It sure seems like the offseason is flying by, as the Daytona
500 is already behind us. It seems that many teams are busy
making plans for the upcoming season, though major announcements
have been light, and I don't dare venture into the rumor mill.
As always, all teams are invited to share any racing and other
news with the racing community by emailing
tchirico@longislandjam.com.
Big-Time Changes for a Part-Time Team
For the last two seasons, Doug Watson has been a
part-time competitor in his #3 Blunderbust, choosing to split
his weekends between the race track and his seasonal campsite
upstate. He plans to do the same in 2008. The team, however,
is in the process of making some significant changes that
ultimately result in a vast amount of Blunderbust knowledge
coming on board. Car owner Kim Watson has turned over the title
of crew chief to former Blunderbust and Super Pro Truck
competitor Bryan Sescila. Kim will, of course, remain as a
dedicated crew member. Also joining the Coyote Racing Team in
2008 are Don Ayers, who spent several years working on Dale
Arnold’s #53 Blunderbust; and Joe Sescila, who has spent many
years turning wrenches for his brother Bryan. The team has made
Stanley Roberts the official cook, allowing the crew members to
focus on the car, while staying well-fed. Returning for 2008 are
car chief Steve Williams, Tony “Vern” DiBari, Smokey Roberts and
Jimmy Grimes.
CSL Motorsports Return, Somewhat Revised
As was published on the front page of the Jam earlier
this month, veteran Charger driver Scott Lehmann has plans to
return to Riverhead in 2008, with his son CJ hoping to contend
for “Rookie of the Year” in the division. After the story was
posted, however, James Vaccaro made the announcement that he
intends to bring his #77 Late Model back to Riverhead this
season as well, with Scott Lehmann behind the wheel. It is
uncertain whether Scott himself will compete in both divisions
or focus solely on his Late Model efforts.
One “Quotable” Personality
Many who visit the Mod Series Scene site are familiar with
the annual awards (referred to as “Newky” awards) given out by
writer Walter Newcomb. The awards cover a vast array of
racing-related topics. In December, Newcomb bestowed the “Most
Quotable Person” award on former Riverhead Blunderbust
competitor Wayne Okula, who has long been a crew member on the
WMT. Okula has announced that his debut at Riverhead in a
Charger car is “to be determined,” as he has taken on a
significant role with King Racing in James Civali’s WMT effort.
In fact, Okula is the team’s car chief, and he serves as a tire
changer in addition to being driver of the team’s 2008 Renegade
truck and trailer. Civali was the winner of the Turkey Derby at
Wall Stadium in November, capping off a season in which the team
won three WMT races and finished 6th in points. The King Racing
team's planned 2008 slate includes attendance at the WSMT opener
at Caraway, and we at the Jam wish Okula the best of luck in his
new endeavor.
Gravel's Return Cancelled?
Last month, I reported that Mike "Gravel" Buksa would be
returning to Demolition Derby competition at Riverhead in 2008.
However, upon looking over Riverhead's rules, Gravel realized
that the car he had prepared for the season would not be
eligible to compete. Sadly, it looks as though this development
will prevent Gravel from making an appearance in a demo at
Riverhead for yet another season. We do wish Gravel luck
wherever he decides to run.
A Piece of History, Found Accidentally
Super Pro Truck competitor Wayne Meyer’s daughter recently
brought a book home from the library, intrigued by the fact that
it was about racing trucks. The book, “Stock Trucks: Off to the
Races,” by Peter and Nilda Sessler, is geared towards kids and
discusses several aspects of truck racing, including its
beginnings. Imagine Meyer’s surprise flipping through the pages
when he came across a full-page color picture of the #46 Super
Pro Truck, which was driven by the late Larry “The King” Costa.
The picture, taken at Flemington Speedway, also has Costa’s
Street Stock/Charger car parked in the background, though only
part of it is visible. The book also includes an aerial shot of
Flemington Speedway itself. The day after Meyer told me about
his “find,” I went on eBay and purchased an old library copy of
the book for my son, who will now have a piece of racing history
that is familiar to me in his own personal library.
Happy Birthday, Long Island Jam
This month, Long Island Jam celebrated its 8th birthday, a
testament to all of those who have and do contribute to,
advertise on and visit the site..but most of all to JA Ackley
himself, who took a vision and turned it into something big. I
recently came across a copy of the first article I ever
contributed to the Jam, highlighting 2000 Blunderbust champion
Henry Cataldo. It’s hard to believe that the Jam has been a part
of many of our regular routines for so long. Here’s to a great
year ahead…and many more to come!
If You Need a Racing Fix...
For those who can’t fill their racing fix by watching Cup
races on TV, don’t forget about the Enduro at Mountain Speedway
on March 15th! Anyone wishing to compete must have a one-way
scanner for the event. Full details about the Enduro, as well as
the Swap Meet being held at Mountain the following day, can be
obtained on the track’s web site at
www.mountainspeedway.com.
Already Ready for Saturday Night Racing?
Those who have their cars ready can take advantage of
Riverhead’s pre-season tech inspection days, which were
officially announced. Beginning at 9 a.m. on April 5th and April
12th, competitors will be able to bring their cars to the track
to obtain inspection stickers prior to the first practice
session of the season. The fee to enter the pits on those two
days will be $5. The official PR with complete details is posted
on the Jam front page.
An Excuse for a Break
Now that everyone’s Daytona 500 parties are history, many
are busying prepping their cars for the season that (hopefully)
will be here before we know it. We can all use a little break,
however, and it’s good to get out of the garage once in a while.
It has been announced that Tim Halpin’s band, Groundswell, will
be playing at The Black Rock Tavern (formerly Peanuts) on St.
Patrick’s Day, March 17th. The band is scheduled to perform from
7-10 p.m. Details are available on the band’s site at
www.groundswellli.com.
With that, I will continue my dwindling countdown to the
beginning of the Riverhead race season. Keep your eye on the Jam
for any important developments, and feel free to share any of
your team’s developments with us!
Source:
Tracy Chirico/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
February 28, 2008
