Short Track Super Series Preparing To Tackle Woodhull For The “Hustlin’ The High Banks 55”
Story By: KENNY SHUPP / WOODHULL RACEWAY – WOODHULL, NY – For the fourth time in the past seven seasons, the highly acclaimed, Brett Deyo Promoted, Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series fueled by Sunoco for the northeast Modifieds will take on the Woodhull Raceway.
With its unique paper clip design featuring long straight a ways and tight, highly banked corners the historic Woodhull Raceway is a challenging venue even for some of the best Modified drivers in the northeast.
The Ringo’s Rocket, Ryan Godown picked up the victory in 2016 with Wild Child, Andy Bachetti winning the event in 2017 after a heartbreaking loss the previous year. Woodhull’s winningest Modified driver, Billy VanPelt was able to hold off Super Matt Sheppard for the victory in 2018 and with his win the packed grandstands literally tipped over with excitement as a local competitor was finally able to dethrone the tours elite. However, the inaugural STSS event at Woodhull staged in 2015 may have been the best as Stewart Friesen was able to barely nip local favorite, Dylan DeWert in a real thriller as the two raced side by side for the entire 51 lap distance. To this day, that event still has Woodhull Raceway fans buzzing as the two put on a real driving clinic. No STSS events were staged at Woodhull in 2019 due to rain and 2020 because of New York State regulations surrounding the Covid 19 Pandemic, however current Woodhull Raceway owners, Terry and Niki Brewer made sure the popular event was back on the 2021 schedule.
According to the Brewer’s, “This is a high powered, well attended event that is probably the biggest show that we will have at the track all season. Historically the STSS is well received at Woodhull and we are thrilled to be back on the 2021 schedule.”
Friesen, the winningest driver in series history is anticipated to be back at Woodhull along with other standout’s including the likes of Sheppard, Bachetti, Anthony Perrigo, Mike Mahaney and Mike Gular. Billy VanPelt will lead the charge of the Woodhull Raceway regulars along with Cory Costa, Brady Fultz and Donnie Lawson. Mike and Brayden Bills as well as Joe Dgien and Josh Nobriga will be on hand to try and upend the tour regulars.
The winner of the Hustlin’ the High Banks 55 lap feature will pick-up $5,500 of the $25,500 plus purse. In addition, thousands of dollars in contingencies will be up for grabs.
Also, on the card for the August 10 event will be the second appearance at Woodhull for the Short Track Super Series Precision Hydraulic and Oil 602 Crate Sportsman. Dustin Jordan picked up the win in 2018 with local runner, Casey Pavlick’s third place finish the best of any track regular. The STSS 602 Sportsman will run a 25-lap feature paying $1,500 to the winner. The Woodhull Auto Supply Hobby Stocks will round out the night of race action.
Gates for the Tuesday, August 10 event open at 4:30 with the first green flag waving at 6:30 pm.
The Woodhull Raceway ownership is pleased to announce that the Addison, Corning, Hornell and Wellsville NAPA Auto Parts Stores along with Two Rivers Timber will co-sponsor the event. Addison NAPA Auto Parts owner, Vera Eaker along with Nate Dunning who owns the Corning, Hornell and Wellsville NAPA locations are huge supporters of the Woodhull Raceway in numerous capacities including track signage and sponsorship for NAPA Crate Sportsman 1 on 1 King of the Ring Event in addition to their involvement with the Woodhull Raceway Short Track Super Series Night.
Kevin and Karen Chilson of Two Rivers Timber have had a long- standing relationship with the Woodhull Raceway going back to the 1990’s as a nightly event and track signage sponsor. Kevin Chilson is a former Super Stock Track Champion at Woodhull prior to moving into the premier Modified Division at the track 2 decades ago. Thru their business, Two Rivers Timber, the Chilson’s are the owners of the Billy VanPelt piloted #2 machine.
Superman Matt Sheppard will head into the Woodhull event as the current Hurlock Auto and Speed Supply, STSS North Region Point leader, however the Savannah, NY speedster and former STSS Tour Champion need not look awfully hard over his shoulder as the likes of Anthony Perrigo, Stewart Friesen Mike Mahaney and Andy Bachetti are all easily within striking distance.