Featured Story

Auto Racing: Hayes, McDermott split Late Models

A spirited crowd gathered at Riverhead Raceway Wednesday evening for the Back to School Bash that featured Twin 50 Late Model events that were split between veteran drivers Jarrod Hayes of Calverton and former multi-time champion Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead. With school opening just after Labor Day weekend on Long Island, the audience was dominated by children who took in and enjoyed an exciting night at the races.

Normally when Chris Turbush of Wading River leads a Late Model race from the start, no matter the race distance, he winds up in victory lane. Not so in the first 50-lap tilt, though. Going down the back stretch on the final lap, Turbush caught the wall ever so slightly. Calverton suddenly found himself first under the checkered flag, earning him his 16th career win. That tied him for sixth on the all-time win list with Robin Vollmoeller. Kyle Soper of Manorville was second and Dave Brigati of Calverton roared in third.

The second 50-lap contest again saw McDermott drive off to the eighth victory of his Late Model career. Championship leader Kyle Soper was second, with his teammate for the night, Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills, third.

Jack Handley Jr. of Medford padded his championship lead with his 26th career win in a 20-lap Blunderbust race. Tommy Walkowiak of Ridge was the runner-up and Cody Triola of Bay Shore was third.

Anthony Pizzo won a 20-lap Street Stocks event.