Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – While it’s going to be a packed full schedule of racing at the 2021 Eastern States Weekend at OCFS, there are plenty of activities planned for the fans during the non racing time. And someone has a chance to win a pile of cash on Sunday.
On Friday, after the Longshot Race, there’s going to be a break while the STSS cars load in. During this time, the premiere of a documentary, ‘Gary Balough, a Checkered Past’ will be available for fans to watch in the arena building. It’s free to all ESW ticket holders.
Over the weekend, there will be several autograph sessions scheduled. Included in the sessions will be Buzzie and David Reutimann, Will Cagle and a session with all the former Eastern States 200 winners. On race day, a session will include qualified drivers. A race day photo op is also planned.
Renowned artist Joel Naprstek has created another awesome poster that will be available to get autographs on. If you have never seen Joel’s art work, you are really missing out. His artistry is amazing.
On Saturday, there is going to be a cornhole tournament sponsored by Texas Roadhouse. First place winners will receive two (2) 2022 OCFS season passes and two Texas Roadhouse Gift Baskets. Second place will receive two bluetooth speakers and two Texas Roadhouse Gift Cards. Third place will receive two Yeti Ramblers.
Saturday night, there will be the return of the OCFS bonfire.
To any young fans out there with Power Wheels. Bring them down to the speedway on Sunday to race in the House of Power Wheels Race at the Victory R.C. Speedway located between the arena building and the grandstands, near the 31st Lap. The race is scheduled for Sunday at 12:00 PM.
There will be lots of tailgating going on during the ESW. And there’s going to be a contest to see who has the best tailgating party going on. There are going to be two winners, one group from the camping area and one group from the drive-in. Judging will be going on Sunday from 12 to 2 PM. The categories that will be judged on are 1. creative name, 2. decorations, 3. spirit of the guests, 4. representation of their favorite driver and 5. food and beverage. The winning party will receive two 2022 OCFS season passes. Second place will receive one RTIC soft pack cooler. Third place will receive two Coleman camping chairs.
And again for the younger fans, the Kids Club will be active during the ESW. Christina Contento, and those who help her, have done a great job bringing the club back after the difficult year of 2021.
“There will be activities both Saturday and Sunday,” Christina said. “Saturday is a Halloween theme with the club handing out custom Kids Club bags to collect candy. We will also sponsor a Halloween contest with prizes.”
“Sunday, we will count down New Year’s Eve and celebrate it breaking pinatas filled with candy. And the Kids Club will be handing out large checkered flags that can be autographed,” Christina said.
Christina also is asking for help with the Kids Club for the weekend.
“Anybody that would like to volunteer to help with the club, that will be great. We will have some Ms. OCFS alumni there to help, but we could use more.”
And there is a new twist on the 50/50 drawing that OCFS has for ESW.
“There’s going to be the normal 50/50 that we do every day,” said OCFS General Manager Doug Dulgarian. “And we will also have the mega 50/50 that runs for the entire weekend that will pay a minimum of $10,000 to win. It’s a $5 ticket. That’s something a little different for the weekend.”
It’s shaping up to be a great weekend of racing and fun for those of all ages at the 2021 Eastern States Weekend!!