David Sherwood Race Bio

David Sherwood’s racing journey is a narrative of passion, resilience, and late blooming success within the dirt track racing community. Born on December 21, 1955, in Georgia, David cultivated an early love for speed through building hotrods and engaging in street drag racing. His time in the Army not only introduced him to Dirt track racing in Beatrice, NE, but it also led him to his future wife, Sandra. Following his discharge, David’s commitment to his newfound passion for dirt track racing saw him relocating to Beatrice, embarking on what would become an enduring racing career.

The initial years (1977 to the mid-1980s) of David’s racing pursuits were characterized by enthusiasm rather than triumphs, with his highest finishes being second in both a heat race and a trophy dash, both times trailing behind Ken Kovar. A hiatus from racing ensued, driven by life’s priorities and responsibilities, until a rekindled interest led him back to the track in 2000, albeit with limited success. It wasn’t until 2018, when Mike and Brian Jurgens encouraged David to join them, that a vital component of competitive racing was realized – the paramount importance of maintenance.

This realization marked a turning point in David Sherwood’s racing career. 2019 was a landmark year as David, embracing the role of both mentor and competitor, competed in the stock car category at Beatrice, finishing an impressive 7th in points, his highest achievement to date. The transition to the sportmod category in 2020 catalyzed David’s first major victories, securing his inaugural A feature win and heat race win, underscoring his late-career resurgence. The following year, 2021, was even more notable. Not only did David secure additional wins, but he also achieved a remarkable second in points at Concordia Raceway, directly trailing his son, Mike, who clinched the track championship.

Examining his 2019-2023 performance offers a comprehensive look at David’s remarkable progress and sustained competitiveness in the sport. Out of 92 events, David achieved 2 wins, 26 appearances in the top 5, and 41 in the top 10. These statistics, translating to a win percentage of 2.17%, a top 5 finish percentage of 28.26%, and a top 10 finish rate of 44.57%, speak volumes about his dedication and improvement over time.

The 2023 season, however, brought its challenges. An early-season wreck for his son Mike led to David stepping aside, showcasing a selfless act to support Mike’s lead in the points race at Concordia. Despite the unfortunate turn of events culminating in did-not-finish outcomes in the season’s final nights, this act of sportsmanship and family solidarity was a testament to the Sherwood racing ethos.

Looking ahead, the Sherwood team views 2024 with optimism. The lessons gleaned from past seasons, the commitment to continuous improvement, and the unwavering team spirit set a promising premise for future endeavors. David Sherwood’s story, from early setbacks and learning the crucial role of maintenance to achieving notable successes and demonstrating profound sportsmanship, encapsulates the essence of grassroots motorsport. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring value of family and team collaboration in overcoming challenges and realizing racing ambitions.

For those keen to follow the Sherwood racing journey and stay updated on their progress, the team invites you to visit their website at www.sherwoodracing.net. Here, enthusiasts and supporters can find the latest news, updates, and insights into the Sherwood team’s ventures, as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting and hopeful 2024 racing season.