A chance conversation last November morphed into Shawn Solomito of Islip teaming up with Jimmy and Angela Rennick as the driver of their NASCAR Modified. In their second start together Saturday night, Solomito put the new combination into the winners circle at Riverhead Raceway following a 50-lap race.
For Solomito, a former two-time track champion, it was his 18th career NASCAR Modified win, moving him into 23rd on the all-time win list.
Solomito had set two goals for himself entering the season. “I really wanted to give Jimmy and Angela Rennick their first NASCAR Modified win ever,” he said. The other goal was more personal. “I really wanted to get a victory lane picture with all three of my kids and wife,” he said. “Our daughter Gabby was born a week ago and I got our picture.”
With his triumph in the 50-lap event, Beatty posted his ninth career victory.
Beatty had opened a sizable lead over former two time champion Kyle Soper of Manorville until a minor spin on Lap 39 drew the first and only caution of the race.
“I sure didn’t want to see that caution,” Beatty said. “Kyle is one of the best out here and he tested me.”
Beatty passed that test. Soper was runner-up, with C.J. Lehmann of Lake Grove third, Dylan Slepian of Dix Hills fourth and Chris Young of Calverton fifth.
Defending Late Model champion Jeremy McDermott of Riverhead was a season-opening winner for a second year in a row, a 40-lap Late Model race. It was his 22nd career win, leaving him one behind Scott Kulesa (23) for fifth on the all-time win list. Joe Warren Jr. of Ridge impressed with his runner-up finish. Gerald Giordano of Freeport made a rare Riverhead visit to place third.
Caged Steel 25 to Feature Many Fighters from Asylum Vale Tudo Leeds
Asylum Vale Tudo Leeds, which was founded by former UFC fighter Danny Mitchell and also led by Jay Furness, is out in force this weekend at Caged Steel 25. The camp has both professional and amateur fighters set to make a statement after a long layoff for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AVT Leeds fighter Kiru Singh Sahota takes the spotlight by stepping in as the headliner opposite Scott Malone on short notice after Elliot Hoye was forced to pull out due to injury. Sahota, known for his dynamic striking, is five fights into his pro career. He’s undefeated so far, and he’s finished every one of his opponents with a mixture of striking and submissions. He stopped a couple of his foes with rear-naked chokes after beating them down. Sahota is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the top flyweights in the country. He does not grow bloodthirsty when he feels a strike connect, and the maturity he’s gained from hi