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July 31, Long Beach, NY--- We’ve been trying to write our column and have it up on Sundays lately, and have been fairly good reaching that goal. However, we had to do some soul-searching since this past Saturday evening when our phone started ringing and emails started coming in. There were two subjects that have been on the top of the list that have been brought to our attention. 

The fact is that the first one is known to the media that covers Riverhead Raceway, and those same media wouldn’t touch this one with a ten-foot pole. Even though we’ve been thrown out and have nothing to lose by writing about it, we’ve still hesitated to write about it, and have given it some extra time to make a decision on whether we should talk about it or not. But let’s face it, we don’t much care whether or not we go back to Riverhead or not. Frankly, the deciding factor about whether to talk about it or not is that if we were still credentialed at the track, we’d write about it knowing that we’d get thrown out without a doubt. So let’s get to it. 

Although we haven’t had many long conversations with co-Chief Steward Mike Cappiello, those that we have shown us several things; Mike truly wants to make things better for the drivers, crews, etc. that race at the track, and he is very dedicated. He’s level-headed, and can be counted on to make a considered decision when called upon. Finally, we believe that he is a highly ethical gentleman. We can’t say that we’re close friends of the man, although we wish we were. 

Although the Cromarty’s have never asked for my opinion or decided to let us in on their decision-making process, those qualities listed above must certainly have led to him being placed in the position of alleged authority that he is in now. 

So that being said, it absolutely leaves us flabbergasted that they would simply hang the man out to dry when he is physically assaulted in front of a reported 50-75 people in the pits, including other officials, racers, and assorted media this past Saturday night. When one person loses his temper and pushes and shoves the head official several times, and he isn’t allowed to do his job and throw that person out, the Cromarty’s have essentially cut his legs out from under him, made the chief steward position powerless, and left the man with all the power of a eunich.  

We must state that since Mike Cappiello and Jim Maggio have taken over the reigns of co-Chief Stewards, the tension level that has existed in the pit area has dropped dramatically.  Cappiello has told us repeatedly before we were tossed that he has a different philosophy and attitude about the way he relates to the drivers and crews. For that, we highly applaud their efforts. 

And to do that to the man you’ve hired to run the race program is despicable. It is absolutely beneath contempt, and most of all, Mike Cappiello damned well doesn’t deserve it.  

Let’s go to the second subject that has been swirling through the Long Island racing community since this past weekend, and that is the report that Riverhead is closing, either after this Saturday night or immediately after the season is over, depending upon which rumor you’re listening to. 

Let’s get real; don’t expect to see the bulldozers racing into Riverhead on Sunday. If those rumors were true, it could only come from either one of two sources. Either the seller (Barbara & Jim Cromarty) or the buyer (whomever that might be). So look at the situation rationally. 

The Cromarty’s have repeatedly maintained that the track is not actively for sale. If they decided to sell it, they would make an announcement whenever they were ready to do so--- probably through a Bob Finan press release.

If it were the purchaser, he/they wouldn’t say a word until the deal was absolutely completed so as not to complicate the completion of the transaction. 

So if it’s not the seller, and it’s not the buyer starting the rumor, then who is it? It’s simply one in a long line of people that want to make themselves more important in the eyes of others, through sensationalism. Well, unfortunately, that's human nature.

But on the other hand, let them just bulldoze the place. After all, the Cromarty’s already bulldozed their chief steward, didn’t they?

Then again, that's just our considered opinion.

*****

We want to thank everyone that has taken the time to call and send emails in support of our writing efforts after we lost our media credentials to Riverhead Raceway. 

However, we must emphasize again that we are not upset as most people think we are, or should be. As we said in our last column, we don’t feel any anger or malice to the promoters at Riverhead. Then again, after this past Saturday night, we would have been compelled to write about what happened. So, we only feel relief that our time at Riverhead is over, and that our hands are now untied. 

Over the years, our labor of love, that writing this often has been, has just turned into a labor, without the love. There have been many weeks that we haven’t felt like going to the track; not just Riverhead, but any track. Still, as it was the job we set for ourselves in the 90’s, we felt that it was right to be there every week. Again, we can’t tell you how relaxing it was to spend a beautiful, non-rainy, non-humid Saturday away from racing. We honestly do appreciate all of the support we received from everyone that called and sent notes to us. So thank you all very much. 

*****

As many media members were this past week, we were outraged over the unceremonious dumping of Mark Mockovak, the former Media Coordinator for the Whelen Modified Tour by NASCAR. After 14 years on the job, Mark had shown extreme dedication, professionalism, and expertise doing what he loved--- never mind the patience he showed to new writers such as us when we first started writing. In fact, the last may have been the toughest part of the job, as many of you who know us would testify to. 

The official NASCAR line is that the part-tine job he filled was offered to Mark as a full-time job. Mark would have had to take a big pay cut to give up his full-time job to take the NASCAR position. From what we’ve learned, there is a heck of a lot more to it than that, and I doubt the full facts will be forthcoming from NASCAR. 

There were a couple of very terrific columns written about Mockovak by Deane Mercier, as well as Hartford Courant writer Shawn Courchesne. They can say it much better than we can, especially since they’ve known Mark longer and better than we. However, we can state that he is irreplaceable, and will be very much missed by all the media that cover the Whelen Modified Tour.

 *****

Those are out thoughts this time.  What’s yours?   Questions, comments, and complaints will reach us at liracenews@hotmail.com. Until next time, Happy Motoring!

     Mike Fields has written for the Area Auto Racing News, Raceway Media Magazine, as well as being a contributing author for the book Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul.  He has also been a co-host of a weekly motorsports radio program, and a track announcer. Fields currently writes a weekly internet column, and is an occasional contributing columnist for the Riverhead Racer, the track program for Long Island's Riverhead Raceway.

     While not at his full-time job (babysitting his very rambunctious 4 1/2-year-old grandson), he is the owner of LMF Associates, in the nutrition and weight loss industry. He may be contacted by e-mail at info@LongIslandMotorsports.com, or by phone at (516) 376-4028.

Modified graphic by Tom Coufalik of www.pcracers.net.

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