“I’ve got a lot in my memory bank to use in September.”

On Thursday night, after qualifying for the Mods at NHIS, Pitkat had planned to race his Sunoco Modified at Thompson, but that event got rained out.  A driver never enjoys a rain out, but this time it was a good thing.

“We would have made it, but it would have been a rush.  I wouldn’t have been able to practice at all.”   

On Friday night, Pitkat did get to race at Stafford.  He finished second in the SK Modified division and third in the Late Model race.

“I got into a wreck early with the SK and came back through the field.  I had Zach Sylvester in front of me.  I had him sideways on the last lap, but I didn’t want to wreck him.”

This week, Pitkat plans to race Thursday at Thompson, Friday at Stafford and Sunday in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at New Hampshire’s Twin State Speedway.

Woody was impressive in his debut in the #79 machine.  (51 Photo)

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at NHIS was cut short due to time restraints involving the television broadcast of the NASCAR Busch Series race there.  The drivers were told that this was a possibility before the race began and keeping that in mind, Pitkat’s team had to adopt a no-pit strategy for this race.

“We didn’t pit and I wish that we could have, but we couldn’t because of the possibility of them shortening the race,” said Pitkat.  “With five laps to go, anything can happen.  Everyone is looking for some extra spots.  I got hit pretty good down in turns one and two, but I’m not complaining.  I’m glad to just have all four wheels on the car and finish in the top 15.”

And Pitkat also has something to draw on in his next race at NHIS.

Woody Pitkat had crewed for teams at New Hampshire International Speedway, but had never raced there prior to this weekend.  However, the short track star who is a weekly threat to win at Stafford and Thompson adapted quickly in his first event at “the Magic Mile.”  Pitkat stayed out of trouble with the #79 Hillbilly Racing Modified and finished a very respectable 14th.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Pitkat of his day.  “Once that I got out there and adapted, the day went really well.  Just trying to find some people who would help me and draft with me was tough though. 

Pitkat Makes Successful New Hampshire Debut

Young Racer Turns Heads In First Speedway Tour Start