Kayla Peting SWAN LAKE, NY…..The Far Out Race for the Open Racing Challenge Series took place Saturday at Bethel Motor Speedway. It was something completely new for those who have ran with the O.R.C.S before. This was the first ever race on asphalt and it was sure to be an interesting night. With temperatures in the high 80s, weather played a factor for several teams who did not make it out to the race. Those that did certainly put on a show for fans with a cross over from dirt happening and some different looking cars. Six drivers checked in at the pits for the nights event with several being local drivers around the Speedway. The heat would see Kyle Welsch and Dick Shaddock leading the field to the green flag. Ultimately, Skip Lapolt in his enhanced asphalt modified would take the heat win followed by Joel Murns, Welsch, Josh Wilbur, Shaddock, and dirt track regular Mike Morse.
The winner of the heat had the chance to go big or go home by taking the opportunity to pick up an extra $300 if they started at the back of the field and would go on to win. Lapolt would decline the challenge offered to him and instead Murns would take up the opportunity to possibly pick up some more cash. Lapolt in his winged asphalt modified would start on the pole with Welsch to his outside. As the green flag would fly Lapolt would get the early lead while the others behind him would battle for position. Murns was determined to make his way through the field and was already on the inside of Shaddock for fourth before lap one was completed. Wilbur would follow in the hole that Murns had made and would claim fifth over Shaddock. The first bobble of the night would come for Morse who would get loose in turn opening up the lane for Murns to move into third. Wilbur would head pit side for unknown reasons on lap six while Lapolt was storming on and would rapidly catch up with the tail end of the field. Unfortunately, Shaddock’s night ended early as he headed back to the pits as the flagger showed a black flag for a broken rear end. The race continued on and Murns was still a man on a mission as he battled with Welsch for second. The two would drive door to door with Lapolt hot on their tails. Lapolt would give each driver a little love tap before completing the pass around both drivers making him a full lap ahead. Lapolt would go on to win followed by Welsch, Murns and Morse, Shaddock, and Wilbur.
Lapolt was determined to win this race so the trophy would stay in the immediate area surrounding Woodstock, “it just seemed fitting” stated Lapolt. When asked about his unique car, he said that driving with a wing on an asphalt modified was certainly different, but plans on taking it to Evergreen Speedway. The racing community is more than just a community it is a family, “running with Joel and Kyle was a blast and that’s why I gave them a little nudge” said Lapolt. The plans for next year are following the series full time since there is already a car in the works. Skip would like to thank his entire family for their ever constant support and his sponsors: Unique Perspective Photography, DeGrocia Motorsports, MetJoe’s Race Shop, D.A.D Leasing Inc, and Beryle Hartman Inc.
The next ORCS race will be The Fat Rat Race at The Hill Speedway in Monroeton, PA and it is sure to be one for the books. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at: Open Racing Challenge Series or our website ORCSeries.com to get updates on everything that is happening as well as the regulations so you can join on the fun!
The Far Out Race
WINNER – 5L Skip Lapolt
2.) 59 – Kyle Welsch 3.) 21JR – Joel Murns 4.) 21 – Mike Morse 5.) 2 – Dick Shaddock 6.) 12 – Josh Wilbur
