The History of the Orange County Fair Speedway

Orange County Fair Speedway is the oldest continuously operating dirt track in the United States. It was constructed in 1857 for horse racing at the annual Orange County Fair. In 1919, the first auto race was held on what was then called the “Harry Clay Oval.” Racing continued every year until the outbreak of World War Two caused the suspension of motorsports nationwide.

After World War Two, “Big Car” racing continued for a year or so at the fair, and midget racing was immensely popular on Wednesday nights. In 1948, the first “Stock Car” race was held on the ½-mile track. The first winner of the first heat race was Frankie Schneider, who went on to become a legend in these parts.

OCFS hosts five classes of racing, and something for every racer's budget. From the PureStocks to the Mighty Big Block Modifieds, and every division in-between (ProStock, Sportsman, Small Block Modified) the racing here is non-stop action from green flag to checkered.

Orange County Fair Speedway is home to the Eastern States Weekend. Begun in 1962 as a one-day, 100-lap championship race, Eastern States Weekend has grown into a three-day racing spectacular, the "October Classic."

Stock Car Racing and Orange County, New York go hand in hand. No speedway in the region, or in the WORLD, has as much history behind it as Orange County Fair Speedway!

For a more detailed history of Orange County Fair Speedway, please visit http://www.victoryspeedway.net

*Special Thanks to Peter Kessler!