Earlier this year when it was announced that Wall Township Speedway (NJ) would reopen its doors to host the XXXV Annual Turkey Derby, many drivers cancelled their plans or altered them for Thanksgiving weekend.  One of those drivers was Woody Pitkat.  The Stafford, CT driver is still relatively new to the Turkey Derby, but he knows the history is rich with tradition.

“You know I always knew the race had a great history,” said Pitkat.  “It really wasn’t until I had talked to a few drivers and looked at some pictures on the website before I realized how big it really was.”   

Pitkat has only run a few races at the track, this year he will be entered in the SK Modified race, he will also twist wrenches like he did for Modified Tour race winner James Civali last year.  This year Pitkat hopes to be in victory lane as a driver.

“It’s a really good deal that they are opening up the track for the Turkey Derby,” Said Pitkat.  “They are going to have a great car count with guys coming up from the south like Burt Myers.  They also should have a good fan base, because they haven’t seen any races this year.  It will be good for both the fans and the drivers.”

Pitkat will be searching for the right setup, as no racing has taken place on the 1/3-mile oval all season.  Only the rubber built up from the practice sessions will aid the drivers.

“We are going to go with a stiffer setup because we know that track doesn’t have a lot of rubber on it, hopefully that will balance out the car and we can be fast right off the track.” 

A full day of practice and qualifying will start on Friday, November 28th.  Feature action will start on Saturday November 29th, the SK Modifieds will run their 100-lap event.

Woody Pitkat will be in the 99 car at the Turkey Derby. (Jamie Williams Photo)

Woody Pitkat Ready for the Turkey Derby

Pitkat Will Run in the SK Modified Race