Crate Modifieds, INEX Legend Cars Headline Riverhead Friday Program This Week; Tip The Cow Event Debuts

(Press Release from Riverhead Raceway)

The NASCAR Local Racing Series powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts returns to action Friday night at Riverhead Raceway with a five-division program planned along with the Long Island debut of a Tip the Cow race. The Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified 25-lap feature will headline Friday racing starting with opening ceremonies at 8:15 PM proceeded by qualifying at 7:30 PM.

The chase for the 2026 Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modified title is a tight one among three young veterans led by Richie Davidowitz of East Moriches. Davidowitz, the all-time leading winner over in the INEX Legend Race Car ranks is the most recent Crate Modified winner and takes a slim two-point edge over AJ DeSantis of Yaphank into competition Friday. DeSantis was the opening night winner back in May. Just four points out of the lead is Michael Berner of Patchogue who won the June 6th feature. 

With weather hampering the early 2026 Blunderbust slate of races, Jim Laird Jr. of Islip Terrace has swept both events contested to date. Laird, fresh off a two-week Florida vacation with his family despite his win streak only has a four-point lead over Matt Triola of Bay Shore who has finished second to Laird both times. Popular Tom Puccia of Shirley ranks third going into Friday’s 20-lapper, 14 markers back of Laird.

Riding a waved of four wins in five races, Riely O’Keefe of Manorville comes to the 20-lap INEX Legend Race Car feature Friday enjoying a very comfortable 28-point margin over Anthony Marsh of Riverhead. O’Keefe’s Riverhead car owner Jim Sylvester sits third in the standings 42-point back of his impressive young driving talent. Only Richie Davidowitz and his division leading 30th career win back on June 6th has interrupted the O’Keefe express.  

Another driver perfect to date in 2026 is Mini Stock championship leader Ryan Zukowski of Riverhead, winner in all three 20-lap main events. Former champions Joe Warren Jr. of Ridge, -8 and Ryan’s older brother CJ Zukowski of Riverhead, -12 will try and halt “The Z-Man” and his perfect season Friday. 

Chris Olivari of Coram scored the June 20th, 4/6-Cylinder Gut & Go Enduro victory giving Chris an 8-point lead over defending champion John Palmeri of Lindenhurst and Zach Tyler of Cutchogue entering Friday. 

Once all racing is completed the debut of the Tip the Cow race will hit the quarter mile. Basic objective is for drivers on track to catch and tip over either a Mini School Bus or Minivan that circulates the track trying to avoid those drivers and being flipped over. If a driver succeeds, they are declared the Tip the Cow winner.

General admission gates open at 6:30 PM Friday at Riverhead Raceway with qualifying set for 7:30 PM. Opening ceremonies will be at approximately 8:15 PM, or at conclusion of qualifying. $30 for adults, $20 kids 6-12, 5 & under are free. Race teams, pit windows will open at 5:00 PM, pit gates at 5:30 PM, practice starts at 6:30 PM.  

To keep up with all the 2026 championship standings, race schedule or other information please visit http://www.riverheadraceway.com, emails can be forwarded to [email protected], our phone number remains 631-842-RACE. 

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