With the racing season winding down, the management and staff of Hummingbird Speedway are busy making preparations for the 2010 edition of the Mick Orsich Memorial Late Model Open. This year’s event will be held on Saturday September 18. The Late Model Open is presented each year at Hummingbird, and the night is dedicated to the memory of former track manager Mick Orsich. In addition to the racing action, the night includes fund raisers, including a Chinese Auction to benefit the Hahne Cancer Center in DuBois, PA.
Mick, who was a familiar face at the “original” Hummingbird Speedway (in the 1960s-70s) as a scorer, returned to the track upon it’s re-birth in 2000 as the track manager and also worked as the flagman for the 2003 and 2004 seasons. It was 2003 when Mick was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The strong willed Orsich fought the disease while continuing to work at the track as well as at his job at Brockway Mould. During the 2004 season, Mick was presented with a plaque from the drivers in recognition of his continued dedication to the speedway while battling the disease. Sadly, on September 21, 2004, only three days after the final event of the season, Mick passed on. Mick was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Hummingbird Speedway, and was a very popular figure at the track. The Mick Orisch Memorial is our way of honoring his memory.
2010 will be the fifth edition of the Mick Orsich Memorial Late Model Open. The Orsich Memorial, which has become the premier event at the Hummingbird Speedway, will once again feature a 35 lap, $2000 to win, $150 to start main event for the Late Models. Non-qualifiers will receive $100 tow money. Heat races and consolation event(s) will determine the starting field for Mick Orsich Memorial. Heat winners will also run the Community First Bank “Dash For Cash” to set the front of the grid. Sponsors, including Johnson Motors, are lining up to be part of the action. In addition, each of the 35 laps will have a sponsor with the driver leading that lap earning the extra cash. The track regulars in the Steel Block Late Models will be joined by drivers from across the region, as the rules will be opened up to allow the Aluminum Block Super Late Models to compete, with a minimum weight of 2300 pounds. Last year’s event saw Denton Boyer of Punxsutawney pick up his career first Super Late Model feature win. Other drivers who have taken home the checkered flag in the memorial race include, Jason Witherite, Sammy Stile, and Luke Hoffner. The Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Four Cylinders and Front Wheel Drive Four Cylinders will also be on the card with a regular show for each division with Hummingbird Speedway rules in effect. All cars in attendance will be brought to the speedway before the racing action starts as we fill the track for a 4 Wide Salute to Mick.
The management and staff of the Hummingbird Speedway invite everyone to come and enjoy a great night of racing action, while we honor the memory of one of the bravest and most influential men in the track’s history, on this very special night. Mark your calendars and come join us on Saturday September 18 at the 1/3 Mile Bullring, The Hummingbird Speedway, for the Mick Orsich Memorial!
Notes / Details: Saturday September 18, Gates open at 3:30 with a drivers meeting at 5:00. Racing action is set to begin at 6:00. There is a $50 registration fee for all late models. Admission prices for the Mick Orsich Memorial will be $15 for general admission, and $25 for pit admission. For more information and a list of sponsors, visit us on the web at www.hummingbirdspeedway.com.