Riverhead Readying for Evans Hall of Fame Twin-50’s
He was NASCAR’S most prolific champion having won the NASCAR National Modified championship nine times in his career while remaining one of the most popular drivers of his time. On Saturday June 7th Barbara & Jim Cromarty of Riverhead Raceway will again honor the memory Richie Evans of Rome, NY with the annual Evans Hall of Fame Twin 50 NASCAR Modified features.
The Evans Memorial event at Riverhead dates back to 1986 with Eddie Brunnhoelzl Jr. of Levittown taking the 61-lap victory in his Pete’s Towing #8x. Many including the Cromarty’s were all decked out that day in orange tribute shirts for “The Rapid Roman’ on what was a very emotional night with Richie’s family including children Richie Jr. & Tara plus many of his crew in attendance. Since his induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame the race became known as the Evans Hall of Fame 100 with the Cromarty’s part of the nominating and voting committee for the NASCAR HoF.
Fast forward to the most recent race last June where Ryan Preece of Berlin, Ct. scored the 100-lap win in the East West Marine entry of Bill & Barbara Park. Preece outlasted Justin Bonsignore of West Islip and Ron Silk of Norwalk, Ct. to post the victory. Preece will be on hand June 7th to defend his race win and while the format has been changed to Twin 50 features for Whelen All-American Series point purposes Ryan will again be a favorite in both races.
It is expected that Ron Silk will be on hand for the 2014 edition of the race along with “The Natural” Timmy Solomito of Islip, defending Riverhead champion Howie Brode of East Islip, Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead, John Fortin Sr. of Holtsville, Jason Agugliaro of Islip and Eddie Brunnhoelzl III of Levittown. Two teams will make their 2014 Riverhead debut for the Evans Hall of Fame Twin 50’s as John Beatty Jr. of Merrick and former two time champion Frank Vigliarolo Jr. of Port Jefferson are expected. Vinny Biondolillo of Farmingville, John Fortin Jr. and his sister Amber of Holtsville and Ken Darch of Riverhead will also be in competition.
Joining the card will be the returning Figure Eight dare devils making their first start since May 17th where Tom Rogers Jr. won the Cromarty Cup 20 with the Chargers, Legend Race Cars in action along with an 8-Cylinder Enduro.
Feature event racing will start at 6:00 pm Saturday June 7th with NASCAR Modified time trials set for 5:30 pm, Legend heats will start at 4:30 pm. For further information please visit www.riverheadraceway.com or call 631-842-RACE.