The countdown to the 2009 season at Riverhead Raceway is down
to just a matter of weeks, and many fans and competitors alike
are eagerly awaiting the first green flag. The next installment
of the “Offseason News & Notes” will be the final one for this
offseason, as LongIslandJam.com will return to regular weekly
reporting beginning with the first preseason practice, slated
for April 18th. Anyone who has any news that they would like to
share in the final installment should email
tchirico@longislandjam.com.
Expanding the Racing “Family”
Congratulations go out to Wayne and Jamie Meyer on the birth of
their son, Lowell Wayne Jr., on March 26th. He weighed in at 6
lbs., 12 oz., and was 19 inches long. Lowell will be welcomed
home by his sisters Brittany, Brandi, Emma, and Riley.
Patiently awaiting the birth of their second child are Grand
Enduro competitor Greg Zaleski and his wife, Melissa. The couple
presently has one son, Dillon, who recently celebrated his first
birthday.
Expanding the Sponsor List
Chris Turbush, the 2008 Charger champion, made the
announcement during the offseason that he would be doing
double-duty in 2009, driving a Super Pro Truck for Dave Koenig
in addition to defending his title. Turbush recently signed Bill
Lyons Equipment as a major sponsor on both of those vehicles.
Legends driver John Visconti has also signed some new
sponsors. They include 7-11 Stores in Valley Stream, North
Valley Stream, and Lynbrook. He has also signed an agreement
with Avenue B Sportswear. Visconti will be making an appearance
with his car at the 7-11 location on Franklin Avenue in North
Valley Stream on Sunday, April 19th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The team will be giving out discount coupons, signing
autographs, and even holding a raffle for a racing helmet.
“Legend”ary Accomplishment
LongIslandJam.com was recently informed that driver Kevin
Nowak was named the INEX 2008 Semi-Pro division champion for the
state of New York. Nowak finished sixth in Riverhead points as a
rookie in the division, but traveled extensively, collecting
national points.
Nowak started his 2009 season early, competing in the Legends
race at the Waterford Speedbowl on March 28th. Nowak finished
eighth in the event, which was won by the 2008 Waterford
Wednesday Legends champion, Jason Palmer.
The Numbers Game
Justin Bonsignore recently disclosed that his Modified would
not bear the #23 in 2009; instead, his car will be renumbered as
the #51. This is the number that Bonsignore runs on his Champ
kart, and it was his father’s number as well. Fans should look
for a brand new paint scheme on Bonsignore’s car this year.
It had been reported earlier in the offseason that Legends
driver John Beatty would be changing his car number to the #14
for 2009. After giving the idea some thought, however, Beatty
has decided to stick with the #88 that fans got familiar with
during his two August trips to Victory Lane in 2008.
Getting LongIslandJam.com in Gear
LongIslandJam.com is pleased to announce that Ryan McGrellis
will be handling the majority of race reports for the 2009
season. Ryan joined us late in the 2008 season, handling race
reports for a number of events that took place in August and
September. Ryan hopes to compete in some enduro and/or demo
events himself during 2009 as well.
Unfortunately, Etheard Joseph, the photographer who came
aboard in 2008, is unable to return at this time due to an
injury. His ability to return during the season at all is
uncertain. We at LongIslandJam.com wish Etheard a speedy
recovery.
In the meantime, we are seeking photographers for both
Saturday night and Sunday events. This is a perfect opportunity
for someone who is interested in photography and has a love of
racing to really get “behind the scenes”. For more information,
email
jackley@longislandjam.com.
Catching Up On Reminders
All competitors are reminded that no car will be allowed on
the track to practice or to race before going through safety
tech. Track officials are opening the pit area of the track on
April 4th and April 11th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., weather
permitting, to perform safety tech on any car that is ready. The
fee to get into the pits on both of those days will be $5, and
taking part in preseason tech will save teams from having to
wait on long lines on the practice days. NASCAR license
applications will also be available on both of those days.
Legends drivers are reminded that they need to renew their
INEX licenses for the 2009 season if they have not already done
so. INEX licenses are required for all drivers, while crew
members should all have NASCAR licenses. INEX license
applications are handled directly through INEX, rather than
through the track. Applications are available in the 600 Racing
Magazine, or online at
http://www.600racing.com/documents/2009_membership_with_instructions1.pdf.
They must be submitted directly to INEX, and drivers are urged
to keep a copy of their checks in case their application is not
processed immediately.
Source: Tracy
Chirico/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
March 29, 2009
