Hartford Speedway & Midwest Compacts Hosting Woody's Race for Down Syndrome Friday

Hartford, MI - Officials with Hartford Speedway, Great Lakes Racing Promotions, and the Midwest Compact Touring Series are gearing up for a memorial event on Friday, May 29th, to honor Michael "Woody" Wood, who passed away in April. The event, dubbed Woody's Race for Down Syndrome, features the Midwest Compact DIRT Touring Series, Super Troopers, Stock Cars, and the Down Right Awesome Enduro.

The event will not only honor the life and legacy of longtime photographer, promoter, and overall short-track supporter, Michael Wood, but will also show support for another cause that was prominent in his life, Down Syndrome. Wood's daughter lives with Down Syndrome and was the centerpiece of Wood's life up until the day he passed away. Woody's Race for Down Syndrome offers the opportunity for fans, teams, and everyone who knew Woody or appreciates the challenges of Down Syndrome, to gather for one night of exciting racing.

Several activities are planned around the night's races, including a pre-race pit party. Starting at 5:30 PM, fans will be invited into the pits for a Family Night Pit Party featuring Lawn Mower races, a kids' bounce house, touch-a-truck with police units, firefighters, tow trucks, and more. Race cars will also be on display for those who want an upclose look at the cars that will be racing on the track later that day.

The Midwest Compacts will race for $1,000 to win on Friday night, as will the Enduro, and the Super Troopers as part of the Top Row Racing Media Royal Pursuit Triple Crown.

Pits open at 4:00 PM with general admission gates for Friday's race opening at 5:00 PM, and racing is set to begin at 7:30 PM. Adults are just $20, and kids 12 and under are free. Fans with Down Syndrome will be admitted to the races for free on Friday night.