Opening Night Report
By Karen Specht

 

May 4, Riverhead, NY--- A cold, dreary day greeted us all this past Saturday night. By race time there was a light mist in the air that covered the windshields of every car. Anticipation, those off-season jitters, and the "wanting to get it done" attitude were running through the division.

Before the race even really got started, Jessica Larsen had a problem in her first Figure 8 race, coming to a stop by the X. After the green flew, it immediately went red, as the ambulance was summoned to the scene. Jessica was able to climb out under her own power, and walked to the ambulance. Her condition wasn't clear; however, she was walking around the pits after the race, and appeared to be alright.

It was a good race. Kenny Hyde led from the start and was the person to catch for the night.  Roger Maynor, Carl Baxter and Tom Graff tangled, bumped and banged their respective cars around. Roger and Tom were able to continue. Unfortunately Carl had too much damage and was done for the night. Mike Mujsce took some laps in a brand new car before pulling off and parking for the night. He did well with a car never having track time before. Towards the end of the race, Kenny was still the car to catch and beat. Both Tom Kraft, Roger Maynor were in fast pursuit. There was no catching Kenny tonight.   At the finish it was a Kenny Hyde win...  Congratulations Kenny on your win!!!

 

Some side notes....

It was nice to see Ralph Tasso return after a 12 year absence and have a nice run. With a bad handling car he can still turn some laps. Just wait till it goes the way he wants.

Tom Ferrara was running John Delavergnes' car, as his own was having engine problems and woes. Still, Tom had a decent race in a car he had never sat in before.

Arne Pedersen still getting used to his new ride, turned in a impressive ride, with a fourth-place finish.

Mike Mujsce barely completing his new car for opening night... will be a front-running car when the bugs are worked out.

Paul Specht is still working out some car issues, give it a week or two.

A few new drivers and cars I have not met also came out to play tonight. Small details and changes to attend to on everyone's cars. In the end though, everyone had a good showing.

Official Order of Finish

1 Ken Hyde, Sr.
2 Tom Kraft
3 Roger Maynor
4 Arne Pedersen
5 Thomas Graff
6 Paul Specht
7 Tom Ferrara
8 Ralph Tasso
9 Carl Baxter
10 Mike Mujsce
11 Jessica Larson
12 Scott Pedersen