RPW Exclusive: 64th Annual Eastern States Weekend Set For Orange County Fair Speedway
Column By: JOE PHILLIPS / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – Back in the early 60’s, a season ending tradition was begun at Middletown, NY’s Orange County Fair Speedway. Known then as Victory Speedway, the track saw the first ever Eastern States race. Drivers from both dirt and asphalt disciplines came together from all over the tri state area to compete in this last race, before the snow took over the 5/8th mile clay oval.
It is now 2025, and in a few short weeks, the gates will open for the 64th annual Eastern States Weekend, presented by Houser Bros. Mechanical and United Rentals. Four days of racing action starts with the Short Track Super Series “Hard Clay Finale” on 10/23 and ending with the “Will Cagle Memorial” Eastern States 200 race on Sunday. Fans certainly know the history of “Wily” Will Cagle, former top modified driver and longtime promoter of Orange County, who passed away earlier this year.
Sadly, excitement has been replaced with worry over the condition of the tracks surface. Recently, Promoter Brett Hearn addressed the track conditions in an open letter to fans and race teams. Hearn stated that the September track conditions were not what the Speedway wanted to provide to fans and drivers, and extra steps are in place to make the speedway the best it can be in October. Knowing that four straight days of racing is a lot of laps for any surface, Hearn and fellow promotor Doug Dulgarian have added Jamie Friesen to the team for track prep. Friesen is well known throughout New York for his track prep skills, and equipment operator Jeff Baggatta states that he is looking forward to working with Jamie. Hearn is also in the process of bringing in more crew to cover the event.
Another issue that has hindered track prep in the past is the fact that Brett Hearn and Doug Dulgarian have to rent the equipment, such as water trucks and graders. Equipment is expensive to rent and as a result the crew has limited equipment. Longtime sponsor United Rentals have graciously stepped up and offered to provide all equipment needed to make the weekend a success.
Thursday’s Short Track Super Series sees the touring series take to the Hard Clay to determine who will win the series championship. Currently, Matt Sheppard is the point leader.
Interestingly, since OCFS runs under DIRTcar rules, the STSS race is the only time fans will see Sail Panels and “big” small block engines compete this season at Middletown.
Friday is a day of Modified and 358 Modified practice, time trials and qualifying races. Later in the evening is the 50 lap Sportsman Eastern States Race. After the Sportsman victory lanes, everyone is invited to Maxwells 31st Lap for the annual Halloween party.
Saturday sees the return of the Northeast Wingless Sprint Cars to the weekend. The Sprints were a welcome addition to lasts years Eastern States. They put on an exciting show and have been invited back this year for a few of the Big Series Races. Last years race was won by Eric Jennings, in his #14 sprint car.
The top card for Saturday is the 358 Modifieds. Many drivers will be doing double duty in the 358’s and big blocks and the race should be exciting. Some of the best racing in Orange County History was the DIRT 358’s when they were a weekly class. Fans will remember Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson, Jimmy Houser, and Jerry Higbie, amongst others battling weekly in the small blocks. For Saturday, The 358’s are scheduled for 100 laps.
After the Saturday events end, everyone can congregate at the 31st Lap for the “New Years Eve” party. This is a Middletown tradition and a way to wind down 2025 and welcome the upcoming 2026 season. Last year, the midway was jammed with partiers and the tavern was standing room only, if one was lucky enough to squeeze in!
And Sunday is the big day! A couple last chance races and a 25 lap Street Stock feature starts the day off. Autograph sessions and a grid walk for fans are also on tap before the opening ceremonies and the start of the 200 lapper.
In years past, the 200 lapper would be run during the day. Last year and this year the race is starting later in the day to give drivers a better track for competition. Last years race also had a competition stop at 100 laps. For the 15 minute break, Drivers could stay on the track or hit pit road for fuel, tires or other work. Most of the field took advantage of the stop last year with the exception of Stewart Friesen. Friesen had a flat earlier in the race and had to pit early. He elected to stay on the track for the 15 minutes and restarted the race in first place. Stewie held on to win the 200 lapper.
Eastern States weekend is a time for great racing and memory making. Tickets are available for all weekend or individual race days. Be sure to attend Eastern States Weekend and send Orange Counties 2025 season off in style!
