Maryland’s Shawn Ward Files First Modified Entry For Orange County Fair Speedway ‘Hard Clay Open’ April 7; Elmo’s Speed & Supply Boosts Crate 602 Sportsman Winner’s Share To $1,250
MIDDLETOWN, NY – The first official entry for the 2015 edition of the ‘Hard Clay Open’ has been filed, and it comes from a unique location: Hurlock, Md.
Shawn Ward, a feature winner in the Delaware International Speedway big-block Modified division, has registered for the Tuesday, April 7 (rain dates: April 8 and 9) ‘Hard Clay Open’ presented by United Pump & Tank and East Coast Speed/ECS Auto at Orange County Fair Speedway.
The chase for the $15,000 Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Bob Hilbert Sportswear North Region championship gets underway at the legendary five-eighths-mile facility with a 50-lap big-block/small-block Modified special offering a massive $30,000 total purse structure: a minimum of $5,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and $500 to take the green flag.
The BD Motorsports Media LLC promotion is unique in that big-block Modifieds and dry sump small-blocks will be outfitted with traditional windows, while standard small-blocks will utilize high sail panels, setting up a decision for competitors and true distinction between engine combinations for fans.
Ward, an up-and-coming star in the First State where he competes regularly, plans to make his debut both at Orange County and in New York State. Aside from his weekly efforts, the 35-year-old proprietor of Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply will chase points on the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. South Region presented by Scotty’s Speed & Diesel set to kick off Sunday, April 19 at N.J.’s Bridgeport Speedway.
The ‘Hard Clay Open’ will feature two divisions of open-wheel racing. The Short Track Super Series Fueled by Hi-Tek Modifieds will be joined by Crate 602 Sportsman, racing under Orange County track rules. Elmo’s Speed & Supply, owned by Capital District driver Elmo Reckner, has signed on to sponsor the Crate 602 Sportsman event, boosting the winner’s share to a minimum of $1,250.
Elmo’s Speed and Supply has added another unique award. The highest-finishing Crate 602 Sportsman sporting a decal from Elmo’s Speed & Supply will receive a $100 cash bonus and $50 store credit. Competitors can obtain a decal by “liking” the Elmo’s Speed & Supply page on Facebook and messaging their mailing address.
Complete rules and ‘Hard Clay Open’ general information can be found at the following link: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/hard-clay-open-rules-general-information/
The Modified purse structure, from first to last, has also been posted: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/hard-clay-open-modified-pay-structure/
Registration is ongoing for both the Modifieds and Crate 602 Sportsman. Entry forms have been posted on the event website.
For the ‘Hard Clay Open’ pit gates will open at 1 p.m. Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with a drivers’ meeting scheduled for 5:45 p.m. at the pit tower. Hot laps will follow and racing is set to begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $22 (Adults), $20 (Seniors) and $2 (Kids 6 and under). Pit admission is $35, with no license required. Advance tickets will go on sale through the speedway office on March 1 by calling 845.342.2573.
Andy Bachetti of Sheffield, Mass., bested a 59-car Modified field to win last year’s inaugural ‘Hard Clay Open’ special over a charging Tim Hindley, who drove from 19th starting position to a runner-up finish in Joe Sarvis’ small-block. Short-track racer Danny Tyler, traveling star Danny Johnson and veteran Jeff Heotzler rounded out the top-five.
Bachetti, off the strength of an Orange County triumph, went on to earn the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek championship worth $10,014-plus.
Brian Krummel of Middletown, N.Y., is the defending ‘Hard Clay Open’ Crate 602 Sportsman victor, having pocketed the $1,000 payday a year ago.
The Short Track Super Series Fueled By Hi-Tek and BD Motorsports Media LLC can be found on the web at www.shorttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com. Brett Deyo can be reached by phone at 845.728.2781 or via e-mail: bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com. The series is also on Twitter @ShortTrackSS and Facebook under “Short Track Super Series.”
Marketing opportunities, including lap sponsorships ($20 per lap), are currently available by contacting the BD Motorsports Media LLC office.
Located at 239 Wisner Avenue Middletown, N.Y., 10940 on the Orange County Fairgrounds, Orange County Fair Speedway is the oldest continuously operating dirt track in the United States. The first auto race was held at the speedway in 1919. The five-eighths-mile oval offers fully-covered and half-covered grandstands in addition to open bleacher seating on the frontstretch and turn one areas, with drive-in viewing on the backstretch. To learn more, contact the Orange County Fair Speedway office at 845.342.2573 or visit www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net.
The Hard Clay Open is presented by United Pump & Tank, ECS Auto Stores Inc./East Coast Speed, American Racer/Lias Tire, Grand Rental Station of Middletown, Rock Fantasy, Elmo’s Speed & Supply, Zubi’s Racing and many other fine marketing partners.
The Short Track Super Series is presented by Hi-Tek Race Fuels, American Racer/Lias Tire, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., ECS Auto Stores Inc./East Coast Speed, Scotty’s Speed & Diesel, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Dirt Track Digest, Hig Fab Chassis, Bicknell Racing Products, Teo-Pro Car, FOX Shocks, Fast Axle, Henry’s Stainless Steel Exhaust, Kirkey Race Products, Simplicity Designs, ATL Fuel Cells, Lineman Racing and many other fine marketing partners.
Sources: BD Motorsports Media