4/12/2026
Tyler County Speedway
Don't Miss The 16th Annual Pat Herrick Memorial
MIDDLEBOURNE, W.Va. — When the engines fire at Tyler County Speedway on Saturday, April 18, the roar will echo more than just the start of another race night—it will honor the enduring legacy of one of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s most influential drivers, Pat Herrick.
Herrick holds a special place in the history of the Bullring as the winner of the very first Late Model feature race ever held at the speedway. By the time the track opened in the early 1970s, he was already a respected and well-known figure throughout the region’s racing scene.
A tall, crew-cut engineer educated at West Virginia University, Herrick combined mechanical ingenuity with fearless driving. He began his career in the 1960s competing in open-wheeled supermodifieds, where he quickly stood out by designing and building his own offset chassis—an innovation considered years ahead of its time.
As the sport evolved and stock cars rose in popularity, Herrick made a seamless transition to full-bodied competition. His partnership with the Herrick-Shomo team marked some of his most successful seasons, with the iconic blue #25 Ford emblazoned with “Running for Your Local Ford Dealer” becoming a familiar sight in victory lane. Known for his heavy right foot and technical expertise, Herrick was a consistent winner on the highly competitive regional circuit.
Though Herrick has since passed, his passion for racing continues. Herrick's legacy will once again take center stage during the 16th Annual Pat Herrick Memorial Steel Block race, a marquee event celebrating both competition and remembrance.
Headlining the evening will be the Ohio Valley Late Model Dirt Series - Steel Block Division, racing for a $1,500 winner’s purse and $250 to start. The program will bring many of the area’s top drivers to Middlebourne for a night of high-speed action.
A full racing card is scheduled, including Super Late Models, Mod Lites, Modifieds, Sport Mods, Hot Mods, 4 Cylinders, and Mini Wedges.
Pit gates and general admission gates open at 3:00 p.m., with registration and pill draw running from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mini Wedge racing begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by hot lap/qualifying.
General admission is $20, with free entry for children ages 10 and under. Pit passes are $40, with free admission for children ages 5 and under in the pit area.
The Pat Herrick Memorial remains a fan-favorite tradition—blending intense racing action with a heartfelt tribute to a driver whose impact on the sport continues to be felt. Fans are encouraged to pack the grandstands and be part of an evening that celebrates both the past and the future of racing at Tyler County Speedway.
Submitted By: Joni McCrobie