Sports

Auto Racing: Soper, Fortin win Modified 50s

The NASCAR Modified Twin 50s Saturday night told a tale of two generations of racing at Riverhead Raceway.

In the first 50-lapper, young up-and-coming talent Kyle Soper of Manorville took home the win while the nightcap saw established veteran and three-time track champion John Fortin Sr. of Holtsville prevail. For Soper it was his fifth career triumph, and Fortin’s 31st.

The first 50-lapper saw Fortin come in second, with Dillon Steuer of Bohemia crossing the line third. Veterans Howie Brode of East Islip and Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead completed the top five.

Fortin, however, traded places in the second race with Soper, who was second. David Schneider of Northport took third, Steuer was fourth and Eddie Brunnhoelzl III of Levittown fifth.

Ken Matlach of New Hyde Park was in the right place at the right time, scoring his first career Late Model win in a 25-lap contest. Defending champion Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead and the championship leader, Soper, were the next two finishers.

Tom Ferrara of Patchogue emerged as the winner in a 15-lap Figure Eight race. The 12th win of his career — and second of the season — tied him with the late Ken Hyde Sr. for 12th on the all-time win list. Immediately following Ferrara were Gary Fritz Jr. of Mastic Beach and championship leader Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead.

Dave Brigati of Calverton won his third Super Pro Truck race of the year. His 12th career win tied him with Mark Stewart of Riverhead for sixth on the all-time list. Stewart was second in the race. Jack Handley Jr. of Medford came in third.

Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead triumphed in a 20-lap Legend Race Car race, earning a place at the top of the all-time win list alongside Danny McNamara. They both have 19. Richie Davidowitz of East Moriches crossed the line second and championship leader John Beatty Jr. of Merrick was third.