MIDDLETOWN, NY (October 23)……..Are you ready for some racing? We’re just hours away from the start of the biggest race weekend of the year at the historic Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, New York. That’s right, it’s time as Arkel Motors and Dupee & Monroe PC present the 53rd Annual Eastern States Weekend, the oldest consecutively-run championship event for dirt track Modified stock cars in the country. It is three action-packed days—Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26—of high speed racing excitement that culminates with the Eastern States 200, the “granddaddy” of all fall championship races.

Much of the weekend’s focus will be on the headline big-block DIRTcar Modifieds, with time trials (WLR Construction sponsors the fast time award.), heat races, and a Top-Six Dash for Cash sponsored by Halmar International on Friday, all leading up to Sunday’s Eastern States 200.

Friday’s activities will also include a full program for the Sportsman division, culminating in a 50-lap feature race. Middletown Carting sponsors the Sportsman fast time award, while Halmar International is backing the Sportsman Dash for Cash.

Saturday’s “Hard Clay” racing focuses on the Small-Block Modifieds, with time trials qualifying races, and a 100-lap feature. The driver turning in the fast time in the Small-Block Modifieds will be rewarded by WLR Construction. Also on Saturday, the 305 Sprint Cars will be in action with timed hot laps, qualifying heats, and a 25-lap feature race.

On Sunday, following the morning fan-oriented Pit Party, there are last chance consolation races for the Modifieds, plus Street Stock heats and a 25-lap feature. These preliminaries lead up to the 52nd Annual Eastern States 200 Modified Championship race. The driver who gains the most positions during the 200-lap grind will receive the Hard Charger award sponsored by Rock Fantasy.

Brett Hearn, Orange County’s all-time winner and point champion, is the defending titlist of the Eastern States Modified 200. Hearn has won the Eastern States 200 ten times in his career. Stewart Friesen won the 2013 Small-Block Modified 100, Tyler Dipple captured the Sportsman 50, Jeff VanSteenburg was the 305 Sprint Car victor, and Charlie Houghtaling took home the Street Stock trophy.

Tickets, camping permits, and parking permits for the 53rd Annual Eastern States Weekend, Friday through Sunday, October 24-26, are on sale. Be sure to check the official Orange County website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or call the Track Office at 845-342-2573 during business hours.