2014 Season Preview Series: Howie Brode, Frank Dumicich Jr. and More
As the 2014 season approaches, many Riverhead Raceway regulars have their plans in place and are looking forward to a new start for this new year. During the weeks leading up to the first practice day on April 19, 2014, there will be a “Season Preview,” where we at LongIslandJam.com feature several drivers who reveal their plans for the upcoming season.
Howie Brode went into the 2013 season without any expectations. But with scoring five wins and running the full season he was able to capture his second track championship at the Modified ranks at Riverhead Raceway.
But for 2014 that isn’t the case.
“I believe we are going to run the full schedule,” said Brode. His team also plans on attempting both NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races at Riverhead in June and September.
According to Brode, there isn’t really any extra pressure as the defending champion.
“We just go out there to have fun and do what we’ve been doing.”
Frank Dumicich Jr.
While recovering from hip surgery, Frank Dumicich Jr., along with the help of his crew, has still been hard at work preparing his truck for the new season in order to defend his 2013 Super Pro Truck title at Riverhead Raceway.
“I can’t thank my crew enough for all of their help during the off season,” said Dumicich. “I also can’t thank my father (Frank) enough for all of his help and giving me the best equipment possible. All of my mother’s (Joyce) support and my wife (Melanie) for making all of my dreams a reality.”
Dumicich is starting his season on March 28th in the New England Truck Series at the Waterford Speedbowl.
“I plan on racing at Waterford (Speedbowl), Thompson (Speedway) and Stafford (Motor Speedway) throughout the season in the New England Truck Series,” said Dumicich.
But regardless of running in Connecticut, he still plans on defending his championship.
“I definitely plan on going for another championship this year,” he said, “hopefully I can repeat.”
Brendon Bock
The Legends division at Riverhead Raceway will have a new champion in 2014. Last year’s champion, Brendon Bock, said he will not be running for points at any track throughout the season.
“As far as Legend car racing goes,” said Bock, “I’ll be making a few starts everywhere, but not racing every week.”
The big difference in Bock’s schedule this season is that he’ll be running a Super Late Model down south. He made a few starts in a Super Late Model at New Smyrna Speedway in February this year, and he plans to make a few more SLM starts on the PASS South circuit.
According to Bock, the Legend car is actually harder to drive than a Super Late Model.
“With the Legend car there’s a small wheel base,” he said. “And there’s just a weird power-to-weight-ratio.”
Bock doesn’t know how many times he’ll be in a Legend car at Riverhead this year, but he knows that he’ll definitely be there a few times.
“I’ll probably make it in for the big races and a couple of the weekly shows,” he said. “But I can’t really put a number on it.”
Sources: Danielle McCormack; Rob Blount