The final edition of the "Offseason News and Notes" for 2008
finds us only days away from the new year. It has been an
exciting 2008, and it is time to lay to rest my first full year
as managing editor of LongIslandJam.com. I would like to take
this opportunity to thank each and every person who has
contributed to my success and the success of the site.
We are now a mere 16 weeks from the first practice of the
season at Riverhead, and we at LongIslandJam.com are already
beginning to gear up for another great season of coverage. Many
teams have also begun the process of gearing up, and have shared
their news with us. Anyone who has news to share during the
remainder of the offseaon is encouraged to do so by emailing me
at
tchirico@longislandjam.com for use in future columns.
Meyer Out, Turbush In?
LongIslandJam.com, shortly after the last edition of the "Offseason
News and Notes" was posted, received word that Wayne Meyer's
potent #41 Super Pro Truck was sold. Meyer took the truck to
Victory Lane once in 2008 and collected 13 top ten finishes in
as many attempts on his way to a second place points finish for
the season. Meyer's plans for 2009 include a full Grand enduro
schedule, as well as a full 4/6 cylinder truck enduro schedule.
Meyer intends to run the #41 Grand enduro car formerly driven by
his wife, Jamie, or to build a new one. He is looking to
purchase a 4/6 cylinder truck.
The Turbush Racing Team will be adding Meyer's former truck
to its stable in 2009, with Roger Turbush behind the wheel.
Defending Charger champion Chris Turbush plans to do double duty
for the season, wheeling both his #81 Charger and the Dave
Koenig-owned truck driven by Roger in 2008. The team is looking
for sponsorship help for the 2009 season, and anyone wishing to
get more information can contact Chris through the forums under
the user name bulldozer.
Pedersen to Return in Late Model Competition
2008 Late Model rookie Artie Pedersen has informed
LongIslandJam.com that his team is in the process of prepping
the #51 Late Model for competition in 2009. In his rookie
season, Pedersen scored seven top ten finishes in ten attempts,
and finished eighth in points. At the present time, the team
expects many of their sponsors to return, but additional
sponsorship help is always needed. Pedersen can be reached
through the forums under the user name CheckerWon.
Pedersen had quite the busy 2008, as he acted as the track
director for Long Island Karting Association (LIKA) and fielded
karts for his two sons. Both will collect awards at the LIKA
banquet on January 25th. Artie III won the championship in the
12- to 15-year-old Jr. Sportsman 100cc class during his option
year, as he did not turn 12 until October. Nine-year-old Allan
finished second in the championship hunt in the 8- to
12-year-old Cadet Novice 80cc class, while winning the Long
Island Championship series for the class. Details about the LIKA
banquet can be found online at
www.LIKAonline.com.
Lehmann Planning a Part-Time Return to Riverhead
Former Charger driver Scott Lehmann sends word that he may
travel to Riverhead on occasion in 2009, since Mountain Speedway
plans to run Street Stocks every other week. The team is still
unsure of who the driver will be on those trips to Riverhead, as
Scott may split the driving duties with his son CJ, who has been
racing at Mountain. CJ will be driving a 1969 Chevelle in the
Street Stock division at Mountain, and the team is also in the
process of converting Scott's white Charger car into a
Street Stock as well. Scott may find himself behind the wheel of
a Nova. The team is looking for sponsorship to make it possible
to field two cars, and Scott can be reached through the forums
under the user name CSLMOTORSPORTS.
R.A.C.E. Driver Fund Fundraiser Nearing
The first fundraiser for the 2009 Race and Collect Earnings (R.A.C.E.)
driver fund is rapidly approaching. The first event is a bowling
party and Chinese auction to be held at East Islip Lanes on
January 24th. Tickets are $20 per person, and include two games
of bowling and auction tickets. Full details can be found on
LongIslandJam.com at
http://www.longislandjam.com/news/2008/newsmain/news111908b.htm.
To purchase tickets or donate auction and/or raffle items, email
racedriverfund@aim.com.
Winter Meeting Schedule Released
On January 25th, Riverhead will host the annual Winter Meetings
for competitors. The meetings will once again be held at the
Polish Hall located at 219 Marcy Avenue in Riverhead. The
schedule for the day will be as follows:
Blunderbusts/Legends - 9:30 a.m.
Chargers/Super Pro Trucks - 11:00 a.m.
Late Models/Figure 8s - 1:00 p.m.
Modifieds - 2:30 p.m.
Enduros/Demolition Derby - 4:00 p.m.
Drivers have been invited to email any suggestions they may have
prior to the meetings to chief stewards Mike Cappiello and Jim
Maggio at
info@riverheadraceway.com. Rule changes that are being
implemented were outlined in Bob Finan's "Eye on Riverhead"
posted December 18th on the
www.riverheadraceway.com site.
Long Islanders Heading to Atlantic City
Several Long Island teams are planning to head to Atlantic City
for the Gambler's Classic indoor races to be held January 16th
and 17th in conjunction with the Motorsports 2009 Race Car &
Trade Show. Both Justin Bonsignore and Eric Zeh have confirmed
that they will be competing in champ karts. Bonsignore finished
eighth in Riverhead Modified points in 2008, while he was also
very active in EEKR, capturing the title in the Sr. Champ Raptor
class. Zeh, who returned to Long Island during the 2008 season,
finished seventh in points in the same class. JTL Enterprises
will be fielding a champ kart to be driven by Michael Pares Jr.
Bonsignore Kart Supply will be in the pit area to service the
champ kart racers, and is currently taking orders for Burris
tires for the event. Their number is (631) 207-5060. The company
has been a part of the races in Atlantic City since 2004, and
they donate race merchandise and gift certificates in an effort
to make the race worthwhile for all who attend.
Full details and ticket information for both the Motorsports
2009 Race Car & Trade Show and the Gambler's Classic races can
be found online at www.aarn.com.
Expanding Enduro Family
LongIslandJam.com would like to extend congratulations to enduro
competitor Jason Carpenter and his wife Kim, who are expecting
their second child in June. Jason and Kim have a daughter,
Kailey, who turned two in October.
Upcoming Enduro Dates
For those who can't wait until the spring to get their enduro
fix and are willing to travel, there are several upcoming races.
The "Frostbite 3 Degrees" will take place at Mountain Speedway
on January 3rd. Full details can be obtained at
www.mountainspeedway.com. There is also a road course enduro
planned for Raceway Park on January 24th. Information on that
event is available at
www.racewaypark.com.
Source: Tracy
Chirico/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
December 28, 2008
