Woody Howard News

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Woody Howard Setting His Sites on SGMP
October 9, 2007

Photo by Kathy Bond (USAR) Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports Team have seen better days but they are not throwing in the towel just yet. Mechanical failures and the infamous monkey on their back have made for uncharacteristic finishes for the #55 Chevrolet.

They thought they had turned things around in Iowa: "Woody Howard had a rocket at Iowa. The only problem was that his rocket only had high gear, slowing him on restarts. If the race had run green for the last 40 laps, Howard could’ve won the race. But a slew of late-race cautions killed his chances. Howard finished eighth."(Paul Warner)

Myrtle Beach was spent hanging on to an ill handling car with little to no chance for adjustments as the entire race saw an uncanny 3 cautions all evening. The team finished 20th but managed to bring it home unscathed.

Now Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 Team will head to South Georgia Motorsports Park where the last time they saw that track they sat on the pole and brought home the win!

Woody Howard Has No Plans to take the Monkey to Mansfield
August 30, 2007

Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team are pumped up and ready to lose the monkey that has been on their back for most of the 2007 Southern division series.

"Regular Season Recap: After picking up a win and averaging a 6.3 finish in the first three races, Woody Howard was the Southern Division point leader. How quickly things change...he fell from first to 10th in the standings...he was fast everywhere and it was mostly bad luck and mechanical problems that caused the slump." (USARPROCUP.com, Paul Warner)

History shows that the Series Champion usually comes from the 1st or 2nd seed but Howard is ready to make history and break records again. He did it his rookie year when he broke Brian Vickers and Benny Gordon's rookie record with three wins that season. He made history at Iowa being the winner for the tracks Inaugural Race. He broke track record speeds all season, now it's time to step up for the championship.

“We’re going to Mansfield to win. Anything less will be a disappointment. It won't be easy racing against some of the best drivers in short track racing but we are ready," said Howard.

Woody Howard Looking for Victory at Hickory
August 1, 2007

Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team are geared up and ready to revisit Victory Lane.

"We've seen our share of misfortune. Now we're ready to make our own luck. We're gearing up for the Championship Series now but we aren't done here yet." said Howard.

The Dean Motorsports Team is only 37 points out of second place. After shattering the track record and starting from the Awesome Awnings Pole with a qualifying time of 14.403 sec/99.979 mph in the Naturally Fresh 250 at Southern Nat'l Raceway Park (Kenly, NC), Woody checked out on the second place car of Caleb Holman in the first 30 laps building a 10-car length lead over the pack. He relinquished his lead coming to pit road for his first stop on Lap 39. Working his way through lapped traffic, he was sent for a slow spin and received a bit of damage to the front end of his machine. On Lap 109, he was involved in another incident that forced him to a 27th-place finish.

Only 37 points out of 2nd in the points race and only two races remaining until the Championship Series, Howard and team plan to work their way back to the top.

"We haven't been sitting around waiting. We just got back from a B.F. Goodrich tire test at Bristol and we are working on the setup for Hickory. We have our eyes set on the Championship series and won't be happy without that win," said Howard.

Gearing up for Victory
June 8, 2007

After a disappointing run in the rain delayed southern division's Aarons 199 @ Peachstate Speedway(GA) on June 3rd and surrendering the points lead to Chase Pistone, Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports Team are hungry for another win.

"It's a very tight and competitive field each weekend. No one can afford to make mistakes. We made mistakes," said Howard, who started 6th on the starting grid and finished 20th for the evening.

With more than 50 teams in attendance, the top 28 broke the track record. Seventeen teams were sent home.

The team has since parted ways with crew chief, Steve Bird, and at the time of print, no replacement has been made.

Woody currently stands third in points, only 35 points behind the current points leader.

Move pays off for Howard
May 11, 2007

By Marty O'Brien
Daily Press

After preparing his Hooters Pro Cup Series car from a garage in Hampton the past two seasons, former Langley Speedway standout Woody Howard is garaging in the Charlotte area to be in the hub of the NASCAR universe. The move has worked out well.

Howard sits atop the standings in Pro Cup's Southern Division. The highlights in five races are a pole and victory at South Georgia and a fourth-place finish in Lakeland, Fla.

The Monte Carlo's consistency has Howard thinking championship.

"We had the fastest car at Shenandoah and Concord, but ran into a little bad luck," he said. "I can't complain because we've been fast off of the truck every week. Steve Bird, my crew chief, deserves a lot of credit. "The cars are good and the shop is organized. I can focus more on driving."

That's a far cry from the past couple of seasons, when Howard did everything from ordering parts to setting up his car. He set a Pro Cup rookie record with three victories in 2005, but his driver development stint with Joe Gibbs Racing did not lead to NASCAR's big-time.

Only 26, Howard still hopes to make it. He's networking more with NASCAR folks than he did in Hampton. He hopes to accelerate his progress with a move into NASCAR's quickly growing Busch East Series. He'll run his first Busch East races in June at New Hampshire and Dover, on the same weekends of Nextel Cup events.

Honoring the Victims and Families of Virgina Tech
April 24, 2007

Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 Team wish to extend their condolences to the victims, families, and friends of the Virginia Tech tragedy. They will show their support this weekend at the Concord Race with the VT logo on the hood of the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet.

"It's a tough time for the families and students. My sister goes to Virginia Tech and until we made contact with her on that Monday morning we knew the fear that comes with hearing that horrible news. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, families, and friends of those lost," said Howard.

Photo by Kathy Bond/USAR

All in a Days Work!
April 2, 2007

Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 Team could hope for little more at the end of the Glover Foods 250 at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Not only did they bring home the win but Woody broke the track record in qualifying, qualified on the pole, won the race, and now leads the division in points after the second race of the southern division series.

Woody qualified with a record breaking time of 18.379 seconds/97.938 mph. He led the first 31 laps of the race before a loose lap car rode up into him causing him to lose the lead to the #81 of McFarland.

The last 20 laps had the packed house on their feet as all the action came from the leaders. Gill, Howard, and Ritch battled for position until the very end. On lap 234, Woody moved in front of Ritch for second place, and eight laps later he moved into first coming out of turn 1. Gill dropped to third, and the battle started between Ritch and Howard. After swapping some paint with 8 laps remaining, Woody held on for the win.

“I was shaking in the car [over the final laps],” Howard said of the nail-biting finish. “I was not going to lay down, and I was not going to give up. I was going to wreck, or we were going to win.” Woody was referring to the work he had cut out for him trying to keep his #55 Chevrolet out of the wall. "The car wouldn't handle the way I needed it to in the corners. We were loose in, tight in the middle, and loose off. I finally found a system that was working for me but it required everything I had to keep it where I needed it." And that he did!

Woody hopes for a repeat performance at South Boston Speedway when he pays a visit to his hometown track and former division competitors for the first race of the Northern Division Series.

Photo by Kathy Bond/USAR

Top 5 at USA International Speedway Season Opener for Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports Team
March 20, 2007

Although Woody is pleased with a top 5 finish it's no secret that he went there for the win. At the top of the charts during practice, the Dean Motorsports Chevrolet was hooked up and ready to roll. New rules and pit strategy would certainly be a big factor.

The #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet qualified 9th eventhough breaking the former track pole record of 21.725 set by former champ, Clay Rogers. There was no question the field was stacked and the cars were fast. 19 of the 46 cars broke the qualifying record that day.

Woody and team looked to have the right strategy with a late pit stop for tires, but the numerous yellow flag laps at the end wasted away his chance at tracking the leader down under green. Woody led 16 laps before taking his final pit stop and four tires. He rejoined the leaders in the 25th position and worked his way up to fourth position at the checkered flag.

"My new crew chief, Birdie, and crew gave me a great car and great pit stops. I think we are sure to be contenders for the championship this year. I am excited to be able to race against such a stacked field and can't wait to take it to South Georgia," said Howard.

Woody Howard, Dean Motorsports, and Fans Ready for 2007 ProCup Season and More!
February 25, 2007
Testing for the season opener at USA International Speedway in Lakeland (FL) is underway for Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet team. Changes are aplenty.

The shop moved from it's previous location in Hampton, VA to it's new home in Mooresville (NC). Woody also moved his residence from VA to Davidson, NC to work full-time at the race shop when he is not "driver."

Busch Series Champion Crew Chief, Steve Bird, was hired as full time crew chief. Former crew members, Frank Falk (spotter), Stephen Roane, and Frank Costa remain onboard. New pit crew members were added as well. Their names will be released when details are finalized.

"We're all on the same page; self-motivated, team players, contending for the championship. The field is stacked this year and we are ready. It should be an exciting year for the Dean Motorsports team," said Howard.

In addition to location and team changes comes division changes as well. The Dean Motorsports team has registered to run in the Southern Division after two full seasons in the North.

Woody took ROTY honors for both his division and the series in 2005. With 4 wins to his USAR ProCup career, one being the Inaugural win at Iowa Speedway in 2006 (where he finished 3rd in points for the season overall), and the only driver with three wins in his 2005 rookie year making USAR ProCup history, Woody is ready to pose a threat as a 2007 Championship contender.

Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports team also have plans to make select appearances in some Busch Grand National East races to be announced at a later date.

Howard wants in on big-league racing
December 20, 2006
DAILY PRESS
BY MARTY O'BRIEN 247-4963

His developmental stint with Joe Gibbs Racing finished, Woody Howard faces an uncertain future.

HAMPTON -- When Joe Gibbs Racing signed Brad Coleman recently to run half of next season in one of its two Busch Series cars, it sent a wave of frustration through the area racing community.

Hampton Roads fans have no reason to resent Coleman, an 18-year-old some veteran NASCAR observers consider a star of the future. But Coleman's ascension to Gibbs' Busch seat meant that Chesapeake native Woody Howard had no future with the team. And ever since Howard signed a developmental contract with Gibbs two years ago, area fans were sure his undeniable talent would lead him from obscurity to stardom.

It happened with regional driver Denny Hamlin, didn't it? Barely more than two years ago, Hamlin was driving Late Models for northern Virginia businessman Jim Dean.

The Gibbs folks approached Dean about buying some cars so they could start a minority driver program. Hamlin, a former Langley Speedway division champ, was so impressive test-driving the cars that Gibbs' sponsor Rockwell Automation signed him to the team's Busch ride. The rest is history: top-five in the Busch standings and several strong Nextel Cup runs in 2005, two Cup victories in 2006, along with third in the Cup standings and Rookie of the Year honors.

To be perfectly clear, Howard's developmental contract did not guarantee entrée to a Gibbs ride. It meant only that the team would observe him for two years in exchange for a small fee that gave them the right to sign him ahead of other teams if they so chose.

"They never promised anything," said Howard, 25. "I feel I deserved a shot, but I'm not complaining. I've been lucky that Jim Dean has given me the opportunity to race in the Hooter's ProCup Series."

What vexes area fans is that while Gibbs has been observing, Howard fared well. Doing much of the car prep himself on a startup team, he won a rookie record three races and was Rookie of the Year in 2005 on the Hooter's circuit, one of the high minor leagues of stock car racing.

This past season he contended for the Hooter's title before finishing third. Dean, who signed Howard after Hamlin went to Gibbs, said Howard overcame the team's shortcomings in the pits because he is extremely talented driving in traffic.

"Woody is capable and smart," said Steve deSouza, Gibbs' vice president of Busch Series operations. "He doesn't tear up equipment, which is important to owners and sponsors."

Dean added: "Woody has Denny Hamlin-type talent. There's no question that if he ever gets a Busch or Cup seat, you'll never be able to get him out of it."

So, why didn't he get the shot with Gibbs? Bottom line: The team had neither an open seat nor the money to accommodate Howard.

Gibbs fields three Cup cars. Hamlin and two-time Cup champ Tony Stewart figure to occupy the cockpits of two for many years, while the jury is still out on '06 rookie J.J. Yeley.

Should Yeley falter, Gibbs is grooming a talented stable of young drivers who joined the organization about the same time as Howard. Aric Amirola, who is hispanic, and African-American Marc Davis represent the team's push for diversity. Coleman and 16-year-old Joey Logano are teen sensations with huge upsides.

Sponsorship limits the team to two full-time Busch cars. Hamlin will make most of the starts in the No. 20 during 2007, with Almirola and Stewart getting the others. Almirola and Coleman will split time about equally in the No. 18. Gibbs doesn't field a Crafstman Truck.

"At this point we simply don't have any opportunity for Woody," deSouza said. "The whole (organization) likes Woody, so we thought it would be better to let him explore other opportunities."

Dean added, "They tried to help Woody, but they just don't have a spot for him - unless he brought $3 million in sponsorship."

Dean said the "word on the street" is that Coleman will bring a $2 million to $3 million sponsorship deal with him. deSouza acknowledges that Coleman comes with a sponsor - a significant consideration in the Busch Series - but said that is not the only reason the team signed him.

"Money always sparks interest, but the driver has to be the right fit," deSouza said. "He has to be qualified and prove that he can perform."

Coleman's done that, finishing in the top five this season in eight of nine races in the ARCA Series, another highly regarded minor league. He had a solid (29th-place) run in his first Busch start. Dave Despain of the Speed Channel has tabbed him "the prototype NASCAR young gun of the future."

So, what now for Howard? The future is uncertain.

Dean has spent $1.8 million out of pocket on the Hooter's car the past two seasons. He can't afford to do that a third season and must secure primary sponsorship for Howard to race. None is on the horizon.

But Dean isn't giving up on Howard. He has too much faith in Howard's talent. He's singing Howard's praises to Cup owners, Richard Childress among them. And he's sponsoring the team's move from Hampton to a garage in Charlotte, N.C.

Howard's not sitting still either. When he settles in Charlotte, two or three weeks hence, he'll begin networking to land a ride and will knock on corporate doors to find sponsorship. Already well spoken, Howard is fine-tuning his communication skills in a Dale Carnegie Course.

"The course deals with human relations, public speaking and leadership," he said. "I'd recommend it to anyone."

The course also deals with salesmanship, and Howard believes he's got a heck of a product to sell: himself. If only someone will give him a shot.

"What I'll tell any team and any sponsor is that if you give me an opportunity, I'll give you instant success," he said. "I have dealt with every aspect of preparing Late Model and Hooter's cars. I made the calls, same as a crew chief.

"I traveled the Hooter's circuit and was successful at adapting quickly to different tracks. And I've dealt with television, print media, the whole deal. I'm ready to move up to the big leagues."

Woody Howard Brings Home Second Place Finish at Mark Brooks Memorial Bi-Lo 250
Oct.30, 2006
photo by USAR Kathy Bond

It was no ordinary "day at the beach" for Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team this past weekend at Myrtle Beach Speedway's Mark Brooks Memorial Bi-Lo 250. Hard work, perseverance, and determination played a huge part in their second place finish.

After tying Bobby Gill with a qualifying time of 21.125 sec. Woody would start behind Gill in the 9th spot on the starting grid. What had been the second fastest car in practice now appeared to be a liability during the race.

The #55 became ill handling and was losing track position as Woody fought to stay in the game. Eventually the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet would go a lap down.

A few adjustments to the car and fresh tires had the #55 back in the game. Woody was able to make up his lap and work his way back through the field. It was on his next pit stop where he would lose the lap again and again he raced his way back to the lead lap.

"Our car just didn’t work on the first set of tires for some reason. We put on the second set and the car was perfect. We’re just really glad that we could show what the car was capable of there at the end. I never got to race with Clay, but I’m happy we were able to come back and finish second," said Howard.

Woody pressured Gordon for the runner-up spot during the last 20 laps before slipping past at the finish line. Woody moved to second place in points.

GM Racing Development Driver Evaluation Final Stage Set for Nashville Superspeedway

Two-Day Format to Showcase Talents of 10 Drivers
Oct.10, 2006
Detroit (MI) - The final stage of the three-stage GM Racing Development Driver Evaluation Program will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, October 10-11, 2006 at Nashville Superspeedway (NSS). The 10 drivers invited to participate will be driving Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NASCAR Busch Series cars.

The GM Racing Development Driver Evaluation program was designed to provide opportunities for both the drivers and the teams to connect if an opening exists in someone's driver roster. All Chevrolet teams have been invited to attend and observe the drivers throughout the three stages. GM Racing engineers along with Pratt-Miller staff members have been charged with accurately gathering data for review by Chevy team representatives.

Of the 16 original drivers invited to Stages I and II, Landon Cassill, Jeremy Clements, Marc Davis, Jeffrey Earnhardt, Drew Herring, Woody Howard, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Joey Lagano, Tim McCreadie and Jason Sarvis will be showcasing their talent before representatives of Chevy NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series teams.

The first stage was held September 12-13, 2006 at Caraway Speedway, Asheboro NC and showcased the drivers in NASCAR Busch Series (NBS) cars. Stage II of the program was held September 19-20, at Dale McDowell Dirt School located at North Georgia Speedway, Chatsworth, GA in three different dirt track late model cars.

"We (the GM Racing group) met and discussed the results of the first two stages of the program - both objective and subjective," said Pat Suhy, NASCAR program manger for GM Racing. "We ranked the drivers in groups, from top (ready to go to Nashville) to bottom (not ready for Nashville) with a group in the middle and a practical limit on the number of drivers you can properly evaluate in two days on Nashville Superspeedway. It was a very difficult process, as some very promising guys got left out. We sent our list of suggested attendees out to the teams for feedback and worked a few changes in based on their input to come up with the final list."

Media members are cordially invited to attend the Nashville stage. Short biographies and headshots of drivers attending the NSS stage are available upon request.

GM Racing Communications staff will be on hand at NSS to assist media members with any needs they may have.

Media members may obtain additional information on GM Racing by logging on to http://media.gm.com/division/gmracing/index.html.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Woody Howard Still Second in Points going into 3rd race of the Championship Series!
Oct.4, 2006
photo by Kathy Bond

Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 team took home a 13th place finish at Jennerstown Speedway (PA) in the second race of the USAR ProCup "Four Champions" Championship Series and remain second in points for the title.

Woody started 7th on the grid and was beginning to pick off the competition in the rain-delayed Charlie Campbell Memorial Miller Lite 250, when an early race incident on lap 22 had him up in the marbles in an attempt to avoid the carnage.

It appeared his quick reflexes and skillful manuevering would allow him to continue to run down the leader as he had his #55 Dean Motorsports Chevy running second and closing in on Gordon. But on lap 35 it became evident that his time in the marbles and his brush with the wall would cost him.

He began to fall back, sparks flew from his car, and his tire let go on lap 46 when he brushed the wall bringing out the 3rd caution of the evening. While the crew changed the tire the rain began to fall and the race would again be delayed, this time until Sunday at 1PM.

When the race finally resumed on Sunday, Woody returned to pit road under caution. Fighting his way back to the front, a lap down, Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team would take home a 13th place finish.

Woody Howard Makes History at Iowa Speedway with Inaugural Win!
Sept. 17, 2006
photo by Dennis Michelson

Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 team prevailed in the first of six Championship races for the USAR Hooters ProCup Series at the inaugural event held at Iowa Speedway this past Friday night.

On this night the northern division drivers faced off against their southern division counterparts in what would end up being a test of strategy, patience, and preservation. Preservation of what turned out to be a tire wear issue discovered during Friday afternoon practice.

Series officials, after conferring with teams, decided to adopt a 440-minimum gear rule in order to shave speeds and reduce heat stress on the tires and adopt an unlimited tire rule for the Iowa race.

"It's unfortunate they've got this tire controversy going on right now, but nothing's perfectly smooth on a grand-opening date," Iowa Speedway designer and co-owner Rusty Wallace said before the main event. "What happened is the day they tested (the tires) here, it was raining and the track cooled off. It didn't have the heat in it, so they got misled a little bit, but racers persevere."

And that's exactly what Woody did in Friday's Soy Biodiesel 250 which took place on the 7/8-mile asphalt oval in front of a crowd of more than 18,000 fans.

Although Woody placed as high as 4th in the previous practice sessions it became clear that speed was not going to win this race as much as tire strategy. Defying instincts and making a conscious effort to just drive was what would take Woody to the checkered flag on lap 259 of the event.

"The plan was to just ride for 200 laps and race the last 50," Howard said.

Howard was running fourth when a late-race caution set up a green-white-checkered finish. The #3 of Johnson nudged the #22 of Mardy Lindley out of the lead on Lap 258. The contact allowed Woody to get a run on the leader going into Turn 1 on the final lap. Howard and Johnson went side-by-side for the final lap, banging off each other several times. With the crowd on their feet, it was in a 3-wide checkered flag finish where Howard took the lead from Daniel Johnson on the last lap to capture the inaugural Soy Bio diesel 250!

"I can't thank my team mates, Billy Hess, and Jim Dean enough for getting me to the end." (Howard)

Brake Problems Plague Woody Howard at Madison
Aug 22, 2006
photo by Kathy Bond/USAR ProCup

Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team finish their Northern Divison USAR Hooters ProCup series season 5th in points after brake coolant problems cost them a strong finish at Madison International Speedway in the Miller Lite 250 presented by Southern Wisconsin Dodge Dealers. Woody qualified on the outside pole and took the lead from pole sitter Benny Gordon to lead 15 laps before brake issues and an upper respiratory infection would turn his night around.

"I had to fight the brakes and this virus all night but I feel like I could have saved the car after the spin if I had just been on top of my game. The long green run didn't help us. It was a disappointing night to say the least," said Howard.

Woody qualified the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevy in 18.798 sec./95.755 mph putting the #55 on the outside pole. He would eventually bring it home in 11th place for the night after recovering from heavy damage on a spin around lap 170 which proved to be the caution everyone was waiting for on this atypical long green run night.

You can catch the action on SPEED this Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006 @ 4PM ET or Friday, Aug. 25th @ noon ET.

The first race of the Championship series, where the northern division drivers square off against their southern division counterparts begins Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 @ Iowa Speedway, Newton (IA) 8PM.

Another Top 10 for Woody Howard!
Aug 7, 2006
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team remain third in the points race for the Northern Divison USAR Hooters ProCup series with their 7th place finish in Saturday's Naturally Fresh 250 presented by TriStar Racewear @ South Boston Speedway (VA). It wasn't the finish they were hoping for but with 12 starts this year, Woody and the Dean Motorsports team pulled out 10 top ten and 6 top five finishes with one race remaining in the Northern Division series.

It's been a challenge this year with setup, rule changes, and limited testing for this young team (still without a major sponsor) but they feel confident going into the Championship series. "It's humbling after three wins last year and Rookie of the Year honors but we've come a long way learning new things about the car and setups this year," said Howard.

Woody was disappointed with his 14th place qualifying position but the team made some improvements on the pit stop that had him running down the leaders as high as 4th place. He would eventually be stuffed into the wall by the #11 of AJ Frank while passing on the outside, sustaining substantial damage. Woody held on and still managed to pull out a 7th place finish for the evening. You can catch the action on SPEED this Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006 @ 4PM ET or Friday, Aug. 11th @ noon ET.

Woody Howard's Back!
July 31, 2006
Photos by Kathy Bond

Woody Howard had the crowd on their feet with his second place finish at Salem Speedway's BFGoodrich Tires 250 presented by Holley Performance Saturday night. "It wasn't the win we came here for but 5 more laps and it may have been. The late race cautions didn't help us out but we're finally back where we hoped to be much earlier in the season," said Howard.

During qualifying, Woody lost the pole to Benny Gordon by a mere 1/1000th of a second. But at the drop of the green flag he took the lead. He led the field for 51 laps until Jeff Agnew got by him on lap 52. By evenings end there would be six lead changes by 4 different drivers. Woody led 114 of the 250 laps taking home the Greased Lightning Super Strength Performer award. (Most laps led).

Between laps 188-229 Agnew, A J Frank, and Woody Howard had the fans on their feet as they battled for the lead, challenging one another on the high-banked track. Howard would evntually pass Frank for a second place finish.

Woody is currently third in points in the Northern Division.

Third Place Finish at Motor Mile Speedway
July 17, 2006
USAR photo by Kathy Bond

Woody Howard qualified 8th for the Kroger 250 at Motor Mile Speedway (Radford, VA) but despite engine trouble he still managed to bring it home in third place, posting his 5th top 5 and his 8th top 10 in 10 starts.

"The car was handling great but the engine was just running flat," said Howard. "We expect to have it all figured out in time for the Salem race."

Woody and the #55 Dean Motorsports are defending champions at Salem Speedway's USAR Hooters ProCup 250 and look forward to making this the first win of their 2006 season.

You can catch the action from Motor Mile Speedway on the SPEED channel Wed., July 19th @ 4PM ET (note the new time) and again on Fri. @ noon ET. Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team will make their next appearance Sat., July 29, 7PM @ Salem Speedway (IN).

The entire Dean Motorsports team would like to express their condolences to the Brooks family on the loss of Robert H. Brooks, Hooters Pro Cup Series founder.

When it Rains it Pours!
July 4, 2006 Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team are working hard hoping to turn their luck around. After a stellar rookie year, making USAR ProCup history with three wins his rookie year; Rookie of the Year honors for the Northern division; and named the Miller Lite ROTY for the series, Woody and team are hoping their hard work this year soon pays off.

While some drivers may show up ready to race a fine tuned machine, Woody finds himself in the car only after 14 hour workdays in, around, and under the car. With the help of a hard working crew they continue to learn the setups and strategies together.

Currently, their efforts have them 5th in points with 9 starts; 4 top fives; and 7 top tens. That's just not good enough for Woody. He won't rest until he gets the win!

Woody Howard qualified second for the Miller Lite 250 at Lake Erie Speedway but when a loose hub was detected after qualifying, he found himself starting at the rear of the field after the repair. Howard charged to the front of the field not once but twice. He was sent to the rear of the field for a second time when hit with a rough driving penalty when the #71 of Lonnie Rush spun out ahead of him. He ran in the top ten and as high as second place before an engine problem would put him the last car on the lead lap, in 16th place for the evening.

"We had a fast car tonight. Circumstances just worked against us."

Podium Finish at Mansfield
June 13, 2006
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team took home a third place finish in the Lucas Oil 250 presented by Donley Ford at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway this past weekend.
Qualifying 11th and recovering from an early spin from the #93 of Jack Bailey, setting him as far back as 21st, Woody and team rallied and hung on for a top three finish moving him from 6th in points back into third.

When asked how the car was during the early stages of the race Woody replied, "I haven't had a chance to race it yet. It's more like driving on the interstate right now." Despite the 3rd place finish, Woody wasn’t pleased with the overall run. "We’ll take [the third-place finish], but we’re still just off a little bit," said Howard. "Everywhere we go, we are a little bit off. It’s frustrating, and we’ve got to figure something out."

Disappointment at Jennerstown
May 30, 2006
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team had high hopes for Jennerstown Speedway when they unloaded the trailer for the Giant Food Stores 250 presented by Predator Performance. But after the first practice session it was clear that something was wrong. The engine was running flat, practice would soon be over, and the back-up car would have to come out.

Hopes were restored with the back-up car during the later part of practice and with a 5th place spot on the starting grid but that too would come to an abrupt end on lap 21 when the engine broke. The night was over for Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports Chevrolet dropping them from 3rd to 6th in points.

Top Ten at Kil-Kare Speedway
May 15, 2006
(photo from USAR ProCup, Kathy Bond)

Gray skies set the tone for the weekend for Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet. Due to the rain delay, points were used to determine the lineup for the Naturally Fresh 250, putting Woody third on the starting grid.

Early in the race Woody was spun by the 93 of Bailey but rebounded to find himself running again with the leaders, Gordon and Agnew. His luck ran out when he later caught a piece of a lap traffic wreck sustaining a good deal of body damage. His fate was sealed when, gambling on the weather, a two tire pit stop ended any chance for a strong run in the end. Woody and crew would come home with an eight place finish.

You can watch the action from Kil-Kare Speedway on Wed. 5PMET on SPEED. Check your local listings. Woody's next race is May 27 @ 7PM at Jennerstown Speedway, Jennerstown, PA.

Top Five at Shenandoah
May 6, 2006
(photo from Speed51)

Woody Howard brought home a 5th place finish this past Thursday night from Shenandoah Speedway (VA) in the Dean Motorsports #55 Chevrolet. While many drivers would have been pleased with all top five finishes in the first 3 races of the Northern division series, Woody Howard won't be happy until he gets the win.

Howard qualified on the outside pole and slipped around Gordon on the opening lap. His hard charge would only last until lap 57 when his car became loose and his struggle to fight off Gordon would come to an end. "We had a good qualifying run but we continue to fight problems with the chassis," said Howard. "Our pit stop didn't help matters." Howard came in second with the leaders on lap 105 but unfortunate circumstance got him out last. He fought his way back to fifth where he would take the checkered flag of the FARMER'S FOOD 250 Presented by 98 Rock.

Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 team will be back on Friday, May 12th at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, Ohio.

You can watch the ProCup action this Wednesday night, May 10 on SPEED at 5PM ET. Check your local listing.

Fourth Place Finish at Lonesome Pine
April 24, 2006

Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team, in their second start of the USAR ProCup 2006 northern series season, brought home their second top five finish.

Howard, who led 67 laps in the Food City 250, qualified 8th and came home fourth. The team made the decision to pit early to make some necessary adjustments. Woody inherited the lead on lap 139. For the next 50 laps, Howard and Bailey battled for the lead. Bailey couldn’t wrestle the lead away but eventually Agnew would slip past Bailey on Lap 201 to take second and, five laps later, slipping past Woody taking Bailey with him. Gordon was now making his run on the Dean Motorsports #55 and got into Howard enough to loosen him for the pass.

"I just haven’t gotten this place figured out," said Howard. "We made the car better on the pit stop, but what we needed to change couldn’t be changed on a pit stop. Overall, it was a good points night."

Woody is currently third in the points standing. You can watch the race on Wed. 4/26 @ 5PM ET on SPEED. Check your local listings. Come catch the live action on Thursday,7PM May 4th @ Shenandoah Speedway (VA). `

Top Three Finish at South Boston Speedway.
April 4, 2006
Photo by USAR ProCup photographer, Kathy Bond

Joe Gibbs Racing development driver and 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year, Woody Howard, brought home a 3rd-place finish in the first race for the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Northern Division's 2006 season, the Aaron's 250 at South Boston Speedway (VA).

For much of the first 100 laps, former champs, Benny Gordon and Clay Rogers, and Howard along with Jack Bailey, ran separate grooves and side-by-side. Rogers and Howard were content with the high line, while Gordon and Bailey hugged the apron. "That's one thing I really like about SoBo," said Howard. "From week to week lines change around here. When Benny saw me coming he would move up. I really couldn't do anything on the bottom anymore. Everything was running good tonight but we were a little off on the setup."

The top four separated themselves from the pack, but their biggest scare was in front of them. On Lap 107 a lap car spun right in front of the leaders. The foursome made it through unscathed. Most of the lead-lap cars took the opportunity to come to pit road under caution.

Five cars elected to stay on the track and lined up ahead of Gordon, Rogers, Howard and Bailey. The group would have another challenge when cars spun in front of the leaders yet again. Howard bounced off the wall trying to avoid the carnage but received little damage from the incident and continued to march toward the front after the restart.

After 14 cautions and one red flag, Woody would take 3rd place at the checkered and second in points for the Northern Division. Be sure to catch this action packed race on the SPEED channel, 5PM ET Wednesday, April 5, 2006 and Friday, April 7 at noon ET. Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports #55 team will take the green flag again on April 22, 2006 at 7PM ET at Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, VA.

Top Ten Finish at USA International Speedway.
Feb. 27, 2006
Photo by USAR ProCup photographer, Kathy Bond

Joe Gibbs Racing development driver and 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year, Woody Howard, brought home a 7th-place finish in his first race of the 2006 season, the Naturally Fresh 250 at USA International Speedway.

With the start of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Northern Division still weeks away, Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team made their way to USA International Speedway in Lakeland (FL) for an extended test session in preparation for their season opener on April 1st. Their mission was accomplished as they tried several adjustments during numerous pit stops in the 250 lap event.

"We did our best to stay out of the way of the teams running for points but with a limited testing schedule and a few rule changes we decided to make the trip to Lakeland. We learned a lot and expect to come back to the Championship Series strong. My crew gave me some great pit stops too."

Woody and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team will compete next at the South Georgia 250, presented by Astro Exterminating & Termidor on Sat. March 11th in Cecil, GA. The Northern Division begins April 1st at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, VA.

Annual Hooters Pro Cup Series Awards Banquet at the Grande Dunes Marriot in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Jan. 14, 2005
Photo by USAR ProCup photographer, Kathy Bond

The annual Hooters Pro Cup Series Awards Banquet was held this year at the Grande Dunes Marriot in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Woody Howard, who finished fourth in overall points, and his Dean Motorsports teammates picked up the Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Award and $59,000 in bonus money from Miller Lite.

"I came to this banquet last year just to watch," said Howard. "I can’t believe I’m standing here tonight. I wouldn’t be here without my team or my car owners. Jim and Dee Dean are the best car owners in the world. They didn’t make any excuses and gave me everything I needed to succeed this year."

Woody joked about how much help he received from fellow drivers during the early portion of the year but how they began to lie to him after he started winning races!

His first season in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series brought him:
Overall ROTY Champion: $40,000;
Northern Division ROTY $10,000;
9 ROTR Awards: $9,000;
He won three races, one from the pole;
6 top fives;
and 12 top 10s in 17 starts.

Woody continues as a Joe Gibbs development driver. Howard and crew are currently preparing for a likely return to the northern division althought the southern tracks may well be on their agenda along with possible appearances at other venues. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds.

Woody Howard Clinches Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Honors in the 2005 Hooters Pro Cup Series!
Nov. 28, 2005
Photo by USAR ProCup photographer,Kathy Bond

Only days before the start of the 2005 USAR Hooters ProCup season, Joe Gibbs development driver, Woody Howard, and the #55 Dean Motorsports crew scrambled to ready themselves for the first race of his rookie season. He knew the competition would be tough but he set his sights on the Rookie of the Year title and never looked back.

Day and night this rookie team worked to navigate their way through the learning curve of the ProCup series. New to real time pits stops and ProCup setups they had their work cut out for them. By the 7th race of the season things began to come together. It would be at Kil-Kare Speedway (Xenia, OH) where Woody and team would pick up the first in a series of wins that would launch him into ProCup history. Woody became the first rookie to win 3 races in his rookie year (Brian Vickers and current USAR ProCup champ, Benny Gordon, won 2 in their rookie year). Woody finished the northern division season 3rd in points and was named the 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year for the Northern Division.

It wasn't over yet. With the Southern and Northern divisions facing off in the championship series, Woody set his sights on new goals. The championship was in reach as was the 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year title for the series. In the end he would fall short of the championship finishing in 4th place overall but clinched the 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year for the series simply by starting the last race of the season with a 110 point lead over runner-up and fellow Joe Gibbs developement driver, Joey Logano.

The last race of the Four Champions Memorial Hooters 300 Presented by Lance Kelly Designs at USA International Speedway (Lakeland, FL) would be the first race at this track for Woody. Electrial problems during qualifying put the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet 26th on the starting grid. When the green flag dropped Woody knew right away that the right rear spring was going to have to be changed if he would have a chance to finish well. He would eventually be run down and lapped by the leaders.

On one of 4 pit stops, car chief, Dave Tallman, changed the right rear spring without losing another lap. By lap 213, with fresh tires and a new spring, Woody found himself in the position to pass the leaders and get his lap back. Woody crossed the checkered flag in 6th place. He also brought home the additional $1000 Rookie of the Race Award.

With 17 starts Woody had 3 wins, one win from the pole, 6 top fives, 12 top tens and nine time Rookie of the Race. Howard finished the season with $59,000 in rookie bonuses.

Congratulations to the #55 Dean Motorsports crew for their 4th place finish in their first Championship Pit Crew Challenge.

Howard's Engine Woes Do Not Diminish Rookie-of-the-Year Hopes
Nov. 8, 2005
Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Woody Howard overcame a costly engine change during practice for the Dan Duncan Kroger 250 to finish third and is all but assured to win the 2005 Hooters Pro Cup Series Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Award. With one race remaining on the schedule Howard just has to make the field and start the race at at the Four Champions Memorial Hooters 300 on Saturday, Nov.26 at the USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL. Howard's motor blew with just 30 minutes remaining in the only practice session and had to be replaced before qualifying. Fellow Joe Gibbs Racing development driver, Joey Logano stepped up and scuffed his tires for him while the motor swap feverishly took place.

After a few shake down laps with the new power plant, Howard qualified third with a hot lap of 16.604 sec.

By lap 78 of the 250-lap event Howard had passed the No. 32 of Mark McFarland for second place. The leaders came in to pit on lap 108 and the team's effort got Howard off pit lane first. Sam Fullone did not pit so that put Howard in second at the restart. But just two laps after the green flag Howard took the lead, grabbed the $1,000 Lucas Oil Product Halfway Lap bonus and five valuable bonus points.

Once out front Howard led a total of 85 laps before being passed for the lead by Shane Huffman. "Our car was tight all night, and I had to use the brakes more than I wanted to," said Howard. "We just needed to get the car a little freer." Along with the Lucas Oil Products 1/2 Way Leader Award Howard took the Miller Lite Rookie of the Race Award with his third-place finish. All Howard will have to do at the Hooters 300 season finale in Lakeland, FL is start the race to take the 2005 Hooters Pro Cup Series Miller Lite Rookie of the Year and the $40,000 bonus. Howard has a 111-point lead over Joey Logano, with one race remaining. "That was our goal when we started the season," said Howard. "We wanted to win the overall title, but realistically we thought we could win rookie of the year." You can catch Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team at the Four Champions Memorial Hooters 300 on Saturday, Nov.26 at the USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL. for the final race of the Championship series.

Woody Hangs on to the Rookie Lead
Oct. 25, 2005
The #55 Dean Motorsports team has seen better days. Qualifying a disappointing 27th for the Mark Brooks Memorial Bi-Lo 250 at Myrtle Beach Speedway(SC), Woody and team had to settle for a 15th place finish. "The car set-up was just off. It was tight all night. Dropping down to the inside lane too soon (one lap down on a restart) after making it up to 10th place didn't help matters." Woody was sent to the end of the longest line taking him from 10th to 18th. His chances of picking off the field, one by one, ended when he made it back up to 15th by lap 250. He lost 80 points, putting him in 9th place overall, but maintains his Rookie lead with two races remaining in the Championship series; 55 and 56 points ahead of Faulk and Logano for the Rookie chase.

Woody Regains Rookie Lead in Championship Series
Oct. 10, 2005
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team qualified third for the USAR Hooters ProCup Alan Kulwicki Memorial Lucas Oil 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway(OH) with a time of 16.859 sec. Rain delayed the Saturday event to a misty Sunday afternoon when Woody drove to a 6th place finish after battling a loss of brakes on lap 169 and a weather related pit strategy which didn't play to the teams advantage in the end.

When asked about his thoughts on the race, Woody said, "Well, like Jennerstown, the fastest car doesn't always win. We gambled on our pit strategy due to the weather but it cost us in the end." He regains his lead for Rookie of the Year with three races remaining in the Championship series, and only 37 points behind the leader, Northern Division champ, Benny Gordon.

Woody will test at Myrtle Beach Speedway this week in preparation for the third race in the Championship series to be held Saturday, October 22, 7:30 PM. Meet Woody this Friday, Oct. 14th 2005 at the Joe Gibbs Racing Fall FanFest at 10AM where he will be available for autographs at the Joe Gibbs Racing Team’s recently renovated race shop in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Blown Tire Blows Stellar Run at Jennerstown
Sept. 26, 2005
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports team qualified third for the USAR Hooters ProCup BF Goodrich 250 at Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, PA with a time of 18.834 sec. and 99.777 mph. At the drop of the green flag, Woody took second place and by lap 27 he was able to take the lead from the #66 Northern Division Champ, Benny Gordon.

He continued with a 1.5 sec. lead over second place Faulk. After the pit stop by the leaders on lap 82, Woody lost two spots but by lap 150 he was back up to 2nd and charging the #32 of Mark McFarland when McFarland blew a tire.

Woody assumed the lead on lap 166 and by lap 206, led the field by 5.49 sec. His stellar run came to an abrupt end when he blew a right front tire on turn 4 of lap 209.

He ended his day in 17th place and fell from 6th to 9th in points for the first race in the Championship series. He led 105 laps and won the Blast from the Pack Award for the event. “We clearly had the car to beat tonight. We hope to have another strong run at Mansfield only this time with the win.” Woody Howard.

Be sure to watch the BF Goodrich Tires 250 from Jennerstown on the SPEED channel, Sat., Oct. 8th at 10 PM eastern or Friday, Oct. 14th at noon eastern. The next race is Sat. October 8th at Mansfield Motorsports Park in Mansfield, OH.

(photo from USARfans.com See their link on News page)

2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year, Northern Division
Sept. 11, 2005
Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team got off to a late start with a rookie driver and a rookie team but owner, Jim Dean, knew if anyone could pull it off they could. And they did! With 12 starts the team had three wins, five top 5's, 9 top 10's, Rookie of the Year honors, and ended third in points for the 2005 USAR Hooters ProCup Northern Division series. Woody clinched the ROTY title with his 3rd place finish at Madison International Speedway in the last race of the northern division series in Madison, WI.

Now the game is on! The 5 race shootout in the Championship series begins with the southern and northern division drivers facing off in their first race at Jennerstown Speedway, in Jennerstown, PA, Sat. Sept. 24th. The competition will be tough but Woody and team look forward to some great racing action.

Woody Howard Sets His Sights on Rookie of the Year
Sept. 01, 2005
As the regular season winds down for the USAR ProCup Series Northern Division, Woody Howard has his sights set on the 2005 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Award. Woody currently leads rookie A.J.Frank by 57 points and hopes to maintain that lead at Madison International Speedway in Madison, WI on, what just happens to be his birthday, Sept 9th. Adding a fourth win would just add icing to the cake. Woody is currently 4th in Northern Division points overall.

The work began for Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports crew only weeks before the start of the 2005 Hooters ProCup Northern Division's season at South Boston Speedway. Still without a car, the new team was forced to buy an old one and scramble to get it ready for the race. Woody and crew, without an experienced crew chief or big-name sponsor, worked day and night in preparation for the race. Woody qualified on the outside pole that day with a 7th place finish in his first ever USAR Hooters ProCup start. Not a bad beginning for a rookie team that came together at the last minute without even enough time to practice a pit stop. It seemed most of the season they were playing catch-up, trying to learn the set-ups, pit stops, and tracks. But by the 7th race of the season Woody found victory lane for his first win at Kil-Kare Motor Speedway. Woody would visit victory lane again in two of the next three races making him the first driver ever to win more than two races as a rookie. The only other drivers to win more than once as a rookie were Brian Vickers, now a member of Hendrick's Nextel Cup team and Hooters ProCup Northern Division points leader, Benny Gordon.

Woody is hopeful that his two day trek to Madison International Speedway to test will pay off as he goes into the final race of the regular season. Woody and the Dean Motorsports team look forward to competing against such top guns as Huffman, McFarland, Rogers and others from the Southern Division in the upcoming Championship Series which begins Saturday, Sept. 24th at Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, PA.

Teamwork and Determination
August 22, 2005
The #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet was ready for a strong qualifying run at Illiana Speedway's Bakker's Produce 250 in Schererville, IN. Woody Howard's first qualifying lap of 20.55 put him 5th on the starting grid but it was during what would have been his faster second lap when something in the engine broke. With hard work and determination Woody and crew immediately came into the pits to remove the engine and replace it with a back-up in time to begin the race in the rear of the field.

One by one Woody was able to pick his way through the 33 car field to fifth place. A late race spin in front of him caused him to back down consequently losing a position to the #16 of Mardy Lindley. "I checked up for that wreck, and a couple of guys got by me," said Howard. "I thought we had a top-five car, but, overall, it was a good night. We’d never been here before, so we can’t complain about finishing sixth."

Woody finished 6th with Rookie of the Race honors and is currently leading in Rookie points and 4th place in points overall in the Northern Division. You can watch the Bakker's Produce 250 this Saturday, August 27th on the SPEED channel at 10PM eastern. Check your local listings.
The next event is scheduled for Friday, September 9, 2005 at Madison International Speedway in Madison, WI. Check back often for updates.

One for the History Books!
August 8, 2005
Woody and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team won their THIRD race of their rookie season at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, VA this past Saturday night.
Woody is the first rookie in the USAR ProCup Series to win more than 2 races in his rookie season. Brian Vickers and Benny Gordon, each had two wins.

SouthBostonSpeedway.com had this to say:
Woody Howard of Chesapeake, Va. stole the show Saturday night in the Lucas Oil 250 at South Boston Speedway and made a bit of history in the process. Howard became the first rookie competitor in the USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Series to gain three victories in his initial campaign. And, he did so in impressive fashion.

Howard, who has won two consecutive USAR Hooters ProCup Series events, started from the pole position in the 32-car field with a qualifying lap of 16.063 seconds and 89.647 miles per hour. He then proceeded to lead 147 of the 256 laps run on the way to earning the victory. "That's what we came here to do," Howard, who pocketed a total of $12,000 for the night, said. "The pit crew did a great job for me tonight. We went in first [during a pit stop] and they got us out first."

Due to a pair of late cautions and red-flag periods, the race was extended to 256 laps in order to have a green-flag finish. In all, the race was slowed by nine caution flag sessions. Howard led the first 89 laps of the race before making a mandatory pit stop during a caution period. Despite pitting, Howard made it back out on the track in the third position after posting the quickest time among the cars that headed in for pit stops under the yellow flag.

Howard grabbed the second-place position on the track on lap 132 when Joe Gaita of Yorktown, Va. headed in for his pit stop, allowing Mardy Lindley of Greenville, S.C. to inherit the lead position. Lindley held the first-place spot on the track until the 198th circuit when Howard used the high side of the track to motor into the lead, a position he held for the final 58 circuits.

Prior to getting around Lindley, Howard had tested the waters several times on the high side of the four-tenths mile asphalt oval. "I had talked to some of my buddies that race down here and I had read some of the write-ups about the races here this season," Howard said. "I knew that some people had won some races this year by running that high line. "I knew I didn't have any other choice," Howard added. "I wasn't going to get by Mardy any other way. The car wouldn’t turn on the bottom of the track when I was behind him. I found some grip up there on the high side and, I have to thank Mardy, he drove me clean."

Another WIN!
July 30, 2005
Woody and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team won their second race of their rookie season at Salem Speedway in Salem, IN.
Woody qualified 10th and slowly moved up through the field. Despite losing a couple of positions during a pit stop, Woody managed to pick off the leaders one by one while weaving through lap traffic.
You can watch the Lucas Oil 250 this Saturday, August 6th on the SPEED channel at 10PM EST. Check your local listings.
The next event is scheduled for Saturday, August 6, 2005 at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, VA. Check back often for updates.

Motor Mile's Greased Lightning 250 Review
July 18, 2005
After the win at Kil-Kare Speedway, expectations were high for the Greased Lightning 250 at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA. Having the fastest practice time (lapping the .416-mile track at 16.780 seconds and 89.893 mph) and qualifying 5th left the team with high hopes for a repeat performance.

That was not to be the case. First, a minor adjustment during the last practice session resulted in a broken bolt that needed repair. Waiting to have it welded cost the team the last 30 minutes of practice. Brief showers and cooling of the track followed as evening approached. When the green flag dropped, running in 6th, it became clear to Woody that adjustments were going to have to be made if the #55 Dean Motorsports Chevrolet was going to win.
Woody and crew made the decision to pit on lap 79 but the adjustment wasn't completed on that pit stop so he would have to pit again. This time it would end up costing them a lap. Pit stop mishaps plagued the team throughout the evening, costing them 3 laps by the end of the race. Working his way up from the rear of the field found him snarled in a wreck, overheated, and eventually in 21st place. The crew can't be too disappointed as they came together as rookies with minimal pit stop practice. Valuable lessons were learned!

Woody is currently 7th in the Northern Division point standings.
The next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 30, 2005 at Salem Speedway in Salem, IN. Check back often for updates.

Big Win at Kil-Kare Speedway
July 5, 2005

Woody Howard and the #55 Dean Motorsports Team took the first win of their rookie season in the BF Goodrich Tires.com 250 at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, Ohio. "We just took two tires," said Howard, who elected to short pit on Lap 75 and went the final 179 laps without stopping. Woody qualified 8th and took the lead once the lead-lap cars cycled through pit stops. His BFGoodrich Tires g-Force radials held on and Howard picked up his first Pro Cup win in just his seventh start. This moves him up to 6th in the Northern Division point standings.
You can catch the “BF Goodrich Tires.com 250” broadcast from Kil-Kare Speedway this Saturday night, July 9th, at 10:30pm EST on the Speed Channel. Check your local listing for broadcast changes.

The next event is scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2005 at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA. Check back often for updates.

Photo from www.usarprocup.com; Kathy Bond photographer

Mr. Gasket Hard Charger Award and Another Top 10
June 18, 2005

Woody and Team #55 took the Dean Motorsports Chevy Monte Carlo from 21st to a 9th place finish with hard work and perserverance. Nothing seemed to work right at Lake Erie Speedway in Pennsylvania this past weekend. The brakes went bad, the car was tight, and the frustration was high but they never gave up. After several pit stop adjustments, Woody began to pick his way through the field winning the Mr. Gasket Hard Charger Award and another top ten finish!

You can catch the “Miller Lite 250” broadcast from Lake Erie Speedway this Saturday Night, June 25th at 10:00pm EST on the Speed Channel. Check your local listing for broadcast changes.

Woody Howards USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Review
June 14,2005

With the new car finally reaching completion, Woody Howard and the Dean Motorsports USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Team are hopeful that their slow start will finally pay off. Until now the #55 was a back up car with a rookie driver, a rookie crew, and the car’s share of problems. Even so, the first few races ended with a top 5 finish at Lonesome Pine Raceway; a top 10 at South Boston Speedway and Jennerstown Speedway (along with Rookie of the Race honors at Jennerstown) leaving Woody 7th overall in points. His finish last weekend at Mansfield Motorsports Park looked like another top ten finish until he got caught up in a late race wreck that ended with a 14th place finish.

He had hoped his luck would change at Indianapolis Raceway Park with the debut of the new car but running into oil dropped by the car in front of him during practice sent him spinning into the wall and ending his hopes of even making the race. But the crew worked feverishly to make repairs and the #55 managed to qualify 19th in a field of 49 cars hopeful to make the 36 car field.

This weekend takes the Dean Motorsports Team #55 to Lake Erie Speedway in North East, PA. Although this will be his first time on this track, with no test time available, Woody and the Dean Motorsports Team are hoping for a solid performance and a long awaited win.

Woody Signs With Joe Gibbs Racing
March,22 2005

Woody signed today as a Developmental Driver for the Joe Gibbs Racing Team. He will also be running the USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Series for Dean Motorsports, the northern division. Look for Woody to make some Late Model appearances at various tracks as well.

He began this season with two late model appearances at both South Boston Speedway in South Boston, VA and Motor Mile Speedway in New River Valley, VA. A fuel pick-up problem ended his race early at South Boston but he pulled in a 7th place finish in the #9 Dean Motorsports Dodge at Motor Mile. His next tentative scheduled event is the Hooters Race at South Boston Speedway on April 9, 2005. Be sure to check back for schedule updates and changes.

2005 Update
Jan. 6, 2005

Woody ended the season, November 21st, with a strong second place finish in the 2004 12th Annual Myrtle Beach 400. Over 80 teams attempted to make the main event. Woody qualified 13th which meant he wouldn't have to run the ever dreaded heat races. He led the 250 lap main event for part of the second half of the race but in the end lost his lead to the #4 of Frank Deiny.

Woody and his race team would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful race fans for their continued support this past year. Woody is currently working at putting together a great season for 2005. When his plans and schedule become available they will be announced here. Be sure to check back often.

Bailey's 300
Nov. 13, 2004

Woody entered the South Boston Bailey's big end of season race as the defending champion. He, along with 56 other drivers, hoped to make the 36 car field after a rain delay postponed qualifying until Saturday, race day. The top 15 qualifiers would automatically make the field. The remaining drivers would have to run heat races to make the main event. Woody qualified 5th.

It wasn't long after the green flag when Woody found himself in second position chasing down the leader. On lap 179 Woody took the lead. It was on lap 276 when lap traffic would slow him down and allow the #77 to close in and pass him. Woody finished in second place with a fast car and a solid race.

Be sure to catch Woody and Team #30 at Myrtle Beach Raceway for their big end of season event, The Myrtle Beach 400, Sunday Nov. 21, 2004

Motor Mile's Big One
Oct. 16, 2004

There were 39 teams entered in the Shelor Motor Mile Chrysler/Dodge 500. Woody TIED for the pole position in qualifying but it went to the #84 of Huffman because "he went out first." Qualifying for the pole came with a $1000 prize. No, they didn't split it! Their second lap was not saved to break this tie nor did they use track points(Woody led Huffman in track points). They went with who went out first. Woody started outside pole. At the green he immediately dropped behind the #84.

For 151 of the 300 laps Woody remained on Huffman's tail but, with the numerous cautions that came out, he was never able to make his move. At the midway point in the race the $2000 prize for leading slipped his grasp once again.

It was at this time that the top 8 cars were inverted. So now Woody is put back to 7th position. If inverts are going to become regular deals at these high ticket races ($20,000 to the winner), it may be safe to assume more drivers will be dropping back BEFORE the caution comes out!

It was an exciting race for the fans watching these hot shoes jockey for position. The team even got a shot at a mandatory pit stop. It was under caution but they did a great job and had fun with it.

With the bumps and spins and eventual loss of a clutch, Woody dropped back to 14th place. He managed to work his way back up to 6th by lap 275. On lap 290 they threw a competition caution to bunch up the field. With a few laps to go Woody, fighting his lost clutch, now began to experience a vibration that he feared could result in serious damage. He made the decision to park the car resulting in a 23rd place finish. That, my friends, is racing!

Update
Oct. 13, 2004

Sept 11-Woody entered the rescheduled Bobby Isaac Memorial 200 at Hickory Motor Speedway. It was his first time to this track. He qualified 8th in a field of 29. He worked his way up to 3rd by lap 150. On turn 4 of the final lap, Woody dove low under the #8 of Yelton and floored it to finish second in what proved to be a crowd pleasing second place finish.

Oct. 10-The Bailey's 300 at Martinsville Speedway was graced with great weather and 86 teams hoping to make the main event. Woody qualified 14th ensuring him a spot in the main event. Meanwhile, 66 teams had to run heat races to make the race. When the green flag dropped, 42 cars were hopeful of taking the checkered flag. Woody knew from the start that his set-up was off but he managed to make his way up to 8th by lap 100. At this point the drivers were all scheduled for a mandatory 15 minute pitstop. Some minor changes were made to his car in hopes of improving the handling but to no avail. The second half of the race was underway, with the top 6 cars inverted at the restart. Woody held his 8th place restart but had to fight lap cars after the first caution when they lined up on the inside. It was apparent that his car was slipping and by the end of the race he was only able to hold on to 14th place. It was a disappointment to Team #30 but he finished on the lead lap and took the car home intact!

Be sure to catch Woody and Team #30 at Motor Mile Speedway this weekend, Oct. 15-16.

Long Weekend
Sept. 4-6, 2004

The Labor Day weekend began with a long trip to Lonesome Pine International Raceway in Coeburn, VA. The twin 50s were set for Saturday evening. Woody qualified third for the first of the two races. Rear end problems with the car made his third place finish a good one. He felt in another field this would have been a 15th place car. The 30 Team opted to work on the car instead of entering the second of the two races for that evening. This would give them time to prepare the car for the "Bobby Isaac Memorial Late Model Race" at Hickory Motor Speedway on Monday.

They continued on to Hickory for the race only to have it cancelled due to rain. It has been reschedule for Sat. 9/11. Woody and crew fully expect to be there!
Be sure to check back for schedule updates.

Be sure to check back for schedule updates.

Bounty Hunting
07-31-2004

Woody went bounty hunting on Saturday evening at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA. The current track points leader, Frank Deiny, Jr. had a $5000 bounty placed on his head for anyone who could take the win from him.

Woody and crew made the 5 1/2 hour drive for the first time to that track. He qualified fourth with a strong car ahead of Deiny, who was reporting engine trouble. It was a 100 lap event and it took a good part of those 100 laps to break loose from the #7 of McGuire, slowing both Woody and the #77 of Peters, while Deiny made a run from the back of the field. Tony McGuire #7, Woody Howard, and Timothy Peters #77, were within inches of one another for nearly 70 laps trying secure a third place finish. On lap 75, Woody, making the pass on the #7 of McGuire, made contact coming off of turn 4 allowing Peters to slide by for third. He beat Deiny by finishing 4th but not enough to collect the bounty...this time!

The next order of business is to repair the radios so "clear" or NOT can be heard. The radio worked about half the time.
Be sure to catch Woody at South Boston Speedway August 7th.

Double Points Win!
07-25-2004

Eventhough Woody is not running for points, he took the checkered flag in this double points event on Fan Appreciation night at South Boston Speedway. He qualified on the pole and led all 150 laps of the Pepsi Late Model Stock Car Division featured attraction of the 3M presents Charles Anderson Lawn Care race program.

On lap 145, the caution flag waved for the sixth time, setting up a two-lap shootout to the finish line between Woody and the 77 of Peters. The race was extended to 153 laps to accommodate a green-flag finish. With Sellers alongside his rear fender, Woody held on to the lead position to secure the victory.

Be sure to check back often for race schedule updates.
Photo courtesy of Picture This.

Second Place Finish
07-17-2004 Woody started third in the Pepsi Late Model 110 lap race at South Boston Speedway. He fell back to 4th at the start but fought his way back to the front. He passed the 75 of Mullins and was making a run past the 26 of Sellers when they made contact setting Woody back yet again. Eventually he made his run on Mullins and Seller for the second time and was charging the 99 of Hamlin for the lead when they ran out of laps. Rain cancelled the second of the twin 110's scheduled for the evening.

Be sure to catch more action next weekend, July 24th at South Boston Speedway.

Win
07-11-2004

Woody took the checkered flag in the 150 lap Pepsi Late Model race at South Boston Speedway slowed by 3 cautions Sunday in the rescheduled Hot Tamales presents 70’s Night. Woody qualified second with lap time of 15.78. He passed the 99 of Hamlin on lap 67 and led the rest of the way to get his second win at South Boston this season.

Be sure to check back often for updates on his schedule as they become available.

Photo courtesy of Picture This

Another Third Place Finish
06-26-2004

Woody started fourth for the Pepsi Late Model Stock Car 110 lap race at South Boston Speedway. Within a few laps he had worked his way into second place but by this time the first place car was now a straight away ahead. He managed to narrow the gap throughout the 110 lap event but eventually was passed by the 75 of Mullins. They traded postions yet again near the end of the race running side-by-side, with Woody a half a car length ahead. This gave the 77 car of Peters the opportunity to catch them and make an attempt to pass. Coming out of turn four, on the final stretch, the 77 of Peters nosed into Woody causing him to get loose. He held on but not before colliding with the 75 of Mullins on the final lap and skidding across the finish line, sparks and all, into third place.
Woody will return to South Boston Speedway July 10th.

Photo courtesy of Picture This

Third Place
06-12-2004

Woody's car was fast for the Dodge Late Model 150 at South Boston Speedway. He qualified for the third place starting position. On lap one he passed the second place car of Mullins and led 144 of the 150 laps after the 99 of Hamlin was blacked flagged for jumping the start. On lap 145 a caution was thrown, bunching up the cars yet again. This time on the restart the 99 of Hamlin lifted the rear of Woody's car causing his tires to spin and overheat. It would take several laps to regain his traction...several laps that he didn't have. This gave the 77 of Peters the opportunity to pass on the outside on the final stretch as Woody tried to hold of the 99 car. It was a crowd pleasing 3 car finish. Woody took third place at the checkered flag.
Woody will return to South Boston Speedway June 26, 2004.

Second Place
06-05-2004

Woody had a great car for the Dodge Late Model 150 at South Boston Speedway. He qualified on the pole and led most of the race. That was until he met up with lap traffic dualing side by side unwilling to yield for the leaders. This gave the 99 of Hamlin his opportunity to duck under Woody and make the winning pass. Lap traffic worked well for the 99 car but proved to be in the wrong place at the wrong time for Woody. Woody wrapped up the evening in second place.

Woody hasn't decided yet if he will return to South Boston Speedway next week or if he will attend the next UARA Stars race. Check back to find out.

7 Cylinders?!
06-02-2004

Woody felt his third place finish last weekend had something to do with horsepower. His car just didn't feel right. When he got back to the shop he took the engine out of the car and drove it to his engine builder where they put it on the dyno. Sure enough they discovered Woody took third place with a broken valve spring. Third place doesn't look so bad on 7 cylinders now! He hopes to have it back to peak performance and challenge the leaders once again.

See you at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race, Saturday, June 5, 2004!

Back to the Drawing Board
May 29, 2004

Woody tested the car Wednesday at the track before the Saturday night race and felt the need to make some changes. He tried a gear change among other things but come race day he knew he didn't have it dialed in the way he had hoped.

He qualified fourth in the Pepsi Late Model Stock Car division that headlined the Budweiser Presents Armed Forces Night event. He eventually passed the 12 car of Landreth to finish third in the 150 lap event. Woody felt he had a third place car that night and now it's back to the drawing board to dial it back into Victory Lane.

See you at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race June 5, 2004!

Legends Win at Langley Speedway
May 22, 2004

Woody qualified fourth but drew the pole position for the Legends race at Langley Speedway. It was an exciting race with several lead changes between Woody, Jeremy Cook, and Nick Smith. Nick managed to take the lead from Woody in the end giving Woody a second place finish. Unfortunately for Nick he was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct giving Woody the win.

We're planning to be back at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race on May 29th. See you there!

Change in Plans
May 19, 2004

As much as we had hoped to run at Hickory, NC in the upcoming UARA race this Friday, May 21st, it's not going to be possible to have the car back together in time. We're planning to be back at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race on May 29th. See you there!

In the meantime Woody is planning to run the Legends race at Langley Speedway this weekend 5/22/04.

Crunch
April 19th, 2004

Woody qualified fourth at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. He held his position for 146 of the 150 laps until hitting the wall trying to avoid the wreck between the 99 of Hamlin and the 26 of Sellers. "Denny got into Peyton there getting into (turn) one. I committed to go high. If we stayed low we probably would have missed it, but I had to check up to keep from hitting them...and then I went right, there was no stopping it." Woody parked the car with extensive front end damage after hitting the wall taking a 14th place finish. He is not running for points at South Boston Speedway but the team definitely could have used the fourth place purse.

We're taking the weekend of May 15th off but plan to be back at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race on May 29th. In the meantime you can catch us at the UARA-Stars race in Hickory, NC on Friday, May 21st.

Win #2
April 19th, 2004

We got our second win of the season this past Saturday at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. Woody qualified on the outside pole, took the lead on the opening lap down the backstretch and set the pace for all of the 110 laps. But we weren't so sure how well we were going to compete until well after the green flag dropped. With the USAR Hooters ProCup laying down new rubber on the track, we found out during practice that the fine tuning we had done on Thursday wasn't going to work on Saturday. So, with just a short 30 minute practice session, we threw some significant changes at the car and hoped they would work. Well, as you know now, those changes worked just fine.

We're taking this weekend off but plan to be back at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway's next LMSC race on May 1st.

Late, Late, Late....
April 12th, 2004

Obviously to those who have checked the site this year, we are very late getting this season's information and updates posted. We wanted to make some major changes to the website this year but we simply haven't been able to find the time necessary for the work. So we finally decided to just continue with the current format and hopefully we'll be able to put some of the changes we wanted into place as the season progresses.

So, what are our plans for 2004? Well, unlike previous years, we're not planning on concentrating at any one track. Which, of course, means we won't be pursuing any track championships either. Instead, we want to try competing at different tracks around the area to help broaden our racing efforts and hopefully gain more exposure. This also means that we will have a somewhat flexible racing schedule so we can make last minute changes to compete elsewhere if the opportunity arises. We currently have plans to compete at a few events at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway and the big year-end races at tracks like Myrtle Beach Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. Also, since its our closest track, we'll also try to run some races at Southampton Motor Speedway. But keep an eye on this page and the Schedule page for our latest plans.

And what have we done so far this year? Just last weekend we went down to Anderson Motor Speedway in Anderson, SC to compete in the UARA event and left with the winner's trophy! It was a good experience to run on a new track against talent such as Jamey Caudill, Terry Allison, Robert Elliott and Jason York, just to name a few. Not to mention this was our first time running the 4-barrel carburetor and the extra 100 horsepower it provided. You can read all about it here.

Prior to that, we competed in the first two events at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. The most recent was the twin 110-lap events on April 3rd where we claimed 3rd place in each race. Before that we raced in their 200-lap season opener on March 13th. In that race we ran a strong second to the leader only to lose a lap (and any chance for a win) to late race black flag following an incident with a lapped car. So what's next? If all goes as planned, we'll compete this Saturday the 17th at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. But that will depend on us getting our motor back in time for practice this Thursday. Following the UARA win last weekend, we had to tear our motor down for post-race inspection and we're hoping Billy Banks, our engine builder, will get it back together in time. After that, we don't have any set plans yet so stay tuned here for the latest.

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