2014 Season Preview Series: Eric Zeh, Kenny Hyde Jr. and More
LongIslandJam.com’s next installment of its 2014 Season Preview series includes Modified driver Timmy Solomito; Charger driver Eric Zeh and Figure 8 driver Kenny Hyde Jr.
Timmy Solomito
Timmy Solomito had a great 2013 season at Riverhead Raceway, finishing second in points to Howie Brode with five wins. But 2014 is already off to a great start for Solomito and he’s only hit the track once.
Solomito just got engaged to his girlfriend, Shannon Leonard.
“I’ve been together with her for three years,” said Solomito. “She puts up with all my racing and stuff so she’s a keeper.”
But Solomito is ready to hit the track again, and that will happen soon as he is going to head up to Thompson Speedway for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Icebreaker 150 in the family owned No. 89. Solomito plans on doing quite a few Tour events this year with the family car as well as with Wayne Anderson, whom he drives for weekly at Riverhead.
“Right now we kind of have it scheduled (for) as many that don’t interfere with Riverhead,” he said. “I think it will end up turning out to be around like eight or nine I think including the ones at Riverhead. I know Wayne’s been talking about maybe trying to make it to New Hampshire this year or maybe next year. He really wants to go and cross things off the bucket list for me which is great.”
But winning the championship at Riverhead this year is the main goal for Solomito.
“I’m real excited. Wayne’s got a lot in the works as far as building a new car,” said Solomito. “And the red car got all revamped. I’m really looking forward to getting it going with them guys. They’ve treated me so good. I couldn’t ask for a better car and better sponsors. I’m really excited to get going with them and hopefully get them a lot of wins this year and I’m hoping to get a championship with them as well. That would definitely be great, and hopefully that can catapult us to the next level.”
Eric Zeh
Eric Zeh will be returning for the 2014 season in order to defend his 2013 Charger Championship.
Currently, Zeh is seeking additional sponsorship to help him contend for the championship once again.
He plans on returning to Riverhead with a completely different paint scheme than his 2013 car.
“We will have a new paint scheme this season,” said Zeh, “in memory of my grandfather (Carl) who passed away a few weeks ago.”
Kenny Hyde Jr.
Kenny Hyde Jr., the 2013 Riverhead Raceway Figure 8 Champion, can’t wait for the 2014 season to start.
“The off season is going good,” said Hyde, “but time can’t come fast enough to get back behind the wheel.”
As the 2014 season approaches, Hyde’s goals remain identical to last seasons.
“My plans for 2014 are pretty much the same as 2013,” said Hyde, “I’m definitely going for the championship again and to hopefully win a race or two. Toward the end of 2013 we got the car going in the right direction and I’m hoping that this season we are able to go further with that.”
Sources: Danielle McCormack; Rob Blount