The September 11 event marks the 17th running of the popular event.
Story by Kenny Shupp Jr.
(Woodhull, NY) Saturday, June 4, 2005, time stopped at the Woodhull Raceway. One of the all-time favorite drivers at the historic high banked one third of a mile clay oval, Lyle Sherwood lost his life that fateful night at the age of forty-three due to what was ruled as a medical condition.
Since that time the Modified Division at the Steuben County, NY facility has not been the same and perhaps never will be again. Nicknamed The Wild Child, Sherwood was not just a popular driver, he WAS the show week in and week out. With is balls to the wall driving style, Lyle Sherwood always drew the attention of the fans and although he was not the winningest driver at the facility, he certainly was one of the most popular. Fans traditionally bring their Lyle Sherwood apparel and keep sakes to track on his Memorial night and share with others. A sponsor booth at the track is also set up with Lyle Sherwood pictures and memorabilia including one of his driving suits.
According to Woodhull Raceway owners, Terry and Niki Brewer, “Lyle was one of the tracks all time greats. He loved running the very top of the banking throwing dust to the wind and with his devil may care driving style had the fans on the edge of their seats every time he went out on the track. His name continues to be mentioned in local racing circles and we are proud to host this event in his name.
2021 will be a symbolic year for the Sherwood Memorial as it will be event number 17, his car number was 17 and the event pays $1,717 making it 17’s across the board.
If you are into the numbers game, you might say that second generation pilot Dayton Brewer would be the odds-on favorite to nail down the September 11 event as he proudly runs the number 17 on his potent DKM Insinger Performance Modified. However, you can never rule out Woodhull’s winningest Modified driver in Billy VanPelt.
BVP has been a dominant figure in the Sherwood Memorial claiming the event on numerous occasions including the last half dozen or more and he will come into the event heavily favored after his second half of the season reign of terror at the Steuben County speed plant. Many think it s a forgone conclusion that VanPelt will walk off with yet another Sherwood trophy.
However, there will be a slew of drivers that are out to stop the powerful Two Rivers Timber Race Team including the likes of Joe and Jake Dgien, Brady Fultz, Donnie Lawson, Mike and Brayden Bills, Ryan Susice, Ryan Tracy as well as Brian Doolittle along with the before mention Dayton Brewer.
In addition to the winner pocketing the $1717 paycheck, the Sherwood Memorial will be a Short Track Super Series Fonda 200 Qualifier assuring the winner a spot at the table for the Fonda Speedway high dollar event.
All gate and start times along with a nightly agenda and other up to the minute information will be posted at www.facebook/WoodhullRaceway/
Also on the card will be the NAPA Crate Sportsman, The Cummings Trucking RUSH Crate Late Models as well as the Joe Willcox Performance Open Street Stocks and the Wicked Tee’s Open Mini Stocks. Rounding out the night will see the Johnson Auto Supply Open FWD along with the Wicked Tee’s Warriors.
Open rules are posted on the tracks web site
A long time Lyle Sherwood Memorial event sponsor, Griffith Energy of Woodhull along with S and D Pools and Supplies of Avoca, NY and Southern Tier Customs of Woodhull will co-sponsor the event.
Griffith’s involvement with the Woodhull Raceway runs deep supplying the track with fuel and lubricants for decades and they will be back along with S and D Pools who was scheduled for an earlier season night of sponsorship only to find that event fall prey to Mother Nature, one of eight weather related losses at the track in 2021.
Southern Tier Customs is located at 1742 Smith Road in Woodhull less than a mile from the famed Woodhull Raceway. Owner, Terry Pierce continues to grow his company which he began just a few years ago working out of his garage nights and weekends. The business continues to gain notoriety in the region as they specialize in graphic design and custom wrap work.
According to track owner, Niki Brewer, “Terry has come along ways with his business in just a few short years. He has helped us out here at the track a lot including most recently lending a hand with photography work. We are looking forward to having his group onboard to help sponsor the Lyle Sherwood Memorial Night.
For a complete look at the rules, final point standings, track partners, directions to the facility and more log on at www.woodhullraceway.com
The Woodhull Raceway is located on CR. 102 right off Rt. 417 in Woodhull, NY 25 miles east of Hornell, 25 miles west of Corning, 25 miles south of Bath and 25 miles north of Wellsboro, Pa.
It’s the Greatest Show on Dirt at the Best Track in the Country, the Woodhull Raceway. New York’s Toughest Bull Ring!