Middletown, NY — May 18, 2019

Anthony Perrego was on the verge of sweeping all of his Modified competition for the entire month of May at the Orange County Fair Speedway.

Perrego, after pocketing $6,000 for winning the held-over 30-lap feature from May 11, was well on his way to capturing his third straight victory Saturday night when disaster struck with 22 laps completed. The talented Montgomery driver collided with C.G. Morey in the third turn and was forced out of the event.

Perrego, obviously unhappy with the collision, exited his car and headed in Morey’s direction. The altercation forced OCFS officials to disqualify Perrego for his actions – stripping any points or money he would have earned for the race. OCFS rules state that any driver leaving his or her car on the track receives an automatic disqualification.

Perrego’s exit handed first place over to Craig Mitchell and he went on to pick up his first victory of the season in the 30-lap race with Brett Hearn, Tommy Meier, Jerry Higbie and John Ferrier rounding out the top five.

Mitchell, who started fourth in the 30-car race, was able to move past Higbie for second place on the eighth lap as Perrego was running away from the field. Mitchell was unable to stay close despite a series of cautions as the race progressed.

An altercation involving Rich Eurich and Morey on the backstretch with 13 laps completed tightened the field, but once again, Perrego was able to build a straightaway lead until approaching Morey in the third turn on the 22nd circuit. Matt Janiak also stopped in the fourth turn.

“I really couldn’t see what happened with Perrego because he was so far ahead,’’ said Mitchell. “It’s unfortunate for him. But this was my first Modified win in several years and the car was really fast all night. In fact, we’ve been fast all season and it’s nice to finally get a win.’’

Mitchell, who picked up his last victory here on July 16, 2016, now his six OCFS career Modified triumphs as he held off Hearn to the checkered flag.

For more news visit www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net