By Kenny Shupp Jr.
WOODHULL, NY-With weather conditions above average for early April, the Woodhull Raceway was able to get their initial practice day of the 2023 season into the record books on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
“We were extremely fortunate to have pleasant weather leading up to practice. March was very wet with a lot of snow and rain, but Mother Nature was kind to us the past week with plenty of sun and wind which helped dry things out. There were a few spots in the main parking lot and pit area that we had to keep vehicles off because they were still soft, but overall, the facility was in great shape. The racing surface was in excellent condition thanks to our preparation crew who did an excellent job whipping things into shape. That according to Woodhull Raceway owners, Terry and Niki Brewer.
Several machines representing every class that competes weekly at Woodhull were at practice which ran from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm.
The Southern Tier Customs Street Stocks along with the NAPA Crate Sportsman Divisions were the most well represented with numerous drivers shaking down the iron for the upcoming April 22 lid lifter. Several rookie contenders were on hand in various classes taking the opportunity to get a taste for the high banked one-third of a mile clay oval as the track allowed competitors ample opportunity to test and tune their equipment.
Many fans were also on hand to witness practice with most in anticipation of a great 2023 race season as the track will celebrate fifty-eight consecutive years of great race action.
“We were exceptionally pleased with the turnout as the weather was a bit chilly and windy, but that did not deter hearty fans from coming and getting a glimpse of what will be coming up when we swing the gates for our season opener in a few weeks.”
With the first scheduled practice safely into the book, the second and final test and tune is set for Saturday, April 15 as the track will once again be open from 5:00 – 9:00 pm allowing racers one final chance to get their equipment dialed in for the Alfred State College sponsored season opening event on April 22.
The Doug Gross Construction RUSH Crate Late Models along with the NAPA Crate Sportsman will headline the April 22 Alfred State College night of action as they will be complemented by the Southern Tier Customs Street Stocks, the KMD Excavating Hobby Stocks, as well as the Big Jim’s Wicked Tee’s Mini Stocks, FWD and Warriors.
The Insinger Performance Modifieds will not see action until April 29 when the Mighty Modifieds will kick off their 2023 campaign.
All gate times for both pit and grandstand entry for the April 22 season opener will be posted on Facebook.
Gate times for practice on April 15 will be at 4:00 pm with pit admission set at $20. Grandstand seating is free, and concessions will be open both in the pit and grandstand areas.
Reserved seating, season passes, and yearly tower space can be paid for at practice and the track photo booth will be open including Woodhull Raceway apparel along with 2023 schedule brochures.
Any late breaking news, updated weather and other information leading up to practice will be posted at www.Facebook.com/WoodhullRaceway/.
For a look at the online schedule, class rules, contact and sponsor information log on on at www.woodhullraceway.com.
