Riverhead Raceway co-chief
steward Mike Cappiello was seriously injured Saturday night
during hot laps prior to the NASCAR Modified feature event when
he was struck in the infield between the first and second turn
by one of the cars prior to their 35-lap main event. The
incident cast a dark shadow on what was otherwise a fine night
of racing.
Mike Cappiello of Glen Cove
shares the chief steward position with Jim Maggio for the NASCAR
Whelen All-American Series events at the quarter mile oval. Mike
was stationed on the dirt portion of the first turn area as he
was ready to reset the field once the hot laps were completed.
The NASCAR Modified of Steven Booker either had a carburetor
issue or a stuck throttle during hot laps which snapped his car
into the infield striking Cappiello.
Once again the rapid response
by Trans Care Medical Ambulance was key in what would be another
heroic effort, the second in as many weeks. Mike never lost
consciousness nor his sense of humor. Mike actually quipped with
those on scene that he'd have to cancel some golf outings he had
lined up for the next few weeks.
Upon leaving the track
Cappiello was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center and later was
transferd to Stony Brook Medical Center, one of the best trauma
centers in the state. Mike's lower left leg suffered a compound
fracture with surgery performed on that leg early Sunday
morning, a broken right leg, dislocated shoulder and a broken
rib. After a short stint in ICU, Mike as of Monday morning is in
a regular room to begin the long process of recovery and
rehabilitation. Doctors are looking to perform a second surgery
mid-week to address some muscle damage in the left leg.
Once again everyone at
Riverhead Raceway, Barbara & Jim Cromarty and all the NASCAR
Whelen All-American Series officials and competitors want to
sincerely thank Trans Care Medical Ambulance and everyone from
our extended family for their effort.
