NON-STOP RACING ON SATURDAY OF EASTERN STATES WEEKEND
358 Modifieds in the Afternoon, Sportsman in the Evening


MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 12)……..The small-block Modifieds, powered by 358-cubic inch engines, will be the Saturday, October 17 afternoon headline attraction during the 48th Annual Eastern States Weekend at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. This year’s 33rd Annual 358 Modified Championship race will be 100 laps in distance.

A star-studded lineup of top 358 Modified drivers from the entire Northeast dirt track Modified circuit will battle Orange County’s weekly competitors for the trophy and top prize money in this prestigious event.

Since its inception in 1977, the 358 Modified race has had several different formats, having been run at 50-, 75-, 100-, and 150-laps distances. The field for this year’s 100-lap race will be set through Friday, October 16 time trials and heat races, with the final starters coming from consolation races run prior to the main event on Saturday.

Two drivers, Brett Hearn, Orange County’s all-time race winner and eight time 358 Modified point champion, and five-time winner Danny Johnson have won half of the previous 32 races in this annual fall classic which dates from 1977. Hearn has 11 Eastern States 358 Modified victories to his credit, while arch-rival Johnson has won this race five times. Other multi-time winners include Doug Hoffman (four victories), Kenny Tremont (three), and Jeff Heotzler (two wins).

Single Eastern States 358 Modified champions include Billy Decker, Jerry Higbie, Alan Johnson, Dickie Keiper, Mike Petruska Sr., Harry Behrent, and Anthony Ferraiuolo IV.

Saturday’s card is one of the busiest in all auto racing. In addition to the 358 Modified Championship 100 race, there’s also big-block Modified practice and qualifying heat races. At the conclusion of the 100-lap 358 Modified race, there will be a short break to move race cars and haulers out and into the pit area. As soon as that’s completed, the Sportsman division will take to the track for their time trials, heat and consolation races, and the 50-lap Sportsman Championship feature race.

Mike Ruggiero, the 2009 Orange County Sportsman champion, has won the past two Eastern States Sportsman Championship races.

Joining the Sportsman for the late afternoon-early evening program will be the Pure Stocks in a pair of 20-lap championship races fro the Amateur and Veteran classes. Also taking to the Hard Clay will be the 305 Sprint Cars, with preliminary events leading to their Championship feature race.

Advance tickets for Saturday or the entire Eastern States Weekend as well as camping and parking permits are available at the Speedway Office during regular business hours, or credit card sales (Visa and MasterCard) by calling 845-342-2573. Additional information can be found at the official Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net.