Michael Sabia Plans Full Season Points Run At Orange County In 2019
Story By: ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY – MIDDLETOWN, NY – The decision was made, and it was a well thought one, that Mike Sabia would call Orange County Fair Speedway his home for 2019.
Sabia, who has raced pretty much everywhere in the North East, hasn’t competed for points at a home track since the early 2000’s where he picked up a Street Stock Championship and a Sportsman Championship back to back in 2005 and 2006.
“I do a lot of racing, but it’s never for points. I started out with a Street Stock and pretty much mastered the division. I went to Pro Stocks after, but only for about 2 or 3 races before my Sportsman car was purchased.”
Since 2006, Mike has competed at Accord, Lebanon Valley, and OCFS to just name a few places with his Sportsman. Although competing, he’s never raced two consecutive weeks at OCFS, so he’s never been able to compete for a track championship. However now, Mike is planning on a full season with Sportsman and also a full season in Small Block. “I’m excited to race at OCFS. I’m going there for the competition and not the money. The money is just a bonus. For the Small Block I’m bringing a W16 motor. It works for Brett Hearn and Matt Sheppard so maybe it will work for me. I was able to qualify for the Eastern States 100. I ran from 12th to 15th in that race and ended up finishing 20th. It wasn’t bad. To even make the show at Eastern States is an accomplishment.”
Overall, Mike’s no stranger to OCFS. He has competed in multiple divisions over the years at Eastern States Weekend and on some nights where his schedule allowed. “Everyone seems to think I’ve won at OCFS, and I haven’t. Yes I’ve won heat races and consi’s but I’ve never won a feature. I won heat races in all 3 open wheel divisions though.”
The accomplishments Mike Sabia has built up in dirt racing in the North East is second to none. With track championships, two wins at the King Of The Catskills race at Accord, finishing top 5 in points for every King Of Dirt Series season, and being the only driver to win two Crate Track USA races at Lebanon Valley is just some of many tasks completed. Sabia will be one driver to look out for in 2019 at the Hard Clay. “I’m saying right now I’ll run a full season, because that’s my plans, but this is racing. I could go out there and get into a wreck on opening night in one of the divisions and it’ll change my season up. As of now I will start in both divisions, but whatever seems to be doing better i’ll stick with that. Tire wear is also something I’m looking out for. Orange County is the closest track to me at around two hours away also. I’m excited for this season and to see what i can do.”
“I’m the only sponsor my team actually has. I’m the driver, the owner, and the sponsor. My dad Mike Sabia Sr., and my crew chief Dylan Rooney are two people that help me out and I have to thank them for their help. I was thinking about showing up opening night with an unlettered car, but I don’t think an unlettered car looks good so we will see. If anyone would like to get their name on the car any sponsor is welcome. It would help out greatly.”
