes it seemed Metzger was chasing his tail, trying to keep his line as faster cars tried to get underneath him in the turns. It seems a lot of drivers rather move a driver up in the groove, instead of working their way around them. Metzger had 2 top fives and 10 top tens, the only
driver in top ten not to gain the checkers.

C+
14 races, 0 wins, 2 top 5's, 10 top 10's

7) Doug Wholey
#98 Ideal Cesspool Pontiac

The car owner of the champ! It's been awhile since Wholey's last win, in fact it was 2003. Doug Wholey was the happiest guy at Riverhead the night he brought his own machine into victory lane. Actually after most nights, Doug Wholey seemed to be the happiest guy in the pits. If it wasn't himself in victory, it was for a number of other drivers, one being 2007 champion Danny Turbush. Doug had a career season, coming in 7th and gained a lot of knowledge from his driver. A lot of that newfound knowledge will be put forth in 2008!

B
14 races, 1 win, 4 top 5's, 12 top 10's

8) Jarrod Hayes
#08 BBBSLI Pontiac

J-Rod is one tough son of gun. After a work related accident, it was great to see J-Rod back behind the wheel. It felt great too, for Jarrod and his team. They've been through many ups and downs this season, but they always tried to put their best out there each week. Jarrod despite missing a race or two, came away with two wins. His efforts did not show up this season in points, but everyone in the stands know, J-rod can always be a threat at anytime.

B-
13 races, 2 wins, 4 top 5's, 9 top 10's

9) Mike Bologna
#00 Schlaugies Fuel Oil Chevrolet

Bologna closes out 2007 on a high note! Hard work pays off, it was great to see a first time winner in the late model division. Mike came a long way from last year and his efforts showed on the track at the end of the year. 2008 should be a telling year to see if this is where
he sticks or if he will race a Super Pro Truck for a full season with the help of Danny Grennan.

B-
13 races, 1 win, 1 top 5's, 8 top 10's

10) Mike Mortimer
#14 Unique Golf Shop Pontiac

Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Mortimer walked away mid-season and was missed by many. He did bring his team to victory lane once this season. But due to a pit incident, he left his helmet hanging on the wall. He did make it out of state and might be headed up to Lee, Star, or Seekonk again this season. But due to missing the final five races, I have to stick to my grade book and give Mike the Incomplete and it really bothers me! But rules are rules

I - Incomplete
9 races, 1 win, 4 top 5's, 8 top 10's

~The End~