Woody Pitkat Holds Off Adam Gray For Late Model Win At Stafford Speedway

STAFFORD – It was a battle between the reigning division champion and the hottest driver at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2013.

Woody Pitkat

When the dust settled it was the champion celebrating.

Woody Pitkat held off Adam Gray over the closing laps to win the 30-lap Late Model feature.

It was the second Late Model victory of the season for Pitkat, of Stafford, the division’s 2012 champion.

Gray, of Belchertown, Mass., held on for second and Mark St. Hilaire of Berlin was third.

Pitkat’s first victory in the division this year came on May 31. It marked the 10th consecutive podium finish for Gray, who has three wins this year. Gray’s only finish this year outside of the top-three was an 18th place finish in the season opening event.

Gray went to the outside of Pitkat on lap 23 and had the advantage off turn four and led the lap at the line, but Pitkat fought back on the ensuing lap to regain the top spot.

Numerous times over the final five laps, Gray looked for lanes under and above Pitkat, but couldn’t find a way to the front.

“It was tough,” Pitkat said. “I know he’s had a really good car the last couple weeks. He’s obviously the fastest car here. We’ve been struggling. I wanted a win so bad. It’s been a while. I just figured I’d protect the bottom and give him the outside. Some people probably think it’s dirty and other people probably think it’s great. I’m just happy to be here.”

Said Gray: “I knew Woody wasn’t going to settle for second. I was going to try for the win on the outside. Hats off to Woody and that whole team, congrats on the win.”