RPW Exclusive: An Expanded Big Series Returns To OCFS In ’25; Hearn & Dulgarian Are Keeping Tradition Alive
Column By: JOSEPH PHILLIPS / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – Fans of the Hard Clay in Orange County certainly know the names of Hearn and Dulgarian.
Brett Hearn’s a multi-time winner. and champion, throughout the northeast. He’s won in Modifieds, Small Block 358’s, Sprint Cars along with several other classes. In fact, many call him the greatest to ever strap behind the wheel of a Modified.
The Dulgarian name is known throughout Middletown due to the family’s Transmission Service that was located on East Main St. in the town of Wallkill. Dulgarian himself was a competitor in the old 320-Modified class, but has always been a life-long race fan.
These days, the dynamic duo has enjoy race promotions and race track management. Last year, the successful “Big Series” was launched, consisting of three themed race nights as well as the renowned Eastern States Weekend, which was brought under the Hearn / Dulgarian umbrella.
The primary task for both gentleman was to bring an exciting program to the House of Power, the Orange County Fair Speedway, for each of these nights and they did just that. Fan attendance was excellent and many great reviews were heard about the excitement and atmosphere at the ole’ speedway.
Well, that excitement deserves a second act, and at the start of ’25, The Big Series 2 was announced. The sophomore year for Hearn and Dulgarian will include five big race nights and Eastern States. The dates for this year are:
- May 4th (Season Opener)
- June 8th (Nostalgia Night)
- July 13th (Full-Fender Nostalgia Night)
- August 3rd (106th Anniversary Night)
- September 7th (Champions Night)
Instead of traditional Saturday nights, Big Series organizers decided to put these events on Sunday evenings. Making this move has brought high car counts and several drivers who would normally not run Orange County due to other commitments weekly.
“We wanted to create a grassroots series of stock car racing,” Hearn said. “Three classes with excellent purses and bonus money. The smaller budget teams can race and by being on Sunday, invaders can come in and attend the races as well.”
The track also helps any of the Modified teams chasing points on the DIRTcar tour, as well.
“The Modified class is DIRTcar sanctioned,” he said. “Those drivers will receive home track points for all Big Series events.”
With the combined Big Block Mods / 358-Mods, Sportsman & Pure Stocks as the three divisions, fans were treated to an exciting racing program that was run off quickly this past season. That was big as Hearn’s main focus at the speedway is the track prep. Both promoters understand that the surface is a major topic and needs to be as good as can be. The clay is a type that doesn’t respond to traditional prep.
Knowing this, Hearn’s deviated from old time practices and tried a new approach last year which resulted in a fast and multi-grooved track for the Big Series. He did, however, admit that Eastern States was a struggle. Due to long days and as many laps that were put on the OCFS facility, the track crew worked long hours prepping and Hearn and Dulgarian are looking into ways to alleviate their strain for this year’s edition.
Dulgarian also says that Brett and himself are looking at ways to improve the track over the season. They want to source the clay and re-work at least the turns on the track.
For Dulgarian, his focus is in the office where sponsorship and race schedule occupy most of his time.
“All five nights have major sponsors and six ‘Big Friend’ sponsors are booked as well,” Dulgarian said. “All races have a special theme for the night such as Nostalgia Night or Full Fender Nostalgia Night.”
Dulgarian’s also the Hard Clay historian, a role he thoroughly enjoys. Picking up where Ray Martin left off, Doug has published the Hard Clay II, a book that covers the 1970’s racing at the track. The follow up for the 1980’s is currently being written.
“I take pride in the fact that many people approach me, almost daily, saying their first job was at Maxwell’s, with the Gurdas for the Fair or the races,” he said. “People still talk about the Pepsi Concert Series that dominated the 80’s. The fair and race track are the one thing in Middletown that has stayed consistent over the years.”
Both Brett Hearn and Doug Dulgarian know that the Orange County Fair Speedway is a special place. Generations of locals, race fans, workers and race car teams all grew up and grew older over the years at the hallowed ground located on Wisner Ave. in Middletown, NY, myself included. We’re all an extended family.
That’s what truly is the story of the Hard Clay. It’s not just a track. It’s an entire racing community, and with the hard work of Hearn, Dulgarian and their dedicated team, many new additions have the chance to join the Hard Clay family this season.
