Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – MIDDLETOWN, NY – In 1978, the management of Flemington Speedway, Nazareth Raceway and Orange County Fair Speedway formed a series called the Tri-Track Series.
It started with September 100 lap races at each track that had a point fund that rewarded the top finishers in all 3 races.
It proved to be a successful series and eventually, a Spring Tri-Track series was added. The series lasted until 1987 when Nazareth’s uncertain future saw them leave. Flemington and Orange County continued with a rebranded Twin-Track Series until Flemington’s paving in 1990.
Many of us fans from that era have such good memories of not only that series, but of all three tracks. Many times, I find myself wishing for one last trip to The Square and one more Sunday trip to Nazareth.
This Saturday, June 10th, Orange County is host to the Tri-Track Nostalgia night, a night that brings together many of the top competitors from the three tracks.
In all, 26 drivers won Modified feature races at all 3 tracks. The names are all memorable as among the most successful in the history of Northeast dirt racing.
Brett Hearn, with a staggering total of 208, leads the win list of the 26 who won at all 3 tracks. Al Tasnady won 132, Frankie Schneider 126, Will Cagle 94, Jackie McLaughlin 73 and Buzzie Reutimann 68. The list continues on all the way to Paul ‘Sandy’ Rochelle who picked up a single Modified win at all three tracks.
In a change from recent years, the drivers autograph session will be held before any on track activities. The session is scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm.
An impressive list of drivers who plan to attend is impressive and includes Buzzie Reutimann, David Reutimann, Kenny Brightbill, Gary Balough, Brett Hearn, Billy Pauch Sr, Jimmy Horton, Richie Smith, Tighe Scott, LeRoy Amy, Anthony Ferraiuolo, Del George, Del Buss, Jeff Farber, Jerry Wilson, Russ Meyer, Bob Rossell, Jimmy Bowen, Jimmy Tuit, John Baum, Johnny Strupp, Keith Majka, Kris Swenson, Bob Dini, Tom Allen, Joe Romer, Sammy Beavers, Chuck McKee, Frank Jashembowski, Bob Schmidt, Dom Roselli Sr. Jerry Higbie, Hank Goranson, Karl Pittenger, Kirk Horton, Steve Dodd, Scott Goodrich and Randy Fillipowski.
In addition, the Flemington Speedway Historical Society and a group from Nazareth Speedway Facebook page will be at the event. The Atlantic Coast Old Timers (ACOT) group will also be participating.
It’s expected that around 30 cars will be on display including 4 of Frankie Schneider’s cars. Also expected are Jerry Wildrick’s #27 Leroy Amy car, Lenny Swider’s 9c Howie Cronce car, Bob Bachman’s M1 Richard Marinelli car, the Halmar owned cars of Will Cagle, Jimmy Horton and the Ferraiuolo 73 and so many more including the ACOT cars.
And there will also be racing action on the historic Hard Clay as the night’s racing program will in itself be kind of a throwback to the 2 division shows of the 70’s. The Big Block Modifieds and Sportsman will be in action with heats and feature events.
The Modified feature will be 44 laps as a tribute to Al Tasnady and will pay $7,500 to the winner.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular, Stewart Friesen, will be joining the stout OCFS Big Block field this Saturday, looking to take the big paycheck. Of course, Friesen is no stranger to OCFS as he’s collected 15 wins there including 3 Eastern States 200’s. It won’t be easy for Mr. Freeze as he will have to contend with 2 time Modified Champion Matt Sheppard, the G.O.A.T. Brett Hearn, Anthony Perrego, 3 time champion Jimmy Horton, and rising stars Tanner VanDoren and Dillon Steuer. Add in all the other OCFS regulars and it will be an impressive field that takes the green in the 44 lap test on Saturday.
The Grandstand gate will open at 3:00 pm for those wishing to take part in the autograph session. All other gates including Drive-In and Pit gate will open at their normal time.
A big shout out has to go out to Doug Dulgarian of the OCFS staff. Nostalgia Night is mostly Doug’s baby and he does a remarkable job putting all the details in place. It’s truly amazing all that he does, not only for this event, but for the Orange County Fair Speedway. Thank you for your efforts Doug!!
Nostalgia Night is always a fabulous night at the speedway, it’s really not one to miss. This year is a night to remember the fabulous histories of all three tracks. Hope to see you all there!!