Sports

With another win, Rogers closes in on modified title

Tom Rogers Jr. of Patchogue inched another step closer to his second career NASCAR modified championship at Riverhead Raceway on Saturday night when he won a 35-lap feature event for his fourth win of the 2010 campaign. The triumph was the 13th of Rogers’ career. His nearest rival for the championship, John Fortin of Holtsville, finished second, but Rogers gained two points in the title chase and leads by 16 over Fortin with two races remaining in the season.

It was Rogers’ sixth win this year, including a figure eight and legend race car feature.

“What’s even nicer is this is my 13th win and that ties me with another sponsor of mine, Frank Vigliarolo of Frankie’s Towing, on the all-time win list,” said Rogers.

Immediately following Rogers and Fortin to the finish line were Dave Brigati of Calverton, Timmy Solomito of Islip and Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville.

In other races:

The largest late model field in recent memory turned out for a scheduled 50-lap affair, as 21 cars signed into the pit area. When the dust settled, it was Peter Eriksen of Baldwin taking the victory in 31 laps as the caution-marred race hit its time limit.

No less than five attempts were needed to try and get the race under way as numerous yellow flags waved before a full lap was in the book. Eriksen, for the 44th time in his career, ended up in victory lane. Rusty Turbush of Manorville finished second, and Roger Oxee of Peconic took third.

Frank Dumicich Jr. of East Quogue led all but three laps to win a 20-lap charger main event for his second win of the year to go with his one victory in the super pro truck class. Roger Turbush of Riverhead was second, with third going to Kory Comiskey of Islip Terrace.

Tommy Walkowiak of Ridge posted his 42nd career blunderbust win when he came out on top in a 20-lap race. It was his fourth win of the season. Tom Sullivan of Massapequa was second. Ron Langdon of Wantagh roared from 16th to finish third.

Michael Rommeney of Maspeth picked up his second straight win in the full-size school bus demolition derby.