Orange County Ushers In New Era With April 8th Short Track Super Series ‘Hard Clay Open’
Story By: BRETT DEYO / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – MIDDLETOWN, NY – After a huge kickoff to its southern region in Delaware, the ‘countdown to Middletown’ is underway for the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco.
On Sunday, April 8, the STSS Halmar International North Region launches at the venerable Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, N.Y., as the ‘Hard Clay Open’ celebrates its fifth anniversary.
The ‘Hard Clay Open’ takes on special significance with the announcement that Halmar International’s Chris Larsen has assembled a group to lease the speedway for five years with an option to purchase. The STSS visit will be the first race at OCFS under the new Halmar leadership.
STSS Modifieds, sporting sail panels, are set to battle for 50 laps around the OCFS oval competing for a total payout of more than $30,000: $5,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and $500 just to take the green flag. A minimum of 30 cars will start the main event.
The ‘Hard Clay Open’ is event No. 1 of 10 toward the $12,500 Halmar International North region championship. The North Region once again starts and finishes on the ‘Hard Clay’ of OCFS.
Crate 602 Sportsman, running under weekly OCFS rules, will complete the two-division open-wheel doubleheader. Crates race 20 laps for a $1,000 winner’s share.
The only repeat ‘Hard Clay Open’ STSS Modified victor has been Andy Bachetti. The Sheffield, Mass., driver has earned his triumphs in distinctly different fashion. During the inaugural race in 2014, Bachetti led every lap from his pole starting position. A year ago, the ‘Wild Child’ marched forward from 20th starting spot to pass both Stewart Friesen and Brett Hearn in the final laps.
Friesen (2015) and Tommy Meier (2016) are the other two ‘Hard Clay Open’ winners.
On Sunday, April 8, pit gates will unlock at 11 a.m. Grandstand and drive-in gates open at noon. Hot laps hit the track at 2 p.m., with racing at 3 p.m.
Adult admission is $25 for the grandstand and drive-in. Seniors pay $22 with Kids 12 and under $2.
Pit admission is $35, with no license required.
There will be an Open Practice for racers on Saturday (April 7) with gates opening at 2 p.m. and practice from 4-8 p.m.
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco 2018 Schedule
Halmar International North Region
- Sunday, April 8 – Orange County Fair Speedway/Middletown, N.Y. – Hard Clay Open
- Sunday, May 27 – Thunder Mountain Speedway/Center Lisle, N.Y. – Lightning on the Mountain
- Tuesday, June 5 – Big Diamond Speedway/Minersville, Pa. – Anthracite Assault – COMBO
- Wednesday, June 20 – Outlaw Speedway/Dundee, N.Y. – Outlaw Showdown
- Tuesday, July 3 – Accord Speedway/Accord, N.Y. – Battle of the Bullring 6
- Wednesday, July 25 – Afton Motorsports Park/Afton, N.Y. – Afton Action 50
- Wednesday, August 8 – Woodhull Raceway/Woodhull, N.Y. – Hustlin’ the High Banks 54
- Tuesday, August 14 – Albany-Saratoga Speedway/Malta, N.Y. – Stampede at ‘toga
- Friday-Saturday, October 5-6 – Afton Motorsports Park/Afton, N.Y. – American Racer Cup Short Track SuperNationals 11
- Thursday, October 18 – Orange County Fair Speedway/Middletown, N.Y. – Hard Clay Finale
