EASTERN STATES FAVORS “HOME TRACK” DRIVERS

MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 4)……..When the 48th Annual Eastern States 200 for dirt track Modified stock cars gets the green flag on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York, drivers who call Orange County their “home track” will be favored by an almost three-to-one margin to take the top prize of $20,000.

In the 47 previous running of this classic endurance race for Modified stock cars, there have been 28 different winners---16 drivers who have raced weekly at Orange County at least one full season and 12 who can be considered “outside” invaders. But in terms of total wins, the Orange County contingent wins hands down, 34 to 13. And only one invading driver, Gerald Chamberlain in 1973 and 1976, has more than one Eastern States victory to his credit.

Brett Hearn, Orange County’s all-time Modified champion and race winner has to be considered among the favorites to win his ninth Eastern States 200. In the last eight races, Hearn has won four and posted a second place finish to 2007 victor Jeff Heotzler. Then there’s The Doctor, Danny Johnson, who ranks second in Eastern States wins with five, including the 2008 race. And among active Orange County weekly competitors, Check McKee, the 2000 winner, and Rich Eurich, who took home the big trophy back in 1988, would surely like to add another victory to their resume. There are even rumors that all-time crowd favorite Buzzie Reutimann, the 1972 winner and still actively racing in Florida, has expressed an interest in making one last stab at the big trophy.

Of the 12 invaders who have won the Eastern States gold, look for Bobby Varin (2003 winner), Alan Johnson (1999), and Billy Decker (1998) to be in the starting field when the green flag waves on Sunday, October 18.

The top-6 drivers in time trials will lead the field in Sunday’s race. The balance of the 44-car starting field will be made up of qualified drivers from heat and consolation races.

In recent years, both Heotzler and Hearn have won the 200-lap grind from the back of the field, proving that this race can be won from any position. That’s why as many as 80 entries can be expected for this year’s edition of the oldest continuously-run championship race for Modifieds---the 48th Annual Eastern States 200.

Advance tickets for Sunday’s race, or the entire Eastern States Weekend, plus camping and parking permits are available at the Speedway Office during regular business hours or through 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.