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.
Please consult the speedway website for any weather-related changes in opening times for the pits and stands. For the latest racing news and event information, including all the fall racing programs, fans and competitors should always check the speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net and social media.