Halmar Greatly Increases Eastern States Purses

Posted by: Ted Schmidt – September 1, 2015

MIDDLETOWN, NY – Halmar International owner Chris Larsen, in conjunction with Orange County Fair Speedway promoter Michael Gurda IV, recently announced that Halmar International has signed on as the title sponsor for the 2015 running of the Eastern States Weekend, set for October 23-25 at the legendary “House of Power” oval.

With the support of Halmar International, along with event sponsors WLR Construction and Arkel Motors, the total payoff for the Modifieds and 358 Modifieds have more than doubled from the purses offered in 2015.

The Modified portion of Eastern States Weekend will now pay $35,000 to win, one of the biggest paydays of the season for the Modifieds. All 44 starters will be guaranteed at least $500, and there will be lap money paid on every lap. Friday’s time trials will carry a $1,000 bonus for the fastest time while second fast time will collect $500 for their efforts.

While the Modified purse is very impressive, the small-block Modifieds have not been forgotten and will also see a considerable boost in purse as well. The Saturday afternoon, 100-lap event will pay $15,000 to win with the entire purse being increased all the way through with the last place finisher collecting $225.

There is also a $10,000 bonus posted for a driver who can sweep both races. That means that the potential exists for a driver to leave Eastern States with more than $60,000 in purse and lap money.

Other major sponsorships and announcements will be forthcoming.

Fans coming for Eastern States will see several improvements to the facility, most notably to the venerable covered grandstand that towers over the speedway racing surface. A complete replacement of the aging roof has been finished and all new seating will by installed by mid-September. Less visible but sorely needed drainage work and other improvements are also scheduled to be completed prior to Eastern States Weekend.