75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FIREWORKS, NASCAR MODIFIED FLYING DUTCHMAN TRIBUTE 75 HIGHLIGHT RIVERHEAD PROGRAM SATURDAY
Over time many special nights, planned or spontaneous have evolved at Riverhead Raceway creating lifetime memories for competitors and spectators alike. Saturday evening, those memories will be feted during the 75th Anniversary Celebration complete with a Fireworks extravaganza to mark the milestone. On track action features the "Flying Dutchman" tribute 75 for the NASCAR Modifieds, honoring and celebrating the racing career and life of Fred Harbach, one of the most popular figures ever to race Riverhead Raceway.
Recently the track revealed the 75 Most Impactful Drivers on their web site and social media as part of the yearlong celebration, a roster that spans the entire seven and a half decades of talent that raced the demanding quarter mile. Annually the late June, early July Fireworks show honors Independence Day as it will Saturday with added flare for the 75th Anniversary of Riverhead Raceway where lifetime memories continue to be made Saturday nights May through September.
For the "Flying Dutchman" tribute 75, JoAnne Harbach-Kitzen with husband Alex are bringing along one of Fred's famed race cars to the event. Alex noted the selection of what car to bring to the race was different this year, "with Stephen Halpin relocating and retiring soon this is his last tribute race, so JoJo and I left it up to him what X-90 we'd bring Saturday". For Halpin the choice was simple, "my first championship interview at 21-years old was the night Fred won his very last race, winning the 1992 NASCAR Modified championship in the process, easy choice" Halpin offered. The enclosed trailer that transports the 1992 championship X-90 Cavalier to Saturday's event doubles as a rolling museum to the racing career of Fred Harbach. Fans are encouraged to pay a visit post-race when the pits are opened to the public with JoAnne and Alex introducing some brand new "Flying Dutchman" wearing apparel by the trailer.
Jack Handley Jr. of Medford won the 2024 edition of the "Flying Dutchman" tribute, a 74-lapper late last June holding off Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills and Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead. The podium finishing drivers were presented trophies for their efforts by JoAnne and Alex Kitzen. That tradition will be in place Saturday for the top three finishers of the 75. Handley will be making his first start since May after recovering from a wrist injury. The 75 is also the first Crown Jewel Series event for the 2025 Ted Christopher Cup; 2024 TC Cup champion Chris Rogers of Patchogue unfortunately is on the injured list with a wrist injury suffered in May. Slepian and Rogers are expected to compete Saturday.
Two-time defending champion and past "Flying Dutchman" tribute winner John Beatty Jr comes to Saturday's race with a 6-point lead over Roger Turbush of Calverton, with Slepian just 12 back in third. Others in the 2025 championship chase seeking victory Saturday are Chris Young of Calverton, Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead, Michael Rutkoski of Mattituck, Mark Stewart of Riverhead, Chase Grennan of Glen Cove, JR Bertuccio of Centereach and Owen Grennan of Glen Cove. Young, Stewart and Ellwood have captured the three NASCAR Modified event wins to date this season.
Enhancing the 75 Anniversary Celebration are the returning TK Figure Eights, Super Pro Trucks, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and Eddie Partridge Vintage All Stars. A Kids Big Wheel Race will be presented right after opening ceremonies.
General admission gates will open at 4:00 pm, qualifying starts at 5:15 PM with NASCAR Modified time trials. Opening ceremonies are planned for 6:15 PM. Adults are $30, kids 6-12 $20, 5 & under are free.
To view our busy summer schedule of racing and family entertainment events please visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails reach us at [email protected]. To phone us please dial 631-842-RACE.