Sports

Auto Racing: Three inducted onto track’s Wall of Champions

RIVERHEAD RACEWAY ROUNDUP

Riverhead Raceway provided 194 laps of feature event racing during a fast-paced Wall of Champions night NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program Saturday evening. Dave Brigati of Calverton scored the win in the opener of the Twin 30s for the NASCAR Modifieds, and Ron Silk of Norwalk, Conn., took the nightcap. Prior to those races, Wayne Anderson of Yaphank, Bill Park of Manorville and the late Joe Biondolillo Jr. of Holtsville were inducted onto the track’s Wall of Champions.

Brigati posted his second win of the year. He finished ahead of runner-up Timmy Solomito of Islip. Ryan Preece of Berlin, Conn., drove from eighth to finish third. Silk and Howie Brode of East Islip completed the top five.

In the second 30-lap main event, Silk was able to avoid a collision involving two other cars, and drove into the race lead with David Roys quickly moving into the second spot. As the race continued, Silk was able to keep a comfortable cushion between him and Roy.

In the 50-lap Late Model feature, the all-time leading winner in the class, Roger Oxee, recorded his 64th career win. Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead was second, and Shawn Patrick of Brightwaters made a great recovery from an early spin to rally for third.

Former Figure Eight champion Arne Pedersen of Mastic Beach spent the last two weeks installing a new front clip on his Dodge after a crash two weeks ago in a Charger race. He made all that hard work pay off for him and his team with a victory, his second of 2013. It was his 11th career win since 2010. Scott Pedersen of Shirley was second. Roger Maynor of Bay Shore claimed third.

Jack Handley Jr. of Medford posted his fourth Blunderbust win of the season after executing a pass for the lead with five laps remaining in a non-stop, 20-lap contest. Bill Wegmann Jr. of Patchogue had to settle for second. Jimmy White Jr. placed third.

It had been just over three years since the patriarch of the Dumicich racing family, Frank Sr., had won a Super Pro Truck main event, but that all changed when he scored his 17th career win in the class Saturday. It was his first win since June 12, 2010. Mike Albasini of Flushing was second. Lou Maestri of Deer Park rallied late in the race for third.

Timmy Solomito of Islip triumphed in INEX National Qualifier for the Legend Race Car, which was shortened from 30 laps to 29 because of a time limit. The race was slowed by numerous caution flags. The final caution waved on Lap 29 when Johnnie Gloor IV lost an engine, dropping oil on the track going into a turn. Several cars slid in the oil slick and into the wall, ending the race one lap earlier than scheduled.

It was Solomito’s second win of the season. Kyle Soper of Manorville was second. The division’s points leader, Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead, took third.