RIVERHEAD RACEWAY KICKS OFF SUMMER EXCITEMENT SATURDAY WITH NASCAR MODIFIEDS AND SCHOOL BUS DEMOLTION DERBY

Things are about to heat up at Riverhead Raceway and we're not just talking about the weather. After a week hiatus the 75th Anniversary season roars back to action this Saturday July 12th featuring a 50-lap NASCAR Modified event and the season's first School Bus Demolition Derby. The tour type Modifieds embark on a very busy and important stretch run toward determining the 2025 championship starting Saturday and concluding with a doubleheader weekend July 26th & July 27th.

Two-time and defending NASCAR Modified champion goes to post Saturday in familiar territory as the championship leader entering the 50-lap tilt with a 28-point cushion over second place Kyle Ellwood of Riverhead. Beatty aims for his first 2025 victory Saturday while Ellwood hopes to become the first repeat winner of the season. Another young veteran of the open wheel tour type Modifieds gunning for his second win of '25 is Chris Young of Calverton who comes to Saturday's contest tied with Roger Turbush of Calverton for third in the title chase. Turbush seeks his first win of the year Saturday, as will Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills, fifth currently in points 32 back of the leader. 

The Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds go to post Saturday in a 25-lap feature led by championship leader Eric Hersey of Commack. Hersey a winner already this year has the slimmest of leads over Vinny Delaney of Islip Terrace by 2-points. Delaney comes off a road trip to Evergreen Raceway in hopes of grabbing his first win of 2025. Two up and coming young driving talents come to Saturday tied for third in the standings with both AJ DeSantis of Yaphank and Michael Berner of Patchogue hoping to nail down their first win of the campaign. Impressive Crate Mod rookie Joe Warren Jr. of Ridge sits fifth in the rankings 28-points back of leader Hersey and is capable of upsetting the cart Saturday with a win. 

INEX Legend Race Cars are readying for a 20-lap return Saturday led by championship leader Jeff Farruggia Jr. of Riverhead. A first win of the season would help Farruggia pad his lead, a mere two-markers over Kyle Ellwood who'll be aiming for his second win of the year. Joey Braun of Manorville is firmly entrenched in the title fight just 4 back of Farruggia in third while defending champion Riely O'Keefe of Manorville sits fourth -12 to the leader. Strong running Chase Van Houten of Wading River enters the 20-lapper just 24-points out of the lead, the third-generation talent will be aiming for his second win of 2025. 

Mason Goodale of Riverhead leads the INEX Bandolero Bandit championship chase coming to Saturday night's 15-lapper enjoying a 12-point lead over Emmett Grattan of Southold. Mason won the first three races of the year before his cousin Landon Solomito snapped that win streak June 21st, Grattan, while coming close this year seeks his first win Saturday. Brooke Meyer of Riverhead and Mason's younger brother Wyatt are tied for third in the Bandit rankings, both hoping for a first win. Mackenzie Ulmet of Laurel completes the current top five. 

Two-time INEX Bandolero Outlaw winner in 2025 Thomas Grattan of Southold enjoys a 14-point bulge over the always fast John Alaimo of Miller Place entering Saturday. Grattan has won twice this year while Alaimo has yet to visit the winner's circle. Aria Ligon of Center Moriches, winner of the second race of '25 sits third 24-points back of Grattan with Michael Barry of Patchogue fourth, 26 out of first. Barry has yet to win this season. Most recent Outlaw winner Tyler Oxee of Carmel, NY comes to Saturday's race tied with Madison White of Southampton for fifth, both sitting 30-markers out of the lead. White has been busy running the Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway and hopes to secure her first career Riverhead win Saturday.

In an odd schedule twist the 4/6-Cylinder Gut & Go Enduro racers run just their third race of 2025 Saturday, both Chris Olivari of Coram and Ryan Warren of Ridge have scored victories to date. 

Once the business of racing is complete, the 13-ton School Buses roll to the track for some motorized mayhem. The sights and the sound, oh that sound the huge buses create when smashing into each other will make memories for young and old alike that last a lifetime. 

General admission gates open at 4:00 PM, admission is $30 for adults, $20 for kids 6-12, 5 & under are free. Opening ceremonies are set for 6:00 PM proceeded by qualifying heat races. The JuiceBox Racers will open up the racing events at the conclusion of opening ceremonies. 

To review our busy summer schedule and upcoming Monster Truck, Fireworks, School Bus and other family entertainment events visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com. Emails reach us at [email protected], the phone number remains 631-842-RACE.