One thing Woody Pitkat has proven over his racing career over the last two decades in the Northeast is that he’s a master of adapting to change.
In 2016 the Stafford driver will once again have to let his adaptability shine.
Pitkat has been in the process of solidifying a number of known changes for his Modified racing lineup for 2016, while also working still to fill at least one major hole in his schedule.
Last year Pitkat, in his first year driving for team owner Pete Kulessa, won the Valenti Modified Racing Series championship.
This year Pitkat will defend that title with a new team, running for Stebbins Racing, replacing Todd Patnode in the team’s former No. 05 ride. Pitkat is expected to field a No. 52 ride for the team.
Pitkat said Greg Felton, his crew chief with the Kulessa’s team, helped facilitate the move to the Dan Stebbins owned ride.
“Pete [Kulessa] was really only wanting to run some [Tri-Track Open Modified Series] races this year, he didn’t want to do a whole bunch of the [Valenti Modified Racing Series] again,” Pitkat said. “Greg had been trying to see what was out there and he had talked to Stebbins with the 05 car. I don’t know what happened with them and Todd Patnode, but I guess they decided to do a deal with us, that’s kind of what’s going on. Our crew members from the 42 are going to go over there and Greg is going to help out with those guys.”
Pitkat won’t be saying goodbye altogether though to the car he ran to the Valenti Modified Racing Series championship.
He will actually run that car as an SK Modified weekly at Stafford Motor Speedway as part of a reunion of sorts between himself and Gunsmoke Stables team owner Steve Greer.
Pitkat drove to his first SK Modified championship for Greer in 2013, but the pair parted ways after the season.
Pitkat will once again race for team owner Adam Skowyra in 2015 at Stafford, though with the help of Greer, who purchased the Kulessa’s No. 42 car. Greer will provide the car and engine for the Skowyra owned team for Pitkat in 2016 at Stafford.
“The 42 car that I had run is going to Adam’s shop and we’re going to run it as an [SK Modified] out of Adam’s shop,” Pitkat said. “But [Steve Greer] ended up buying that for us. It will be his car and engine actually. He’s been really good for us, doing a lot. I have to thank him big time for everything he’s been doing to try to get us going better.”
There will be no change when it comes to Pitkat’s efforts at Thompson Speedway, where he will be defending his 2015 SK Modified title at the track for team owner Stan Mertz.
“That was a lot of fun and Stan treats me really well,” Pitkat said. “All those guys do. That really works for me.”
Left for Pitkat to figure out is what he will be doing, if anything, with the Whelen Modified Tour in 2016. After being in championship contention to final race of the 2015, and finishing third in the standings, Pitkat’s Buzz Chew Raing team shut down after the season.
Pitkat said he has had no solid offers when it comes to a Whelen Modified Tour opportunity. With Todd Szegedy walking away from the Bob Garbarino owned Mystic Missile ride, Pitkat is hoping there could be an opportunity to take over.
“Nothing set in stone yet with the [Whelen Modified Tour], Pitkat said. “A couple of people that I had talked to pretty much already had commitments that they’re tending to already. Obviously now with Szegedy leaving I’m going to have to make a few phone calls. But there’s nothing on the forefront with any of that.”
Nothing against Woody, but I would rather see TC in the 4 car!
Nothing against TC but I would rather see Woody in the 4 car,but you know what Jim I don’t think it’s for us to decide,but good luck to both
Good for Woody. He’s a talented race car driver. Hope he gets a quality ride for the tour.
Elect, I absolutely agree. Hope both find competitive rides and hope to see the v4 back on the track!
To bad stefanik didn’t have a interest to drive again him and garbarino good combo good equipment plus great driver go out on top