It’s a night of first wins for a happy threesome

The first career victory in NASCAR modified racing is memorable for any driver, and John Beatty Jr. of Valley Stream is no exception. Beatty held off a hard-pressing Wayne Anderson, a five-time Riverhead Raceway champion, to post his first-ever victory in a 35-lap Whelen All-American Series feature on Saturday night. The rookie was one of three drivers who visited victory lane for the first time that night.

Anderson, of Yaphank, was unsuccessful in his bid for a 32nd career win, but he did take second. John Fortin of Holtsville fought through a tough night to place third after an early-race tangle. Timmy Solomito of Islip and Eddie Brunnhoelzl III completed the top five.

Chris La Spisa of Shirley rebounded in fine fashion after some recent engine issues for his second late model win of the year in a 25-lap affair. La Spisa, who lost an engine in July, quickly moved his racer out front at the throw of the green flag from his pole position and led wire to wire. Mike Bologna of Huntington was second, and Roger Oxee of Peconic overcame engine issues during practice to score a third-place finish.

Second-generation driver Bill Wegmann Jr. of Patchogue was a first-time winner, topping the field in a 20-lap blunderbust feature event. Bill Portney of Lake Ronkonkoma was the second to cross the finish line and Scott Sepe of Ozone Park enjoyed his best finish of the year, taking third.

There is no better way for a points leader to assure his competition can’t get closer to him in the championship chase than by going out and winning the feature event. That’s exactly what super pro truck points leader, Roger Turbush of Riverhead, did in a 20-lap feature. He took the lead on the 16th lap, and over the final four laps, Turbush showed the way, driving to his division-leading fourth super pro truck win of the season. Frank Dumicich Sr. of East Quogue was second and Turbush’s brother, Chris Turbush of Riverhead, came in third.

Anthony Cacioppo of Medford scored his first career win in a legend race car race that was set to go 20 laps, but cut short to 12 laps because of a time limit. It was a sweet victory for Cacioppo, who completed his comeback from a horrific crash.