Two for TK Twin Figure Eights, Fireworks Highlight I Love America Night Saturday at Riverhead Raceway
Riverhead, NY Aug. 7th. — Another exciting family fun night is set for this Saturday, August 12th, with Riverhead Raceway owners Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz celebrating I Love America Night with a Fireworks extravaganza. The Fireworks compliment the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series race program featuring the Two for TK, Twin Figure Eight feature events honoring Tom Kraft who passed away on July 29th.
Tom Kraft was truly a Figure Eight icon on Long Island, with a majority of his success coming at Riverhead Raceway. Ranked 5th on the track win list with 29, “TK” was a three-time track champion with titles in 1986, 1998 & 2006. Shortly after retiring Kraft was asked to and agreed to join the NASCAR officiating staff of Riverhead Raceway with his vast driving experience a valuable insight to the race director. Tom saw his new position on the staff as a way to further advocate for his beloved Figure Eights. Many point to Kraft actually saving the class on more than one occasion. His presence at the track, especially at the fourth turn pit gate will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Saturday will be a way to celebrate the life and accomplishments of “TK” Tom Kraft with Twin 9-lap Figure Eight features. The event was originally slated to be the second leg of the 2023 Miller Lite Triple Crown Series with a 20-lap feature originally planned. However, with Tom’s most famed car number 9, the idea to run Twin 9’s was born. The two races will serve as the second Miller Lite Triple Crown Series leg with full MLTCS points paid for both events, as will track championship points. Kim Hyde of S.A.F.E.R announced Sunday that four sets of lap bonus money have been sold for the Two for TK Twin 9’s.
Joining in on the I Love America Night fun are the NASCAR Tour Type Modifieds, Eagle Chevrolet Crate Modifieds, INEX Legend Race Cars, Street Stocks, and Mini Stocks. Once all the racing has been contested it will be time to douse the track lights and enjoy another award-winning pyrotechnic spectacular celebrating the great United States of America.
Spectator gates will open at 4:00 pm Saturday with qualifying set for 5:30 pm and opening ceremonies at approximately 6:30 pm. Adults $30, kids 6-12 $20, 5 & under free.
Please visit our new, state of the art website at http://www.riverheadraceway.com, e-mails reach us at office@riverheadraceway.com and our phone number remains 631-842-RACE.
Sources: Bob Finan/Riverhead Raceway PR