Riverhead Karting Alumni Readying for Saturday’s East West Marine ‘Lil Jay Trinca Memorial
When one looks over the drivers roster for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series at Riverhead Raceway one of the first things that pops out at you is that nearly 50% of the drivers competing today got their start in the Eastern Long Island Racing go kart event held on select Sunday afternoons at the track. This Saturday afternoon October 25th a virtual who’s who of the ELIR alumni will compete in the $1,500 to win East West Marine ‘Lil Jay Trinca Memorial Senior Champ Kart event.
The race is run in honor of ‘Lil Jay Trinca and his mother Keri who lost their lives in October of 2011 in a motor vehicle accident in route to Riverhead Raceway for a go kart meet with Jay just 7 years old at the time. The first race was run one month after the tragic accident and the tradition continues thanks in large part to Brian Slaga and his East West Marine who also sponsor 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modfiied Tour champion Ryan Preece of Berlin, Ct.
Just six days removed from his Spooky Spectacular Legend Race Car win at Wall Stadium this past Saturday Richie Davidowitz of East Moriches is hoping to ride the momentum into victory lane and claim the $1,500 winners prize. Eric Zeh of Selden another ELIR alumni wrapped up his second straight Charger title just over a month ago at Riverhead and he too will be part of the ‘Lil Jay Trince Memorial 48. NASCAR Modified and Figure Eight pilot Vinny Biondolillo of Farmingville got himself ready for the big race by winning a ELIR event on Sunday October 12th returning to his karting roots. George Tomko Jr. of Aquebogue who has spent the past two full seasons in Legend Race Car Competition has actually never left the ELIR ranks and should be a threat for the victory.
The Handley brothers Jack and “Mad” Max of Medford are expected to compete with Jack nearly winning the 2014 Blunderbust title at Riverhead, while Max made an impressive debut in the Truck Enduro ranks.Joe Warren Jr. of Ridge will also be going for the East West Marine ‘Lil Jay Trinca Memorial gold as the 2013 4/6-Cylinder Car Enduro champion will also be a threat for the big win. “The Real Deal” Mark Stewart of Riverhead over the past two seasons has won eight Super Pro Truck main events and will return to ELIR action Saturday as will Enduro stars Donald “Woot” Lawrence of Southampton, A.J. DeSantis of Selden and Cody Triola of Bay Shore. Two time NASCAR Modified feature event winner in 2014 Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead as of press time was as he put it “hoping” to compete in the 48-lapper this Saturday as well.
One thing all the above named driver have in common was their love not only of go kart racing but as well for ‘Lil Jay Trinca, a young aspiring racer in his own right and they will all be there to race for the trophy that bears his name. Among the other ELIR karting alumni that started racing go karts with the club include 2011 Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified champion Justin Bonsignore as well 2012 NASCAR Modified champion Shawn Solomito and his brother 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year on the aNASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Timmy Solomito.
The East West Marine ‘Lil Jay Trinca Memorial 48 Senior Champ Kart event is part of the three day Oktoberfest ELIR meet at Riverhead Raceway which includes a Friday October 24th practice day with racing Saturday and Sunday. For further details please visit the track web page at www.riverheadraceway.com or you can e-mail ELIR official Linda Solomito at lsolomito@rbscorp.com