10/10/2000

RIVERHEAD DROPS LEGENDS, OTHER RUMORS CIRCULATE ABOUT OTHER DIVISIONS...

    As first reported on Speed Racing Radio, the Legend Cars division of Riverhead has been dropped.  Reasoning behind the matter seemed to be that Riverhead just didn't have enough time to meet the needs of all the divisions which Riverhead serves home to.  As witnessed throughout the year, many have complained that the pits didn't have enough room to accommodate all the divisions comfortably, with some having to pit in the parking lot to park their racecars.  Long Island Jam contacted the Chief Steward of Riverhead Raceway, Joe Larsen, for reasoning behind the decision to drop the Legends and he stated basically three reasons.  "a) We have too many divisions, b) when the Legends started they were only looking for a couple of shows.  Each year they received more and more.  It became tough to accommodate them with out hurting other divisions, c) The Legends have National Sanctioning and can race anywhere. Whereas, all other divisions are limited to Riverhead unless they make major changes."

    Many rumors have been circulating around the Late Models losing shows and Chargers gaining shows and possibly Exide ShorTrack sanctioning.  However as of now, the ShorTrack series has had trouble with series sponsor Exide for they have not paid up on their 2000 sponsorship commitments.  Due to the trouble with sponsorship, NASCAR may opt not to run the Exide ShorTrack series leaving once again only a main division to run for national gold, which in Riverhead's case would be the Modifieds.

    The Late Models  with their low car counts in the past two years will see less shows.  Joe Larsen commented on the late model state of condition with the following statement, "The Late Models will see less shows.  How many, I don't know at this time. I have nothing to do with the schedule.  If they are reduced it will be to save them. The division is at a make or break point in 2001."

    In addition, with the blossoming number of trucks running, "The Super Pro Trucks may see an additional show or 2."

    Another rumor circulating around the Riverhead racing community was that the Figure 8's may go to Sunday shows in order to reduce the amount of divisions on Saturdays.  Joe Larsen replied,  "At this time there will be NO Figure 8's on Sundays.  Reason, the Figure 8's are a NASCAR Division and Sundays are non - NASCAR.  Therefore an additional insurance and sanctioning fee will have to be paid.  It's not good business to pay extra for sanctioning fees and insurance when you don't have too."

    Monday Night, Speed Racing Radio will have a Q&A session with Joe Larsen at the Noisy Oyster in Brookhaven.  Those that want to ask more questions about what's happening in 2001 at Riverhead, show up early as Speed Racing Radio wants your questions in writing for they have an hour limit as with any radio show and it will be broadcasted live over WGBB 1240AM, and over the internet through their website, www.speedracingradio.com .

Source:  LongIslandJam.com/J.A. Ackley, special thanks to Joe Larsen
Posted:  October 10, 2000