Story By: JOHN SNYDER / ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY – MIDDLETOWN, NY – Kicking off the Independence Holiday, the United Rentals Big-Block DIRTcar Modifieds will roar around the five-eighths-mile Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York on Thursday evening July 1 not once, but twice in a pair of 50-lap feature races with the overall winner netting $7,500.
In addition, the USAC East Coast Wingless Sprint cars are returning to the Middletown clay track for their full program of racing.
The Big-Block Modifieds will draw for their qualifying heat races, with the first 50-lap feature starting heads-up. The lineup for the second 50-lap feature will be determined by an inversion draw. The overall winner will be determined by the best combined finishing positions.
Of significant importance, should the two features produce new winners, they’ll automatically earn transfer spots into the Final 8 who will battle for the track championship and its $25,000 top prize.
Once again, an outstanding field of Big-Block Modified drivers is expected for this Holiday race meet. And they’ll all be trying to top Matt Sheppard, who won last month’s Revenge 50 race, and with two additional victories, is the track’s leading winner thus far in 2021.
The stands and the unique Orange County Drive-In section are fully open. General admission for either the stands or the Drive-In is $28 adults, $24 seniors, and free for children 12 and under. Rows D, E, and F of the Drive-In can be reserved ahead of time for $25. Unsold spaces in these rows will be available on race day. In the Drive-In, track announcements and race calls can be heard on 107.7 FM. The Party Deck is available at $75 for two or $150 for four. Fans wishing to reserve Drive-In spaces or the Party Deck should call the Speedway Office at 845-342-2573. The 31st Lap Tavern is open. Spectator gates open at 4:30 pm, Hot Laps at 6:30 pm, and racing at 7:00 pm.
For competitors: Transponders and one-way radios are mandatory. Fire suppression equipment is required for all open-wheel divisions. Big-Block Modifieds will follow 2021 DIRTcar specifications and rules. Pit passes are $35 for members, $40 non-members. Pit gate opens at 4:00 pm.