News Director 
Story By: STEVEN OVENS / WOODHULL RACEWAY – WOODHULL, NY – Spring has most certainly sprung on top of the hill on County Route 102 in Steuben County. Warm temperatures and steady winds have been helping dry up the remaining damp grounds at Woodhull Raceway, and the track is ready to open the gates for their 53rd consecutive season of on-track action at ‘New York’s Toughest Bullring.’
Woodhull kicks off the 2017 season with Close Racing Supply, as they will offer $1,000-to-win for the debut of the SWL Awards & Photos Crate Late Models. This is the first season in which the Crate Lates will be a weekly division of competition. Though not RUSH sanctioned for this season, the track will follow the RUSH rulebook, which can be found on the track’s website under ‘Rules.’
Located in Eldred, Pennsylvania, Close Racing Supply has been in business since 1996 supplying quality circle track components at competitive prices. CRS has a large inventory of parts for IMCA/UMP modifieds, Late Models, and Stock Clip Cars. They ship parts and components via UPS daily and accepts most major credit cards.
The Steuben County speed plant is not a stranger to Late Model racing, as many of the best in Crate Late Model competition got their start on the High Banks including last season’s RUSH Touring Champion John Waters. Some of the names that have passed through the gates at Woodhull include the Wonderling family of Mike, Mikie, Brady and Jeremy, the Knowles brothers Jason and Brian as well as their father Larry, Bryce Davis, Dave DuBois, Steve LaBarron and many others.
With many other Late Model tracks in the area not yet opened for the season, some of the best drivers in the area are expected to be in attendance. Plus you now add into the mix 2016 Street Stock track champion Kurt Stebbins, who transitions from the Street Stocks and 360 Late Models to Street Stock and Crate Late Model competition. Darin Horton also moves up from the Mini Stock ranks to pilot the beautiful white and purple No. 66 for this season, which should make for an incredibly competitive field.
Winners and champions all across the country depend on Close Racing Supply to power their machines to the checkered flag. CRS can be reached by phone at (814) 225-3250 or online at www.closeracingsupply.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/closeracingsupply
The Insinger Performance 370 Modified division will be off for this week and next week, with their season opener scheduled for Saturday April 29. There will be hot laps available for any interested Modified teams on Saturday during hot laps and after racing is complete due to the cancellation of Open Practice last weekend.
The NAPA Crate Sportsman, Joe Willcox Performance Automatics Street Stocks, Daugherty’s Auto Sales Mini Stocks, Woodhull Auto Supply Front Wheel Drives, Daugherty’s Auto Sales Warriors and Hobby Stocks will also be in competition Saturday night. All divisions Saturday night will compete in non-points events due to the cancellation of Open Practice last weekend.
The pit gates will swing open at 4:00 with pit passes being set at $25.00. General Admission gates will open at 4:30 with Woodhull’s $1 off early bird special until 5:30. General Admission is $11.00 for ages 13 and up, Seniors 65+ $6.00, ages 8-12 $6.00 and children 7 and under being admitted FREE.
Season passes are still available as well located behind the main tower. General Admission season passes are $220, Senior Season Passes $140 and Season Pit Passes are $450. Fans can also purchase reserved seating for 2017 at the same location as season passes.
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