Joe Hunter Memorial Drill Preview

by Dan Laverty

This upcoming Tuesday July 3rd is the Joseph Hunter Memorial Tournament. This will be the 10th year this drill has been held on Weir St. in Hempstead. The generosity of support continues to fund to scholarships in Joe’s name. Hunter as some called him was the epitome of a fireman; he loved what he did and gave 100% every time he stepped in the firehouse. Whether it was for work, volunteering or drilling he could always be counted on by those around him. Matt Spinelli, Joe’s friend since childhood gives up time from his family and life every year to oversee every aspect of this drill. When Matt reads this I am sure he is going to be wondering why we are talking about him instead of Joe. The night of the drill though, Matt takes a step back and enjoys the drill just like Joe would have. Matt, thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this drill.

The lineup of this drill is chock full of quality teams, the cream of the crop so to speak. At the end of every year’s State Drill, teams not only tally their points for the day but they also look to see if they are going to be invited to next year’s Joe Hunter Drill. Let’s take a look at who’ll be participating this year…

Two-time Champs, the West Sayville Flying Dutchmen are coming into this drill with a 1st place finish at Lindenhurst and a 3rd place finish at the Selden drill. The Dutchmen this year are seeing come changes reminiscent to their 1995 and 2000 seasons where their team went through a lot of changes. They appear though to be on track to having an excellent year.

The North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers posted state record times on both B and C-Hose in 2011. They also placed in the top five in six out of the eight drills they ran in last year. They won "The Joe" in 2010 and as usual they won’t just be racing that night but helping out with the drill as well. The Knockers have seen a return of veteran Scott Rice and the addition of Vinny Bogert from Copiague. Vinny is the 2nd Vice President of the SCDTCPA and is a curator of all things racing. The Knockers definitely gained an experienced racing man who helped them with a new team record in Motor Pump in Lindenhurst with a time of 5.74.

The Central Islip Hoboes "racing program" as Joe Hunter once said won this drill last year and wowed the crowd with an Efficency run of 8.37. The Hoboes this year have taken 3rd place in Lindenhurst and placed 1st at the Selden drill. They continue to nurture their youth and will be a major force in racing for a long time to come.

The Bayshore Redskins are a pivotal part of this drill year in and year out. They provide support to the food concessions and help wherever it is needed. The Redskins placed in last years State Drill and were ahead of all the other teams going into Efficiency. Let’s hope their veteran leader Paul Susskind can keep the Redskins on top.

The East Islip Guzzlers placed in seven of the nine drills they entered in 2011. They won the C.I drill and the Deerfield drill. They lost a key component of their team though with Josh Kasin going home to Islip. So far in 2012 The Guzzlers have only been seen at the Selden drill.

The St. James Wildcats have been steadily improving recently with the introduction of new members and with the help of veteran Wildcats like Phil Coward and Lenny Gombert. The Wildcats are poised to place in more drills in 2012.

The Copiague Yellowbirds have not been on the line in 2012. Don’t know what to expect from The Yellowbirds in 2012.

The Westbury Turtles took 5th place at "The Joe" last year as well as taking 3rd place at the Nassau County drill, 1st at the TONH and 3rd at the North Bellmore drill. The Turtles have only raced in this years TONH/TOB where they took 4th overall. If Daryl Ranaldo, The Turtles driver continues to give them good drops they will continue to take points and place in drills.

The Elmont Bangtails are invited to "The Joe" this year after taking 2 points at last years state drill. Unfortunately the "Bangtails" will not be participating in Firematic Drill Team Competitions this year.

The North Babylon Taildraggers also took 2 points at the State in 2011 giving them an invite to this year’s drill. They are a steadily improving team and are real fun to watch.

The Roslyn Highlanders tied for 4th place in Lindy and won the TONH/TOB already this year. The Highlanders and Stan are always a team that should never be counted out in any event. They continue to show they have the goods and are on the course to make a real statement this year.

The Lindenhurst Snails took point in last year’s State Drill and took 2nd place in B-Hose at their own drill this year. They are a great bunch of guys to have around and when they are on the track we all are watching because you never know what they are going to do.

The Main Transit Slo Pokes are the only upstate team to be invited to "The Joe" this year. Their Bucket run secured them the spot. I am not sure if they are making the trip down for this drill but I really hope they do.

The West Hempstead Westerners took 5th place at this year’s Selden drill. The look like they are going to give Roslyn a run for their money when it comes to Nassau County points in 2012.

This drill continues to be a fan favorite as well as a favorite to Drill Team members who are lucky enough to compete. See you all on Tuesday night on Weir Street in Hempstead at 6:00pm when Matt and the Hunter family will be promptly kicking off this drill.