Tom Rogers Jr. Crowned Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified
Champion
Tom Rogers Jr. of Patchogue was officially
crowned 2010 Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified champion Sunday
afternoon at the track's annual Champions Luncheon at JC'S
Restaurant in Manorville. The championship was Tom's second in
the NASCAR Modified ranks with his first coming in 2004. All
told the crown was his fifth overall at the historic quarter
mile oval as he also is a past two time Figure Eight champion
(2002 & 2003) and a one time Late Model champion in 2008.
In addition to the championship hardware from Barbara & Jim
Cromarty of Riverhead Raceway, Tom also was presented the Big
Brothers & Big Sisters of Long Island drivers cup by co-chief
stewards Mike Cappiello and Jim Maggio. Rogers also took home a
handsome framed wall plaque as track champion from the NASCAR
Whelen All-American Series. In his comments after receiving his
awards Tom indicated that his 2011 plans will find him as a
regular on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, but he did commit to
running as many NASCAR Modified and Figure Eight races as
possible at Riverhead.
Following Tom in the final standings in 2010 were John Fortin,
Chuck Steuer, Eddie Brunnhoelzl III and Bill Park. John Beatty
Jr. was named the 2010 Rookie of the Year in the division, while
Ken Darch was voted to have the Best Appearing Car.
For the second consecutive year Kevin Metzger of Massapequa took
home the Late Model title and he was feted with both the driver
and owner trophies. Chasing Kevin were Roger Oxee, Mike Bologna,
Peter "Buzzy" Eriksen and Shawn Patrick. Daryn Miller was
presented the 2010 Rookie of the Year honors, while Roger Oxee
took home Best Appearing Car.
Scott Pedersen of Shirley earned his first career Figure Eight
championship in 2010 after edging out brother Arne Pedersen on
the final night of competition. Chasing the Pedersen brothers in
2010 were teammates Tom Ferrara and Mike Mujsce, with Dennis
Scott placing fifth. Dennis was also named Rookie of the Year
while Arne Pedersen took Best Appearing Car laurels.
Chris Turbush of Riverhead was honored as the 2010 Charger
champion, his third consecutive title in the class tying a mark
set by his famed father "Dynamite" Dan Turbush, a mark Chris
hopes to eclipse with a fourth straight championship in 2011.
Turbush and car owner Dave McNulty took center stage for their
hardware. Second through fifth were Chris McGuire, Jeremy
McDermott, Kevin Orlando and Brian Doyle. CJ Lehmann was tabbed
Rookie of the Year, while Chris McGuire for the third year in a
row was voted Best Appearing Car.
"The Wildchild" Tommy Walkowiak of Ridge earned his fourth
Blunderbust championship in the past five years in 2010 and was
honored along with his wife/car owner Gayle Walkowiak. Tom
Pickerell, Scott Maliszewski, Rob Bader and Tom Sullivan were
second through fifth behind the all-time leading winner in the
class. Rob Bader won the Best Appearing Car award.
Roger Turbush of Riverhead became the latest of the this famous
racing family to earn a Riverhead Raceway championship as he won
the 2010 Super Pro Truck championship and was honored along with
truck owner Dave McNulty. Frank Dumicich Jr., Dave Koenig, Mike
Albasini and Lou Maestri completed the top five. Long time SPT
competitor Frank Dumicich Sr. won the Best Appearing Truck
award.
"The Traveling Man" Kevin Nowak of Medford also won a career
first championship in 2010 with his coming in the ultra
competitive Legend Race Car division. Chasing Kevin were Timmy
Solomito, Tony Naglieri, Chris Young and Bill Hiscock.
Jason Savoy of Lake Panamoka completed the 2010 Riverhead
Raceway parade of champions as he won his first career
Demolition Derby championship and was honored for his
accomplishment Sunday.
Prior to the ceremony a moment of silence was held for Traci
Parisi, wife of Blunderbust veteran Paul Parisi who passed away
very suddenly Saturday night at just 37-years young. A
collection was put together and $1,000 was raised in and effort
to aid Paul and his family in their time of need.
Source: Bob Finan/Riverhead
Raceway
PR
Posted: January 12, 2011
