July 2nd Riverhead Demo Derby To Honor Memory Of “Captain Destructo” Brian Savoy
The annual Independence Day weekend Demolition Derby at Riverhead Raceway will hold special meaning on Saturday July 2nd as the event will be run to honor the memory and celebrate the life and career of “Captain Destructo” Brian Savoy. The 4th of July celebration will also include a spectacular Fireworks show and a 66-lap NASCAR Modified race honoring the 66th birthday of Riverhead Raceway.
“Brian possessed a wonderful spirit” recalled longtime Riverhead Raceway PR director Bob Finan, “he loved to wreck cars as well race them in our Enduro events”. Unfortunately over the past two seasons Brian’s on track activity was minimized by kidney disease which would ultimately claim his life after a brave and tough fight. “I fondly think back to one night when Brian competed in a Demo after receiving Dialysis in the morning. That was just who he was” Finan recalled.
Brian who was known as “Captain Destructo” would reach the pinnacle of the Demolition Derby world on Saturday September 28th, 2013 when he scored an upset win in the Miller Lite National Demolition Derby at Riverhead Raceway. The event boiled down to Brian and Nicholas Malverty of Spring Hill, Florida with “Captain Detsructo” coming out on top. The first person to greet him was his brother Jason Savoy who was also in the event while legendary Demolition Derby driver Bobby Thompson presented Brian with his championship trophy.
Many of Brian’s former mates as well foes are expected for the July 2nd Demolition Derby run in his memory and honor including his brother Jason in his “Misery Machine” out of Lake Panamoka. “Fabulous” Brian Fass of Holbrook winner of the first Demolition Derby of 2016 will be on hand as will other tested tough drivers “Pistol” Pete Mikos of Ronkonkoma, “Cheesebox” Michael Rommeney of Bohemia, “Curious” George Astacio of Shirley, “Mad” Mike Smith of Kings Park and “Tankasaurus” Preston Prydatko of East Islip are just a few of the drivers who will be competing.
New track owners Eddie & Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz will continue the 4th of July Fireworks tradition at Riverhead Raceway on July 2nd with a huge Fireworks display courtesy of Bay Fireworks to light up the night sky. The NASCAR Modifieds will qualify via time trials for their 66-lap main event on the night and be joined by the “World Famous” Figure Eight stock cars, Late Models, Super Pro Trucks and a Grand Enduro.
Feature event racing is set for 7:00 pm Saturday July 2nd with spectator gates opening at 4:00 pm. Come early and get a good seat for all the excitement and also enjoy live music in our Beer Garden in turn three.
Source: Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR