Patrick Emerling had a dominant performance at Riverhead Raceway, securing his fifth victory of the 2026 season. The win was particularly meaningful as it was celebrated on his birthday and helped widen his championship lead over the competition.
Emerling and the USNE Motorsports team piloted a fast Energizer 1 modified, which timed the fastest in the first practice session before finishing third in the final practice. The team credited the success to the crew and the team's ability to dial in their race car perfectly.
The qualifying session saw a competitive field, with Justin Bonsignore grabbing his 42nd career pole, followed by 15-year-old Paulie Hartwig III taking second place. Other top finishers included Tyler Rypkema, who finished fourth, and Eric Goodale, who secured fifth place.
The race provided several interesting moments, including a close battle for the top spots and reactions from the drivers. For instance, rookie Paulie Hartwig III noted that the car performed well, highlighting the quality of the equipment, while Justin Bonsignore finished third, reflecting on the difficulty of overcoming redraws.
Source: Short Track Scene