Champions Honored at Riverhead Luncheon

The final installment of the annual Riverhead Raceway Champion’s Luncheon was staged Sunday afternoon at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Center Moriches as the 2015 NASCAR Whelen All American Series champions were honored for their accomplishments. Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead led the annual “parade of champions” winning both the NASCAR Modified and Figure Eight championships in 2015.
On the strength of 9 feature event wins in 2015 Tom Rogers Jr. went on to win his third career NASCAR Modified championship with this one perhaps made sweeter for Tom by the fact it was the first career championship for car owner Joe Ambrose. Ambrose a former driver turned owner has spent his entire adult life racing at Riverhead Raceway. The duo were not only presented the owner and driver championship trophies but also the annual Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Long Island Drivers Cup, a perpetual award that dates back to 2001.

Chasing Rogers in the final NASCAR Modified rankings were Kyle Soper, Ryan Preece, John Fortin Sr. and Howie Brode. Kyle Soper was named the 2015 NASCAR Modified Rookie of the Year while Bill & Barbara Park won the Best Appearing Car award.

For the second time in his Late Model career Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead was honored as champion with his car owner Jim Wichert who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. Following McDermott were Mike Bologna, Kevin Metzger, Chris LaSpisa and Shawn Patrick. Kaitlyn Schober won the Rookie of the Year honors while Roger Oxee was voted Best Appearing Car.

Prior to accepting his NASCAR Modified championship laurels, Tom Rogers Jr. first enjoyed his third career Figure Eight championship presentation. Rogers along with car owners Keith Repp and “Gizmo” basked in the spotlight of the 2015 championship. Roger Maynor, Mike Mujsce, Tom Ferrara and Scott Pedersen were second through fifth. Artie Pedersen III was tabbed Rookie of the Year while Tom Ferrara won Best Appearing Car.

John Baker of Brookhaven will go down in the Riverhead record books as the final Charger champion and Sunday was feted for that honor along with his car owner and father Daryl. John visited victory lane four times on his way to the crown. Eric Zeh, Ray Minieri, CJ Lehmann and Chris Turbush followed Baker in the final standings. Steve Mastro was named Rookie of the Year while Baker also walked off with Best Appearing Car.

Tom Pickerell of Huntington for the second year in a row took home the Blunderbust championship and was honored along with his daughter and car owner Dimitra. The 2015 championship was the fourth overall in Tom’s Blunderbust career. Second through fifth were Jack Handley Jr., Tom Sullivan, Jim Laird Jr. and Tim Mulqueen. Best Appearing Car honors went ot Jim Laird Jr.

Lou Maestri of Deer Park collected his 5th career Super Pro Truck championship trophy Sunday and was joined center stage by long time team supports and co-owner John Kirk. Dave Brigati, Mark Stewart, Mike Albasini and Jimmy Rennick Jr. completed the top five, with Rennick also capturing Best Appearing Truck honors.

Sunday 2015 Legend Race Car champion Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills completed his dream season as he was honored for his championship season that saw him drive to six feature event wins. Joining him onstage was longtime girlfriend Brenna Latour. Vinny Delaney, Richie Davidowitz, Kyle Ellwood and George Tomko Jr. rounded out second through fifth. Greg Harris was voted Best Appearing Car.

Mike Smith of Kings Park for the first time in his long illustrious career won the 2015 Demolition Derby championship but was unable to attend the event due to a Florida vacation.

Prior to the presentation of the awards luncheon attendees enjoyed some fabulous food from TJ Halpin’s of Setauket which is owned by Riverhead Raceway announcer Stephen Halpin and home to the Long Island Daytona 500 Party Sunday February 21st.

Mike Cappielllo, John Ellwood and Tom Kraft joined emcee Bob Finan in presenting all the awards that were provided by Barbara & Jim Cromarty as well NASCAR.

During the event it was disclosed by Bob Finan that indeed this would be the final Champions Luncheon as new track owners Eddie & Connie Partridge & Tom Gatz have announced a return to a more formal awards dinner & ceremony. The 2016 Riverhead Raceway champions will be honored on Saturday evening January 7th, 2017 at Giorgio’s of Baiting Hollow.

For the entire 2016 Riverhead Raceway schedule please visit www.riverheadraceway.com or call 631-842-RACE.

Source: Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR