DIRTcar Big Block Mod 50-Lap $6K-To-Win Special At OCFS Saturday, Celebrating Track’s 104th Anniversary
Story By: JOHN SNYDER / ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY – MIDDLETOWN, NY – This coming Saturday, August 19, Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York celebrates 104 years of motorsports history with a special 50-lap, $6,000 to win DIRTcar Big-Block Modified race.
The first auto race at Orange County’s then half-mile dirt fairgrounds track took place on August 15, 1919. Sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the inaugural race meet included five preliminary events—two six-lap and two ten-lap heat races—and a 20-lap feature race.
Driving a Duesenberg Special, Jim Benedict, of Katonah, New York, won the main, a trophy, and the princely sum of $75.00. He also turned the half-mile clay track in 33.45 seconds, breaking all existing speed records for that distance. Interestingly, the Duesenberg Special that Benedick drove still exists, and is part of a private automobile collection.
The 104th Anniversary race is the final outing for Orange County’s DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds before Champions Night races on Saturday, September 8. Currently, former track champion Anthony Perrego holds a slim 10-point lead over reigning Modified titlist Matt Sheppard.
The Sportsman and Rookie Sportsman divisions will also be in competition on August 19.
General admission for grandstands and Drive-In for August 19 is $20.00/Seniors and Military $16.00. Party Deck $35 each, $140 table maximum four, VIP Tower seating $50 each.
Parking on the grounds is free. Drive-In parking $1.00.
Children 12 and under are free. Pit admission $30 member, $35 non-member. Please consult the speedway website and social media for gate opening times. Racing begins at 6:30 pm.
