Hard Clay Open Kicks Off Orange County’s 100th Anniversary Season April 7th
Story By: BRETT DEYO / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – MIDDLETOWN, NY – A memorable 100th anniversary season for Orange County Speedway gets the green flag on Sunday, April 7.
And the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco has the honor of kicking off the celebration at the Middletown, N.Y., facility.
The Escape RV-presented ‘Hard Clay Open’ takes the track on April 7 to launch the STSS Halmar International North Region $12,500 championship battle. The series’ North Region has nine events on the docket for the 2019 season, beginning and ending the points race at Orange County.
The 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified main event will celebrate the richest-ever edition this year. In honor of the Orange County Fair Speedway centennial, a massive $11,919 is up for grabs in the winner, with $1,150 going to the 10th-place finisher and $700 just to take the green flag.
“I grew up spending every Saturday night in the half-covered grandstands at Orange County Fair Speedway,” STSS organizer Brett Deyo said. “It’s a huge honor to have our series be the first to hit the track as the speedway celebrates 100 years of auto racing.
“Michael Gurda and Chris Larsen have done amazing things in the past couple of years to upgrade the facility. We’re honored to be part of it.”
Sail panels will adorn the side of the Modifieds for the ‘Hard Clay Open’ with engine rules allowing for big- and small-block combinations. A diverse and talented field is expected to congregate at the five-eighths-mile ‘Hard Clay’ oval led by defending STSS Halmar International North Region champion Billy Decker driving for Jeremy Smith Racing.
Previous ‘Hard Clay Open’ victors have included: Stewart Friesen (2018 & 2015), Andy Bachetti (2017 & 2014) and Tommy Meier (2016). Who will take home the big money in April?
Joining the STSS Modifieds on the OCFS docket are Crate 602 Sportsman, running under the speedway’s weekly rules, for $1,000 to win. A quick-hitting, two-division open wheel doubleheader is on the agenda.
The speedway has an Open Practice planned prior to the ‘Hard Clay Open’ on Saturday, April 6.
