Riverhead Announces 2009
Rookie of the Year Class
In breaking from tradition, Riverhead
Raceway officials announced today the 2009 Rookie of the Year
class from the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. For the first
time in the 58-year history of the track, two brothers will be
feted in the same year as Rookie of the Year.
"Normally we don't announce the top freshman drivers until the
Champions Celebration, but this year it was pretty clear cut in
all four divisions that the Rookie of the Year applies" Bob
Finan of Riverhead admitted. All four drivers will receive their
Rookie of the Year awards this Sunday November 15th at JC'S
Restaurant & Pub of Manorville at 1:00 pm.
"The Natural" Timmy Solomito of Islip has won the 2009 Rookie of
the Year for the NASCAR Modifieds, just one season removed for
his 2008 Legend Race Car title as well as Charger Rookie of the
Year honors. Timmy stepped into the Dave & Cindy Brigati #99
NASCAR Modified and won two main events during the year on his
way to a 5th place ranking in the final point standings.
Solomito was also named the New York State NASCAR Whelen
All-American Series Rookie of the Year.
Brother Jerry Solomito of Islip stepped into the #66 Charger car
vacated by Timmy and had a consistent freshman season that found
him finishing in and around the top five weekly, placing him 4th
in the final 2009 Charger point standings.
Doug Renalds of Medford has been named Late Model Rookie of the
Year, this after racing part-time in the Charger division in
2008. Doug purchased a car from Dave Brigati and ran the entire
2009 season.
Johnny Vullo of East Islip burst upon the Figure Eight scene in
2009 and, with his uncle Andrew Biondolillo guiding him, drove
to a fantastic third place finish in the Figure Eight point
standings, as well the 2009 Rookie of the Year honors.
Finan also disclosed that the 2009 Best Appearing Car awards
would be presented for all six NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
classes this Sunday at JC'S in the Pine Hills Country Club of
Manorville.
Leading the 2009 "parade of champions will be NASCAR Modified
champion John Fortin who'll be joined by Late Model champion
Kevin Metzger and Figure Eight kingpin Roger Maynor.
Completing the 2009 roster of champions are
Chris Turbush in the Chargers, Tommy Walkowiak, Blunderbusts,
Mike Albasini, Super Pro Trucks, Tony Naglieri, Legends, Jimmy
White Jr., Demolition Derby and Joe Marko, Car Rollover Contest.
Aside from the champions the top five in points will be awarded
their trophies this Sunday at JC'S with the event again being
free of charge and those planning to attend are urged to dress
casually.
For more information please call the Riverhead Raceway office at
631-842-RACE.
Source: Bob Finan/Riverhead
Raceway PR
Posted: November
9, 2009
