Story By: KENNY SHUPP / WOODHULL RACEWAY – WOODHULL, NY – Sixteen feature events in one show? You heard correct! That was the Woodhull Raceway had to get into the books to get back on schedule after rain knocked out all but one of the regularly scheduled feature events on Saturday, August 26.
With the season point finale on September 9, the track management really had no choice but to run double features right across the board to eliminate further double features on the final point night of the 2023 season.
Pre-feature qualifying heats were scrubbed in all classes in place of a re-draw system to set the fields for the regular program after the made-up features. Confused yet?
With all the heats completed on August 26 and the Youth Wicked Tee’s Warrior feature run off, the rains came forcing postponement of the remainder of the program setting up a night for the ages with seven make-up features plus a full card of eight more plus a feature event for the traveling Vintage Cars which were on the Sept. 2 original schedule after losing a show earlier in the season.
The fields were all set and locked in for the first seven features including the Insinger Performance Modified twenty-five lap event which was claimed by Ajay Potrzebowski Sr who led the entire distance from his inside front row starting spot. However, it did not come easy as Joe Dgien was all over Ajay Sr. for the race lead the entire distance as no less than a half dozen caution flags would slow the pace and keep the field bunched. Dgien made one last lap effort to wrestle away the top spot on the last lap, but Potrzebowski was up to the challenge as he went on to his second feature win of the season by a car length over Dgien who settled for second with Russ Morseman completing the podium finishers. Steve Coots and Stacy Jackson staged a spirited battle throughout most of the event to complete the top five.
However, by not reporting to post- race tech, Ajay Potrzebowski Sr. was a DQ handing the victory to Joe Dgien and moving everyone up one position in the finishing order.
For Dgien it would make it five wins on the season.
In the regularly scheduled Modified feature, Ajay Potrzebowski Jr. and Aiden Grover brought the nineteen- car field to green with Ajay Jr. taking command off the drop of the green with Grover in tow. A rash of yellow flags would slow the early pace one of which involved current point leader, Joe Dgien as he was turned sideways in turn one and collected by Steve Coots with both machines towed from the speedway. No less than a handful of caution flags waved in the first trio of laps all the while Ajay Jr. maintaining the lead with Russ Morseman now giving chase. Brian Doolittle who has struggled a bit over the past few months found more speed in his machine on this night and was closing in on the leaders with Jake Dgien in tow. But as the checkered flag waved it was Ajay Potrzebowski Jr. taking his machine to victory lane for the fifth time in 2023 with Russ Morseman being the most consistent Modified overall picking up his second runner-up finish of the night. Doolittle put on a steady performance to nail third making his night a profitable one with a pair of top five finishes overall. Jake Dgien nursed a souring engine across the line to nail the fourth position as May 27 feature winner, Dayton Brewer would complete the top five after lining up fourteenth on the starting grid. Looking at the Modified points it will be settled between Ajay Potrzebowski Jr. and Joe Dgien next Saturday as the top two have distanced themselves from third place point man, Russ Morseman.
In the Doug Gross Construction RUSH Crate Late Model make-up Steve LeBarron and Brian Knowles would lead the field to green with LeBarron getting the jump on the start. With only a few caution flags to slow the pace, LaBarron was able to stretch his advantage on each re-start as he would cruise to win three on the season as he was able to hold off his teammate and former RUSH Series Champion, John Waters to claim the win. Current high point man, Austin Allen worked past defending Track Champion, Brian Knowles to take third at the finish while Knowles and Brett Marlatt would complete the top five.
Marlatt would then come right back in the second feature to claim his fifth win of the season and keep his championship hopes alive after claiming the 2022 Rookie of the Year honors in the division.
Austin Allen would keep Marlatt in his cross hairs all event long, but he would not make any serious charge into the top position. Brian Knowles would better his earlier evening fourth place run by one spot finishing third in the night cap. After winning the make-up feature earlier Steve LeBarron was involved in an early event mishap but rallied to nail fourth with May 27 winner Jacob Tubbs completed the top five. Heading into the season point finale, Austin Allen holds a slim margin over Marlatt with the top four all having a shot at the title.
The Southern Tier Street Stocks would have the crowd on its feet for the entire make-up twenty lap distance as no less than four different drivers had a shot at the victory. Lap after lap, you could throw a small blanket over the top four as Travis Webster would hold court at the top of the heap with Willy Easling, Mick Seeley and Teddy Morseman all swapping spots. Back and forth the battle raged until Webster was able to open a bit of an advantage and go on to his first feature win of the season. Morseman would try every trick in the book but could not overtake the high-flying Webster as he would settle for the runner-up spot chased to the line by Willy Easling, Mick Seeley and Luke Boom who began the event last on the grid.
In the Rent A Tent sponsored regular Southern Tier Customs Street Stock feature, Mike Spencer would jump into the early lead and hold off relentless pressure from Travis Webster as the pair would line up on the front starting row. Spencer, who joined the Street Stock Division just a few weeks ago was too strong for Webster to handle and as the double checkered flags waved Spencer came across the line a car length in front of Webster. But, in post-race inspection, Spencer’s machine was deemed to be illegal, and he was relegated to the last position. With that, Travis Webster was declared the winner making it a sweep of the night. Brett Crawford was able to rebound from the problems in the opening Street Stock feature to take home second place money as Luke Boom completed the podium. Joseph Giardina came home fourth as he was followed across the line by fifth place finisher, Mark Griffin who was making his first appearance of the season at Woodhull. The top four in points all have a shot at the track title entering the point finale in one week.
The KMD Excavation Hobby Stocks did not disappoint the capacity crowd in either of their double feature events. In the make-up, veteran competitor Joe Birdsall was able to finally park his potent #88 in Woodhull’s Pepsi/Siemens Energy Victory Lane for his first win of “23” after beginning the twenty-lap affair inside row two. Birdsall was able to get the jump on pole position starter, Tracy Dunn early in the event and go on for the victory with Dunn literally glued to his back bumper the entire distance. Kaiden Dgien would close on the lead duo at the mid-way portion after lining up outside row three on the start. But, with the top three running nose to tail that is how they would finish with Birdsall, Dunn and Dgien all standing on the podium. After starting inside row four on the original start Jeredd Dennis was able to advance four positions to finish fourth at the double checkers with class sponsor, Paul Dgien of KMD Excavation completing the top five after beginning the event in the twelfth spot.
In the Rent A Tent regularly scheduled feature it appeared like Jeredd Dennis was on his way to another season win. Leading throughout most of the event he was doing a masterful job holding off Tracy Dunn who was trying to better his opening feature runner-up finish. Kaiden Dgien joined the party bring Paul Dgien and Bradly Morseman along with him. The group of five ran nose to tail right around the bottom with no one stepping out of line, however with the white rag in the air Kaiden Dgien made a last ditch effort and went right to the outside as the leaders entered lap traffic and that bold move paid off as Dgien cleared both Dunn and Dennis exiting turn two and would hold on to take his fourth feature of the season and go into the final point night of the season with a slim advantage over Dunn as the pair will settle things on September 9. Dunn would also get by Dennis in lap traffic on the final lap to claim his second runner-up finish of the night with a disappointed Dennis having to settle for third. Paul Dgien would complete a profitable night by finishing fourth in the nightcap with Rookie of the Year contender, Bradly Morseman completing the top five. A quick look at the points finds Kaiden Dgien and Tracy Dunn in a slug fest for the title as the top two have a healthy advantage over the field.
In NAPA Sportsman make-up feature action, veteran driver Tim Guild and Blake Lawson would bring the field to green with Lawson getting the early advantage and looking to take home his first checkered flag of the season. However, Guild had other ideas and was able to get by and take control of the event and from there go on to win number three on the campaign with Blake Lawson having to settle for a well deserved second place run. Rookie contender, George Schweigart Jr. had one of his better runs in recent memory to claim third as he was chased across the line by current high point driver Kenny Peoples Jr. Adam Taft began the event in the seventh position and advanced forward to complete the top five.
It did not take long for Kenny Peoples Jr. to get to the lead in the NAPA Sportsman regularly scheduled feature and from there he would not only cruise to the win eight on the year, but he will also head into the final point nigh with an insurmountable point advantage over Blake Lawson who had a career night claiming the runner-up spot in both feature events. After nailing down the opener, Tim Guild came home third in the regular feature with Cayden Lawson and Connor Brown completing the top five.
Wes Houghtaling brought out a brand-new machine sporting a spiffy looking red color scheme. As he has done so many times over the past two seasons, Houghtaling dominated the competition in the Big Jim’s Wicked Tee’s FWD Division sweeping the program by winning both the make-up and regular night twenty lap main making it wins ten and eleven on the season and like Peoples before him, Houghtaling will also enter the finale having already claimed the 2023 Track Championship. In the opener Houghtaling was followed by Aaron Robinson, Andrew Thomas and Rich Conklin. The Rent A Tent regularly scheduled twenty lap feature once again found Houghtaling taking the win with Ridge Cobb, Nate Freeland, Andrew Thomas and Aaron Robinson completing the top five.
With Wes Houghtaling completely dominating the FWD action over the season, it is the direct opposite in the Wicked Tee’s sponsored Mini Stock Division. No less than a handful of different competitors have found victory lane thus far and the point battle is a fever pitch entering the night. John Hand Jr. was able to park his potent machine in victory lane for the third time this year as he was the winner of the make-up feature event. Hand was able to barely hold a late race rally by Ray Hyer to get the win as the lead pair were chased across the line by two- time 2023 feature winner Danielle Thomas with Jacob and Ryan Stone completing the top five.
In the nightcap, Ray Hyer added to his season win total by picking up the first place pay- check. John Hand Jr. capped off a great night by winning the opener and placing second to Hyer in the night cap. 2022 Track Champion Jason Warner finished third with Danielle Thoms keeping her championship hopes alive nailing the fourth position with Ryan Stone completing the top five. Entering the point finale next week, it is a two -horse race for the title between Hand Jr. and Thomas with less than five points separating the two.
In Wicked Tee’s Youth Warrior ten lap feature action, Russ Morseman IV was able to cruise to win thirteen on the season. For Morseman he has not missed a trip to victory lane since May 27 and like Peoples in the NAPA Sportsman and Houghtaling in the Wicked Tee’s FWD, he too can rest easy as he has already won the 2023 track title. Following Morseman IV across the line was first time Woodhull Raceway competitor Zach Daugherty who took a great deal of liking to the high banked one-third of a mile oval in finishing in the runner-up slot as Russ Morseman’s sister, Izzabella had a great effort in completing the podium positions. Marcus Kerr was next across the line chased there by two-time 2023 feature winner, Kayleigh Morseman who finished fifth. Alivia Sullivan, Jacob Stone, Courtney Thomas and Des-A-Rae Miles would go on to complete the field.
The Classics on Dirt Stock Car Club made an appearance at the Woodhull Raceway and did not disappoint the fans in attendance. It was a great throw back to yesteryear where youngsters and oldsters alike could get a feel for how things were done back in the day. A healthy group of thirteen cars representing three different divisions of competition were in action with Joe August Jr. taking the victory in the Modified Division sporting a tribute car to his uncle John August’s number 17 machine. Tom Fletcher piloting a Cra Z8 Mike Mclaughlin look alike car was the winner in the Sportsman Division with local hometown favorite, Brett Williams piloting his grandfather Bob’s 1937 Chevy Coupe to victory in the Vintage Division.
Congratulations to all competitors.
Up next at Woodhull on Saturday, September 9, Superior Propane of Woodhull will present the Season Point Championship Night at the track where all eight weekly divisions will crown their 2023 Track Champions.
WOODHULL RACEWAY RESULTS. RENT A TENT NIGHT. 9/1/2023. UNOFFICIAL
INSINGER PERFORMANCE MODIFIEDS.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (20 cars). 25 laps.
JOE DGIEN (5), Russ Morseman, Steve Coots, Stacy Jackson, Brian Doolittle, Donnie Lawson, Ajay Potrzebowski Jr., Jake Dgien, Bob Silvernail, Aiden Grover, Thomas Moon, Adam Coots, Waly Chyrywaty, Gregg Turner Dayton Brewer, Brady Fultz. DQ. Ajay Potrzebowski Sr. DNS. Tanner Van Doren, Brayden Bills, Wally Wade.
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (19 cars). 25 laps.
AJAY POTRZEBOWSKI JR. (5), Russ Morseman, Brian Doolittle, Jake Dgien, Dayton Brewer, Donnie Lawson, Josh Keesey, Brady Fultz, Connor Brown, Gregg Turner, Thomas Moon, Aiden Grover, Waly Chyrywaty, Bob Silvernail, Joe Dgien, Steve Coots, Adam Coots. DQ, Stacy Jackson, Ajay Potrzebowski Sr.
NAPA CRATE SPORTSMAN.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (13 cars). 25 laps
TIM GUILD (3), Blake Lawson, George Schweigart Jr., Kenny Peoples Jr., Adam Taft, Connor Brown, Cayden Lawson, Dalton Maynard, Kevin Decamp, Quintin Buchanan, Braylon Lawson, Glenn Trowbridge, Isabel Barron.
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (13 cars). 25 laps
KENNY PEOPLES JR. (8), Blake Lawson, Tim Guild, Cayden Lawson, Connor Brown, George Schweigart Jr., Kevin Decamp, Quintin Buchanan, Adam Taft, Glenn Trowbridge, Braylon Lawson, Isabel Barron, Dalton Maynard.
DOUG GROSS CONSTRUCTION RUSH CLM.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (14 cars). 20 laps
STEVE LEBARRON (3), John Waters, Austin Allen, Brian Knowles, Brett Marlatt, Jacob Tubbs, Rickie Loucks, Garrett Heffner, Joe Layfield, Marshall O’Brian, Pat Parker, Steve Williams, Tyler Evingham. DQ. Noah Talada.
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (14 cars). 20 laps
BRETT MARLATT (5), Austin Allen, Brian Knowles, Steve LeBarron, Jacob Tubbs, Rickie Loucks, Joe Layfield, Pat Parker, Dennis Loucks, Marhsall O’Brian, John Waters, Noah Talada. DNS, Tyler Evingham. DQ, Garrett Heffner.
SOUTHERN TIER CUSTOMS STREET STOCKS.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (15 cars). 20 laps
TRAVIS WEBSTER, Teddy Morseman, Willy Easling, Mick Seeley, Luke Boom, Mike Spencer, Mark Griffin, Mike Williams, Joseph Giardina, Jim Buck, Cody Kershner, Brett Crawford. DNS. Chris Leitner, Brandon Morseman, Jesse Tuthill.
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (12 cars). 20 laps
TRAVIS WEBSTER SR. (2), Brett Crawford, Luke Boom, Joseph Giardina, Mark Griffin, Willy Easling, Mick Seeley, Teddy Morseman Jr., Cody Kershner, Mike Williams, Jim Buck. DQ, Mike Spencer.
KMD EXCAVATION HOBBY STOCKS.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (18 cars). 20 laps
JOE BIRDSALL, Tracy Dunn, Kaiden Dgien, Jeredd Dennis, Paul Dgien, Brandon Birdsall, Bradly Morseman, Collin Brown, Scott Brown, Dale Houghtaling, Mike Carapella, Meadow Dgien, Scooter Brown, Stephan Knapp, Zach Cooper, Hunter Williams, Dennis Route, Jason Ketrow
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (19 cars). 20 laps
KAIDEN DGIEN (4), Tracy Dunn, Jeredd Dennis, Paul Dgien, Bradly Morseman, Scott Brown, Collin Brown, Brandon Birdsall, Dale Houghtaling, Brian Austin, Meadow Dgien, Joe Birdsall, Bill Williams, Steve Williams, Stephen Knapp, Zach Cooper, Scooter Brown, Glenn VanCise, Mike Carapella.
WICKED TEE’S MINI STOCKS.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (9 cars). 20 laps
JOHN HAND JR. (3), Ray Hyer, Danielle Thomas, Jacob Stone, Ryan Stone, Dylon Morseman, Travis Southard. DNS, Jim Buck, Josh Stone
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (11 cars). 20 laps
RAY HYER (7), John Hand Jr., Jason Warner, Danielle Thomas, Ryan Stone, Teddy Morseman Jr., Chris Daugherty, Travis Southard, Josh Stone. DNS, Jaden Stone, Jim Buck.
WICKED TEE’S FWD.
Make-up feature. 8/26/23. (8 cars). 20 laps
WES HOUGHTALING (10), Aaron Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Rich Conklin. DNS. Kenneth Evans Jr., Kevin Doud, Carl Odell, Cameron Lepold.
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. (5 cars). 20 laps
WES HOUGHTALING (11), Ridge Cobb, Nate Freeland, Andrew Thomas, Aaron Robinson
WICKED TEE’S WARRIORS. (9 cars)
Regular night feature. 9/2/23. 10 laps.
RUSS MORSEMAN IV (13), Zach Daugherty, Izzabella Morseman, Marcus Kerr, Kayleigh Morseman, Alivia Sullivan, Jacob Stone, Courtney Thomas, Des-A-Rae Miles.
VINTAGE CARS. (13 cars)
Modified Division. Joe August Jr.
Sportsman Division. Tom Fletcher.
Vintage Division. Brent Williams.