RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – Riverhead Raceway officials have announced that the fifth annual Islip 300 featuring tour-type modifieds will take place on Nov. 13.
In their first work session of the year on Thursday morning, the Riverhead Town Board heard a request presented by track co-owner Tom Gatz to draft a resolution to the existing town code allowing for the Islip 300 to be run Nov. 13.
A resolution was dratfed and approved by the board along with two rain dates for the Islip 300 if needed on Nov. 14 or Nov. 20. In 2020 the Town of Riverhead, understanding the plight of the track that was forced to start it’s race season three months late on Aug. 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drafted and approved a resolution permitting the track to operate through the month of October and into the first weeks of November.
“We want to express out appreciation to the Town of Riverhead and the board members for not only approving the Nov. 13, 2021 date for us but also working with us last season” Gatz noted. “These are indeed trying times and their willingness to work with us has been fantastic.”
Heading into the upcoming season, Eddie and Connie Partridge and Gatz are entering their sixth season as owners and operators of Riverhead Raceway. As for the remainder of the race schedule Gatz offered indicated it would be released early next week. The track will remain part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece became the first repeat winner Islip 300 when he won the 2020 edition of the race.
Aside from the date announcement for the Islip 300, the track is scheduled to host the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour on three occasions. The series will visit the track on May 15, June 19 and Sept. 18.