Young Brendon Bock has sights set on championships at Riverhead Raceway
Between sessions of tending to his Matchbox car collection, 5-year-old Brendon Bock sometimes would explain to adults why his gasoline-powered go-kart wasn't running as smoothly as it should. "I don't know if I used to laugh or get mad that he was right and I was wrong," Bock's uncle, Paul Barba, recalled.
A decade later, the second-generation racer's instincts and talent on the track have helped him reach a level reserved for the elite. Last year, as a 15-year-old, the Chaminade High School student won his first Legend Cars division race at Riverhead Raceway. A few months removed from go-kart racing, Bock transitioned into the Legend Cars class and captured nine other victories on three different tracks, finishing third in the division with 610 points.
"In the beginning of the year we didn't know what to expect and we were just hoping for a top-10 finish in points," said Bock, of Franklin Square.
Bock is seeking his first win of what he hopes to be a successful 2013 season when Riverhead Raceway opens its gates Saturday, featuring Twin 30s Modifieds, Figure 8s, Late Models, Chargers, Blunderbusts, Super Pro Trucks and Legends.
"I can't wait," Bock said. "The first practice weekend is great and all because you get to see all of your friends again, but the second practice weekend, you're like, 'I just want to go out there and race.' I want to get the full adrenaline going, and go at top speed."
Many teenage racers who make the jump from racing go-karts often use the Legends division as a springboard toward more advanced competition.
Yet, many established, middle-aged racers participate in the Legends, making winning and respect hard to come by for youngsters. Bock's experience and victories away from Riverhead -- he won the "Bethel Motor Madness" Legends title -- along with his humble demeanor have endeared him to older racers, according to some.
"He races like a veteran," said Legend Cars racer Kevin Nowak, 36. "I was a little iffy about him at first because of his age, but after speaking with him and his family, I got to know how mature and talented Brendon is."
Bock's father is former NASCAR Modified driver George Bock, who now operates an art business in Asia. Since his father is overseas for most of the year, Bock credits Barba and uncles Vinny Stromaglia and Glenn Dixon for working on his car.
Bock's goals include becoming Riverhead Raceway Champion.
"I'm a little disappointed I lost out on second place [last season], but hopefully I can do even better this year," Bock said. "In the beginning, I might have been a little intimidated by all the fast guys but as time went on and I started to run with them, I realized they weren't that much better than me."