LongIslandJam.com (Long Island Racing News Site):  News

06/01/2008

Solomito Shines at First Annual Summer Shootout
By Justin Bonsignore

Shawn Solomito of Islip, N.Y. returned to his karting roots and took down the first annual EEKR Summer Shootout victory with a thrilling last lap pass.

The 16-kart field was set by two 10 lap heat races, which Chris Daley of Pleasantville, N.Y. and Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, N.Y. claiming victories and each were presented with a free Dunlop tire.

With the field set for the first of three segments, the green flag dropped, although it did not take long for the first yellow to fly. On lap one a multi-kart crash took out a few drivers. That proved to be the only caution of the entire event, as the field would just settle in and log laps, looking to be in contention in the end. Towards the end of the first segment, with $100 on the line, Chris Daley, Shawn Solomito, and Vinny Delaney would all go toe-to-toe, with Delaney coming out on top and pocketing the $100 for the first segment win.

After a 10-minute break for adjustments, the field was realigned a redraw of the top six drivers, with “Magic” Mike Maskulyak and Shawn Solomito leading the field for the second 20-lap segment. This segment went straight through without a caution with Shawn Solomito and Justin Bonsignore building a very big cushion over the field, Solomito would pass Bonsignore and hold onto to win segment two and a $100 bonus.

After a second 10-minute break for adjustments, the field was lined back up and set to do battle for a final 10 laps. Solomito and Bonsignore led them to the green, with Solomito getting the early advantage. Solomito, Delaney, and Mike Nolan built up a big enough lead to settle it among them. In the closing laps, Delaney would make a pass on Shawn, however, Solomito was able to keep his momentum strong on the outside and roll past Vinny to hold on and take down the win and $750, pushing his total earnings to $850 for the day. Delaney would hold on to second, with Mike Nolan, Justin Bonsignore, and Chris Daley rounding out the top five.

Solomito would like to thank his Mom and Dad, Jerry, Timmy, Kristy, Joe Hodge, Johnny Thompson, Kevin Strumpf of Snap-On Tools Racing, Blue Point Auto Body, and Precision Graphics.

Source:  Justin Bonsignore/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  June 3, 2008