New York State Leadership Nixes Motorsports; Woodhull Speedway ’20 Season ‘On Pause’

Story By: STEVEN OVENS / WOODHULL RACEWAY – WOODHULL, NY – Though there are still no firm plans in place for racing to begin at “New York’s Toughest Bullring” for the 2020 season, Woodhull Raceway owners Terry and Nikki Brewer have been pounding the pavement and the phone lines in recent weeks.

This stems from an announcement earlier in the week by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, that outlined the potential for large group gatherings not being allowed until they are allowed statewide. Cuomo’s specific example spoke to venues like the Saratoga Horse Racing facility and large events like the Syracuse Nationals car show- events that have been labeled this week as “attractive nuisances.”

When contacted this week, Nikki Brewer highlighted some of the conversations that have already taken place and the talks that continue with local leaders and politicians.

“We have been in constant contact with local Senator Tom O’Mara’s office, trying to lobby for facilities like ours to open for racing,” said Brewer on Wednesday.

“We worked together to submit Woodhull Raceway’s application to Empire State Development for approval with strict guidelines in place. Unfortunately, at this time, New York State has deemed Woodhull Raceway non-essential and will not allow us to operate even with strict guidelines in place.”

New York State has come down heavy with strict executive orders that has crippled local motorsports facilities and brought their 2020 seasons to a halt before they could even begin. Fellow Saturday night tracks such as Genesee Speedway and Land of Legends Raceway have also been lobbying state and local officials without success. Fans are encouraged to contact their local representative in support of motorsports activities in Upstate New York, where the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far less severe.

Previously, Woodhull Raceway officials had cancelled racing activities through and including Saturday May 9. Recent developments have required Woodhull officials to put the 2020 season on pause until they can get clearance to operate.

“I have not given up, I will continue my fight to get us racing as soon as possible,” added Brewer.

“We want to send our sincerest apologies to our race teams, fans, sponsors and our amazing staff who help make Woodhull Raceway what it is. Though we don’t have control over this situation, we will do what we can to advocate for local motorsports by contacting our Representatives until we see a light at the end of this nightmare.”