July 23, 2019
RIVERHEAD RACEWAY TO HOST NOSTALGIC NIGHT SATURDAY JULY 27TH WITH ANNUAL BALDWIN, EVANS & JARZOMBEK 77, CROMARTY WALL OF CHAMPIONS INDUCTIONS & VINTAGE ALL STARS

Bob Finan PR

​ 
Saturday night July 27th will feature a throwback theme at Riverhead Raceway as the track honors three of the most legendary names in NASCAR Modified racing with the annual running of the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77, and a race that collectively race teams and fans look forward to every season. In keeping with the nostalgic theme for the night the annual induction of three former driving stars Tommy Washburn, Jack Reinhard and "Downtown" George Brown will take place prior to the night's features while the Vintage All Stars run their third race of '19. A full card of NASCAR Whelen All American Series action will also be presented.
 
"Tiger" Tom Baldwin, "The Rapid Roman" Richie Evans and "Charging" Charlie Jarzombek where three of the most recognizable names in NASCAR and open competition type Modifieds but despite their on track success remained extremely popular with race fans as well fellow competitors. Charlie Jarzombek who was raised and remained in Baiting Hollow his entire life leads all Riverhead Raceway Modified competitors with 63 career win and was also a five time track champion. Whenever Richie Evans and his "Big Orange" rig rolled into either Islip Speedway, Freeport Stadium or Riverhead Raceway the competition was on notice. Richie, a nine time NASCAR National Modified champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee won 20 times on the Island, 17 at Islip, 2 at Freeport and once at Riverhead. While he might not have won the races that Evans & Jarzombek did Tom Baldwin's impact on the sport and especially on Long Island is still being felt to this day. When Jarzombek lost his life in 1987 in a racing accident it was Baldwin who stepped up to take over the role as the leader of the "Long Island Gang".
 
Last season the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77 saw former three time NASCAR Modified champion John Fortin of Holtsville overcome two flat tires during the race to score his 32nd career victory at the track. Making the win even sweeter for John was his son JB Fortin, now a rookie on the NASCAR WMT chased his to the line. Fortin after taking the July 20th event off to mentor JB at the WMT race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be ready to defend his 2018 race win against the likes of Kyle Soper of Manorville, Tom Rogers Jr. of Riverhead, Dave Brigati of Calverton, Dylan Slepain of Dix Hills, Chris Young of Calverton, John Baker of Brookhaven, CJ Lehmann of Shirley, Roger Turbush of Riverhead, David Schneider of Huntington, Michael Rutkoski of Mattituck and Artie Pedersen III of Center Moriches
 
As he has in the past Tommy Baldwin Jr. will be fielding his 7NY NASCAR Modified for the 77 having finished 5th in the 2018 77 with driver Jon McKennedy of Chelmsford, Ma. Local WMT talent Craig Lutz of Miller Place has also indicated he'll go for the win in the Baldwin, Evans & Jarzombek 77 in his family owned NASCAR Modified.
 
Prior to racing the Class of 2019 will be enshrined on the Cromarty Wall of Champions. The late Tommy Washburn and late Jack Reinhard who forever will be tied on the all time Riverhead Raceway Modified win list with 31 tallies currently ranking them 8th will be inducted together. Washburn took his first checker on July 12th, 1952 with his final win coming on September 17th, 1966 and in that 14 year span had 8 season in which he won a feature. Reinhard with his famed J6 Pontiac powered machines first won on July 18th, 1953 with his final triumph on July 7th, 1973. Jack enjoyed 10 seasons where he won a feature in that 20-year span. Without question the most colorful driver being inducted Saturday will be "Downtown" George Brown who raced his way to 32 career Figure Eight wins his first on June 29th 1985 his last on July 26th, 1997. George won the 1991 Figure Eight title at Riverhead with his 32 wins good for 4th currently on the all time win list.
 
The Vintage All Stars will be in action Saturday with 82-year old Jimmy Reed of Central Islip their most recent winner leading the group into action. Rounding out the program are the Late Models, Crate Modifieds, Blunderbusts and INEX Legend Race Cars. Qualifying is set for 6:00 pm with opening ceremonies and feature racing to start at 7:00 pm. Adults are $30, kids 6-12 $10, 5 & under free.
 
To view our complete race schedule visit www.riverheadraceway.com and to send us an e-mail you can do that at riverheadraceway1@gmail.com. Our phone number remains 631-842-RACE.