HUMMINGBIRD SPEEDWAY READIES FOR 10TH ANNUAL MICK ORISCH MEMORIAL RACE.
By: Todd Orsich
Reynoldsville Pa (September 7)—Hummingbird Speedway management and staff are busy getting the facility ready for their biggest race of the 2015 campaign as the 10th annual Mick Orsich memorial is scheduled to be run on September 19 at the 1/3rd mile speed plant. A rain date of October 3 has been set for this event.
Orsich, who was a familiar face at the speedway in the early days as a scorer, returned to the track in its reopening season of 2000 as the track manager, and as the tracks flagman during the 2003 & 2004 seasons. Orsich was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2003 and battled the disease until his passing on September 21, 2004, just three days after the final race of that season. Orsich was instrumental on getting the “Bird” flying again, and was a very popular figure with fellow employees, race teams, race owners, and the many fans that attended races at the track. His name is still mentioned to this day as being very fair with everyone. The Mick Orsich memorial is the track’s way of giving back, and saying thank you to a great asset at the speedway.
The highlight of the evenings racing program will be the 35-lap late model feature including both steel block and aluminum block late models. The rules are opened up for this race, but a car must weigh 2300 pounds with drivers after the main event. Heat races and consolation event(s) will determine the starting field for this feature. Heat races winners will also run a dash for cash to set the starting front rows of this event. The winner of the race will take home the top prize of $2000 with a $150 to start the A-main. Other drivers who don’t make the race will receive $100 in tow fee. Lap money will also be paid to the leader of each individual lap.
16 late model drivers will also compete in the popular King of the Hill event with the winner receiving $400, a trophy from Seneca Transportation, and a case of motor oil from Shortway Services. Second place receives $200, while third and fourth places get $100.
24 lucky fans will also be included in on some cash money as a drawing will be held for a hat autographed by each starter of the late model feature. The fan with the winner autographed hat will get to go track-side after the race to claim their cash and meet the driver.
Last year saw Chris Farrell of Clearfield became the first two-time winner of the event, but might not be able to attend this year’s event due to family obligations.
Other past winners of this event include, Jason Witherite, Sammy Stile, Luke Hoffner, Denton Boyer, Steve Everhart, Dwayne Brooks, and Denny Fenton. Street stocks, pure stocks, and front-wheel drive four-cylinders will also be on the card this evening with Hummingbird Speedway rules applying to these three divisions.
All cars will also be brought onto the track before the racing starts and will run a number of four wide laps in a salute to Mick.
Notes/Details: Gates for this event will open at 3:00pm with racing at 6. Admission is $15 general admission with children age 6-10 is $7 and under age 5 free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Pit fee is $25. There will also be a $50 registration fee for late models only. For more information visit the tracks website at www.hummingbirdspeedway.com or call the track office at (814)653-8400. Hummingbird Speedway management would like to thank everyone for their support, and they hope you can attend this big event.
