04/08/2000
FIRST DAY BACK AT THE TRACK PRESENTS SOME
FAMILIAR FACES IN NEW PLACES...
(Riverhead, NY) After a long winter, stock
car auto racing is back on Long Island at the quarter-mile bullring,
Riverhead Raceway. About 4 practices for each division were presented
and action was fast and furious for the new 2000 season.
In the Modifieds we saw plenty of familiar faces in new places as the car
count was large for the first practice session. The KeyTrade Online
Team of the #5 Frank Vigliarolo Jr., and #6 Dave
Roys Jr., debuted their new sponsor in
spectacular fashion with some impressive lap times. Al
Ermmarino also debuted a new sponsor, Smithtown Volkswagen, with
some impressive lap times as well with their new modified with a new
Plymouth Laser body. John Fortin had his new sky blue #84 modified on
hand as well along with his old one from last year. Ken Matlach also had his
Dietz & Watson Chevy going around the quarter-mile as well with his new
number 34 yet to painted. Howie Brode had his Petro team
virtually in the same condition as last year and looks as a contender for
the championship. Ed
Densieski was also on hand with a primered car awaiting some
sponsorship news along with many other teams. Chuck Steuer as well as
Mike Petrizzo made their Riverhead return in preparation for a full season
of Riverhead Modified racing. Rookies John Shortell and Kenny Alfano
were also on hand in beautifully painted cars for their 2000 rookie season.
Featherlite Modified Tour cars of #04, Fred Vordermeier and #31 of Tony
Ferrante were also on hand testing for their two Tour shows at Riverhead
Raceway in June and August. All and all a good turnout for the Mod
squad and I am sure more to come for the next practice and a huge car count
to be witnessed on opening day.
Late Models had a low car count this first practice as many were still
unprepared for racing. #55 of Late Model Champion, Steve Tooker
debuted his new Pontiac Grand Prix with a sleek new paint scheme. The
Phoenix of the Late Model division, RJ
Oxee made some impressive lap times on the track with a car two
months ago devastated by fire. Not only were his lap times impressive
but so was the looks of the car. No one would of guessed it was in a
fire if someone didn't tell them. #5 of Sean Egan was on hand as well
with pretty much the same team and equipment as last year as well as the #10
of Scott Kulesa. Kevin Metzger debuted his new Ford Taurus in
sparkling blue. The rookie of the year contender, Ed "Bubba"
Zwickel made his debut by spinning out his blue car. The transition
from the heavy Blunderbusts to light and powerful Late Models may be a
little tougher than he may of thought. Also on hand was the #6
of Chris Mangles, also making an attempt at the rookie of the year in the
Late Mods. Expect some more Late Mods as we progress for they are out
there, just a little behind the other divisions.
Chargers has a moderate turn out but also many were
unprepared for racing as of yet. #6 of Jim
O'Connor debuted his new '99 Ford Taurus body.
Blunderbust standout, now Charger rookie, #01, Rob Tribuzio made his debut
in his sleek black Dodge Avenger. #1, Dave Brigati had his car on hand
with few changes. #48 of John Piazza had a bright orange car on
the track attracting a lot of attention to his car. Otherwise not much
news but as with the Late Models, more will come as many teams are still
working hard getting their cars together.
Figure 8's had a very low turnout, as with others.
#23 debuted a slightly new paint scheme for the 2000 season which looks real
nice. #13 of Mike Mujsce appeared to have a body changed as well but not too
sure of what exactly it changed to. Otherwise a quiet day as
many are still hard at work getting their cars together.
Blunderbusts were few in number as many are hard at
work to conform to some new rule changes. The Feola crew had a new car
which was magnificiently painted. Bobby Gardner was driving Bubba's
old blunderbust of last year which has yet to be repainted with Gardner's
traditional #45. The 54 teams are registered in this division which
will promise to make the 2000 season just as, if not more exciting than last
action-packed season.
A large turnout for the Super Pro Trucks as the
division is continuously growing. #10 of Tom Gallo appeared with a
slightly different but nicely done paint scheme and some new sponsors to
help his championship run for 2000. A sleek black #72 made it debut
with former Charger standout, Truck rookie, Brian Schwarz. #12
of Ron
Humes appeared in slick maroon with an absence of lettering do to
a absence of sponsors. Pretty much all of last year's competitors
returned with little change. The trucks maybe the series to watch for
some awesome bumper to tailgate racing this year.
A relatively large turnout for the Legends as well.
As with the trucks, pretty much everybody returned and without much change.
One car however was a major standout with a neon pink that probably can be
seen from outer space. Another division ready to put on a good
show with quality competition.
A special show was put on by the Long Island 5/8
Modifieds from upstate Kaneouga Speedway. Interesting cars those mods
are, and they are rumored to be a possible new division at Riverhead due to
their showing every year but unlikely with the amount of divisions Riverhead
has.
All in all a great show and it was only practice.
Imagine what opening night will hold in store. One more practice to go
and admission is free, so take your curious friend to see what stock car
racing is all about and I am sure he'll come for some more later on.
Expect some more cars and action next week as racing begins to get into full
swing for the season.
Source: J.A. Ackley/Long
Island Jam
Photos: Big
Ed (#39LM); Bob Flower (#9a Modified)
Posted: April 8, 2000
