10 to Go with Lou Maestri
It’s that time again for another 10 to Go. This week we have Super Pro Truck Driver and defending 2014 champion Lou Maestri.
How did you start racing?
Lou Maestri: I started in the Demolition Derby; I did one at Islip [Speedway] in 1985. Then we came out here [to Riverhead] in the Street Stocks they called them, then we went up to the Chargers, and Late Models, then my late friend built this truck that we still have today.
How many years did you race both the Charger and the Late Model?
Maestri: [For the Chargers] I think 3 or 4 years, then we went to Flemington and came back [to Riverhead] and raced another year. The Late Model was 5 years I guess, 6 years.
What do you like about racing at Riverhead Raceway?
Maestri: It’s close to home; a lot of people here are like family we’ve been racing here a long time. Mike Albasini and me we’re together when Larry Costa used to race and it’s fun here.
What other tracks have you raced at?
Maestri: Just Flemington, and when they used to have the Race of Champions at Pocono Raceway we raced there. Bethel [too] when it was called White Lake, I raced there a few times.
Which track is your favorite?
Maestri: Definitely here [at Riverhead], I had more success here than anywhere else. I came in fourth at Flemington in the points but here is more fun and close to home.
What has been your most favorite moment in your career so far?
Maestri: Winning the fourth championship, the way it came down with Erin {Dumicich-Solomito] to the end. That was some way to win we had a good battle to the end.
Do you have a worst moment?
Maestri: Not really, I had a fire when I was in the Late Model but I haven’t really had any drastic moments.
Do you have any superstitions or any routine you do before the race?
Maestri: No, you get crazy doing that stuff. Some guys don’t eat peanuts or wear green but not me.
Where do you see yourself in racing in 5 years?
Maestri: Retiring hopefully, we’re still having fun, the guys are still having fun we’re not spending all week in the garage, it’s nice. We only have 14 races, so you race a few, you’re off a few so you’re not in the garage every night that’s what we like about it, and we’ll see what happens. The sponsors have been really good to me so without them I wouldn’t be here. I can’t thank my sponsors enough. [Maestri’s sponsors include: Gershow Recycling, Randy’s Performance Center, Monetary Recovery Company and IGA of Southold]
How do you want to see the rest of your 2015 season go?
Maestri: I would like us to see if we could get another championship and be competitive until the end. We’ll see what happens there’s some tough competition out there.
Source: Brenden Madonia/LongIslandJam.com