Howie Westervelt Explained

Howie Westervelt
Birth Name:Howard Westervelt
Birth Date:April 10, 1921
Birth Place:Ravena, New York
Current Series:Modified racing
Championships:1

Howard "Howie " Westervelt (April 10, 1921-September 19, 1992) was a pioneering American Dirt Modified racing driver. He was known for turning on a rooftop mounted blue light any time he took the lead in a race.[1]

Racing career

Westervelt had a 10-race winning streak at the Lebanon Valley Speedway NY in 1959, ultimately capturing 17 modified features and the track championship.[2] He competed regularly in New York's Capital Region, including Clearview Speedway in Westerlo, Fonda Speedway, Menands Raceway, Pine Bowl Speedway in Snyders Corners, and Rhineback Speedway.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Howie Westervelt was inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 1997.[1] [8]

Notes and References

  1. News: Hedger . Ron . Westervelt joining Dirt Hall of Fame . . April 11, 1997. 2 . Google Books. April 15, 2024.
  2. News: Westervelt wins Lebanon final . . 10 . October 6, 1959. . April 15, 2024.
  3. News: Stock cars to race at Clearview . The News-Herald . June 9, 1950. 20 . NYS Historic Newspapers . April 15, 2024.
  4. News: Westervelt wins feature at Pine Bowl . . 20 . September 5, 1955. . April 15, 2024.
  5. News: Westervelt cops race at Empire Speedway . . 31 . July 5, 1956. . April 15, 2024.
  6. News: Washburn Memorial winner . . 29 . August 8, 1957. . April 15, 2024.
  7. News: Good crowd on hand for Welch benefit . . August 19, 1959. 24. Google Books. April 15, 2024.
  8. Web site: NYSSCA unveils new Hall of Fame display . New York State Stock Car Association . February 7, 2005 . April 13, 2024.