BACK TO THE FRONT: Woody Pitkat Finishes Second in Bud Light Open Modified 80 at Stafford

ATTACHED PHOTO: Tom Morris

(STAFFORD, CT - July 30, 2021) -- For the first time during the 2021 season, Woody Pitkat and the Stan Mertz Racing team were celebrating on Friday night at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Even though Pitkat didn’t win the 4th annual Bud Light Open Modified 80, he and the Mertz Racing team put forth their best effort of the young season, scoring a second-place finish against some of the most stout competition from across the Northeast.

At his home track, Pitkat started mid-pack in the 80-lap feature, worked his way into the top-five by lap 20, and rode there until a caution close to the halfway point. Then, the Mertz Racing team went to work, preparing Pitkat with everything he needed for the finish. It was up to the ‘Sultan of Stafford’ to work his way back to the top of the field in front of his hometown fans, and he didn’t disappoint.

Pitkat passed for third on lap 52, then second on lap 64, and held off all challengers behind him at the end, while Chase Dowling went to Victory Lane. The second-place finish was the first top-five of the season for Pitkat and the Mertz Racing team -- less than one week after a motor failure ended the night at Star Speedway. The team worked hard throughout the week and finished the car just a few hours before they needed to load up to head to the track on Friday.

“I have to thank Stan Mertz, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here,” Pitkat said. “They put the motor back in the car and didn’t get it done until 11 p.m. or so last night. The competition here is no joke, up and down the board. It’s an amazing run. I can’t thank everyone enough. Stan should be very proud.”

Sponsors of the team include Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Axis Engineering Group, Black and White Grille (Spencer, MA), TowBoatUS, Cape Towing & Salvage, J&S Motors, Pomfret Wine & Spirits, Mike Holmes & Son Excavating, Earnest Performance Shocks & Kenneth Blackmer Transport.

Stan Mertz Racing will return to the track on Saturday, August 14, at Monadnock Speedway with the Tri Track Open Modified Series. For more information on Stan Mertz Racing, visit StanMertzRacing.com and follow the team on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

By Souza Media/Kyle Souza