MIDDLETOWN, NY – A battle between two of the most iconic Modified drivers in the history of the Orange County Fair Speedway took center stage last Saturday evening as the track presented its final regular season program of the 2018 racing campaign.

Jeff Heotzler Sr. and Richie Eurich, who are only two of four drivers to crack the 50-win barrier during their illustrious OCFS careers, brought the crowd to its feet with another barnburner as they fought for the first-place prize of $6,000 in the 30-lap main event.

When the dust settled, Heotzler raced home with the 53^rd victory of his OCFS career after chasing down Eurich, who dominated the race for so many laps.

“The track was really greasy tonight and hard to figure out,’’ said Heotzler. “I just hung back and conserved my tires for later in the race. But I noticed the car was getting better as the race progressed and I really started pushing it with about 10 laps to go.’’

Eurich, meanwhile, started on the pole and was enjoying a comfortable lead over Brendan Finley, Heotzler, Donnie Wilson and Gary Edwards Jr. throughout the event. But Heotzler was finally able to work himself past Finley on the 26^th lap and then quickly turned his attention to Eurich.

Heotzler closed in on Eurich during the next circuit around the five-eighths mile, hard clay oval and then found an opening while racing off the second turn on the 28^th lap. He moved past Eurich down the backstretch and then went on for the win.

“It was just like the seas parted,’’ said Heotzler. “I knew I had a good car tonight and I just went for it when I saw the opening. This car has been a work in progress, but we’re getting better each time out and I’m pleased how things are going right now.’’

Eurich, who has 50 career wins to his credit, settled for a second-place effort with Finley, Tommy Meier, Stan Frankenfield Jr., Edwards, Craig Mitchell, Brian Krummel, Mat Williamson and Jerry Higbie rounding out the top 10.