12/7/2024
Oswego Speedway
Supermodified Fan Favorite Willie Stutzman Passes Away at Age 92
OSWEGO, NY (December 7, 2024) - The Supermodified racing community is mourning the loss of one of its most colorful characters, “Wild” Willie Stutzman, who passed away yesterday at the age of 92. A native of Goshen, Indiana, Stutzman made a lasting impact on both the Midwest racing scene and the Oswego Speedway, where he thrilled fans for decades as the driver of the DuMor Water Specialists No. 88, proudly featuring the fitting slogan, “Goes in Hard, Comes Out Soft.”
Stutzman began his driving career piloting upright tubular Supermodifieds in the 1970s, before transitioning to stock cars and a stint with the American Speed Association (ASA) throughout the 1980s. A mainstay at tracks across Indiana and the Midwest, his passion for competition eventually brought him back to the Supermodified class and to Oswego Speedway, where he competed sporadically throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Stutzman made his Oswego Speedway debut in 1990, piloting an Oswego Supermodified in a rare wingless appearance, despite his top wing roots. Over the years, he attempted to qualify for the Budweiser International Classic 200 eight times between 1990 and 2001. Though he never cracked the Classic starting grid, his exciting drives in B-Mains ensured fans always got their money’s worth when Willie was in town.
In addition to his Classic Weekend appearances, Stutzman made 12 total starts at the Oswego Speedway - six in Oswego Supermodified competition and six with a top wing. His best finish at the Speedway came in a Twin 35 on August 20, 1994, where he placed a respectable 11th. That same year, he narrowly missed qualifying for the Classic, time-trialing in 33rd out of 51 cars and falling just short in the B-Main.
Stutzman also had solid preparation for Classic Weekend in 1995, finishing 12th in a regular season tune-up race the month prior. However, he once again fell just shy of qualifying for the 200. Despite these near-misses, he found success on the winged circuit, qualifying for his first ISMA feature at Oswego in August 1995 with a 15th-place finish. He also made the grid for the prestigious ISMA Supernationals on Classic Weekend in three consecutive years from 1995 to 1997.
Beyond Oswego, Stutzman was a respected Supermodified competitor at tracks like Indiana’s South Bend Motor Speedway where he is a feature winner, as well as Salem Speedway, and Winchester Speedway. He retired in 2002 at age 70 after a long career with ISMA, remaining a devoted fan of the sport.
Off the track, Stutzman found happiness with his family and married Candy Stutzman in June 2011. In his later years, he resided in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, enjoying time with loved ones and reflecting on a life well-lived in and out of the driver’s seat.
The Torrese family, along with the staff and management of the Oswego Speedway, extends heartfelt condolences to the Stutzman family and friends. Willie’s legacy as a fierce competitor and fan favorite will be fondly remembered.
Submitted By: OSWEGO ADMIN