2013 Season Preview Series: Jerry Solomito, Eric Zeh and More
LongIslandJam.com’s next installment of its 2013 Season Preview series includes Modified driver Jerry Solomito, Super Pro Truck driver Lou Maestri, Charger driver Eric Zeh, and Blunderbust driver Tommy Walkowiak.
Newlywed Jerry Solomito, driver of the No. 59 Modified, finished 24th in 2012’s point standings. Midway through last year, Solomito developed engine problems that ended his season early. “[For 2013,] I will run the full season at Riverhead,” said Solomito. “I’m
looking forward to winning some races and supporting my wife, Erin, as she races her Super Pro Truck.” For the new season, Solomito will also be styling a new paint scheme. Solomito’s sponsors include: Supreme Skylight, State Farm Insurance, and Ralph DeRosa Realty. Solomito would like to thank his father, Jerry; his mother, Linda; his brothers, Shawn and Timmy; his uncle, Glenn; DeeJay Chasse; and his wife, Erin, for all of their love and support throughout his racing career.
Lou Maestri finished the 2012 Super Pro Truck season second in the point standings, with three wins to his credit. The three-time champion said he realized why he finished runner-up this season. “I’ve got to be more consistent to run with the top two or three guys to have a shot at the championship,” said Maestri. “There’s a lot of tough competition out there.” Maestri seeks his fourth championship in 2013 and he has faith that he will be able to accomplish this goal just as long as he stays out of trouble. Maestri has sponsorship this season from Star Car Collision of East Northport, Monetary Recovery, Gershow Recycling, The Beach Hut Restaurants, and IGA Market of Fort Salonga.
Eric Zeh, driver of the No. 34 Charger, finished the 2012 season second in points. Zeh plans on running the full season at Riverhead Raceway along with a few races at Mountain Speedway in Pennsylvania and Wall Stadium Speedway in New Jersey. Currently Zeh has two sponsors – Finishline Construction and Container Service and Randy’s Performance Center – but he is hoping for further help in order to be able to race for the championship. Zeh would like the thank Greg Kleila, for all of his help redoing the car over the winter and his crew, which include his father, Ed; Brad Bess; John McDonough; and George Tomko Jr., for all of their dedication and support. He would also like to thank his girlfriend, Allie, along with his family and friends for all of their longtime love and support throughout his racing endeavors.
Tommy Walkowiak finished second in points in the Blunderbust division with three wins in 2012. He missed out on the championship by 14 points. For the 2013 campaign, Walkowiak decided to build a new racecar. “We struggled a lot last year so we are building a new car for this year,” said Walkowiak. “We’d like to get the car to handle right and be able to run for the championship.” Although he is building the new car, he still doesn’t really know what to expect. “I’m not sure if we have a championship car as of now,” said Walkowiak, “but we are going to give it a shot.” Currently Walkowiak has sponsorship from Blaze Fuel Oil for 2013.
Source: Danielle McCormack/Rob Blount/LongIslandJam.com