Riverhead Raceway officials hosted the 2008 Competitors'
Informational Meetings today at the Polish Hall in Riverhead,
addressing standing-room-only groups for much of the day. Each
meeting segment began with a moment of silence for Carl Rackoff,
who passed away last week, and later groups also observed a
moment of silence for Leroy, a long-time crew member for Tom
Rogers, Sr.
A big point of interest for many of those in attendance was
the tire situation. It had been hoped that an official
announcement would be available; however, this was not the case.
The tire deal has yet to be finalized, and everyone was assured
that complete information will be passed along as soon as it is
available. The only piece of information that was stressed as
being definite is that tires for all classes are expected to be
less expensive in 2008. It is hoped that a deal will be in place
and details will be available sometime in the vicinity of Speed
Weeks. Information will be posted on LongIslandJam.com when it
becomes available.
Attendees for all divisions were introduced to all of the
officiating staff members present. Many of the faces will be the
same for 2008, but there have been a few additions. Paul
Dodorico, a veteran driver, has been added to the staff to
assist Co-Chief Stewards Mike Cappiello and Jim Maggio where
needed. Jim Kelly, who joined the staff of officials last year,
will be returning in 2008 in numerous capacities (pits,
starter's stand, infield) as necessary. Terry Phalen will be
joining the staff of tech inspectors.
Everyone was advised that pit pass holders will be mandatory
in 2008, and should be worn at all times with pit passes and
licenses displayed in them. Legends drivers will have to display
their INEX licenses, while all others will display NASCAR
licenses. Shorts and open-toed shoes will not be permitted in
the pit area.
Officials announced that the procedure for lining up races
will be changed in 2008. Cars will be lined up in the chute in
the pit area prior to the race. Cars will then be able to pull
out on to the track, and the front row cars will bring the field
around the track without having to stop on the frontstretch. The
white flag will be displayed one lap prior to the green flag
being thrown.
The buzzword for the day was "respect." Officials are hoping
to foster a sense of respect from drivers to officials, from
officials to drivers and amongst the drivers themselves. Paul
Dodorico took time at each meeting to go over some of the rules
of conduct that officials intend to strictly enforce in 2008.
Drivers were asked to try to come up with simple matching
t-shirts or some other clothing that will enable the officials
to quickly identify those in the pits as part of a particular
team. A number of other general ideas were discussed, including
the possibility of designating an area for spotters to stand so
that officials may be able to communicate with them during the
races. It was announced that all Saturday practices will begin
at 2 p.m. Drivers are allowed to come on nights when their
division is off, as well as on Enduro Sundays, to run practice.
Those drivers wishing to practice on days when their division is
not scheduled to run should call the track office no later than
Thursday so that any necessary adjustments can be made to
accommodate them.
Head Handicapper Christie Wanat stressed that any driver
changes or inability to compete in any race should be reported
to her as soon as possible, saving time and effort for the
officiating staff and competitors alike. It was announced that
alternate drivers would be listed at the bottom of line-ups,
designated with the letter "A." The alternate driver should have
his or her car staged and ready to go in the Victory Lane area
set up in the pits, so that they may be added to the field if a
driver drops out prior to the start of the race.
Head Scorer Denise Darch discussed the importance of having
legible numbers on both sides of the car. She also stressed that
drivers may stop to question their starting position once.
Christine Healy, who handles registration at the back gate,
emphasized that minors will not be permitted in the pit area in
2008. All those under the age of 18 requiring a minor's release
will also be asked to provide a driver's license or original
birth certificate to verify age. She requested that drivers get
their NASCAR licenses prior to Opening Night, to avoid confusion
when finishes are sent in for that night. It was also explained
that each driver will be allowed a maximum of two guests per
night - for whom the driver will be responsible - unless special
permission is granted through the track office.
It was announced by the tech inspection staff that the
majority of divisions will see no rule changes for 2008. It was
decided, however, that the Super Pro Truck division will be
allowed to run "spot" side mirrors on a trial basis. Officials
disclosed that they are looking into alternatives for the Truck
and Charger divisions due to the recent scarcity of metric
chassis. Modified drivers were issued diagrams of a new required
rear bumper design. They were told that they will be required to
run a 6.5 grade 6-point harness in 2008 as well. Modified
drivers were informed that they will be allowed a single
5-gallon jug of fluid to add to the car after a 35-lap feature
in order to make weight. It was stressed that the cubic inches
of the motor should be displayed on the hood; if no cubic inches
are marked, a car will be assumed to be 368 c.i. and will be
required to weigh the maximum. Grand Enduro drivers were
informed of a 2 barrel manifold and carburetor option that is
expected to make it easier for them to race at other tracks when
they are not running at Riverhead. The 4/6 cylinder trucks will
be allowed to run bed covers on a trial basis, but they must be
securely fastened all will have to be inspected prior to racing.
Hopefully, the positive turnout for the meetings signals a
good car count for all divisions in 2008.
Source: Tracy
Chirico/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
January 27, 2008
