Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100 set for this Saturday, February 5th at New Smyrna
by Jane Smith
Wayne Anderson & the Orr Family in winners circle last year. Can Anderson make it three in a row?
Samsula, Fla (February 1, 2005) This Saturday night, February 5th, New Smyrna Speedway will host the Third Annual Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100. It was November 2002 when we lost saw Pete Orr at the 37th Governor's Cup, happy and smiling that smile that no other had like Pete's. One minute he was with us, the next gone.
Pete Orr was well known and loved and most of all respected in the world of stockcar racing not only in Florida but many states.
When Pete died that November 2002, everyone mourned and to this day, we all still miss "our" Pete. To honor the man who loved nothing more than racing and the Orange Blossom 100, the race was renamed the Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100 in January 2003.
"Pete Orr was a great man and a great Crew Chief," said Travis Kittleson last weekend at USA International at Speedfest 2005. "If I had but one race I really wanted to win, it would be Pete's race." "Pete got me where I am today and I will never forget him. He was a true gentleman in every way."
Those sentiments are held by many and that is why you see so many Super Lates out for "his race". Past students of Pete's are Travis Kittleson, Justin Drawdy, David Froehlich, B.J. McLeod and the list goes on. And you will see those drivers and many more this Saturday night at New Smyrna Speedway.
Last year, 2003, karnac.com stepped forward and began the Pete Orr Sportsmanship Award. The driver who was honored with this very special award was Jay Middleton. This year another driver will receive the Pete Orr Sportsmanship Award but the name of the driver won't be known until Saturday.
"Pete was one of a kind and when we lost him, I knew the world of stockcar racing really lost a legend. Pete was a gentleman and definitely a sportsman on the track and off. To win this award takes alot of different qualities but sportsmanship is key," said Jack Smith, web-master and owner of karnac.com.
There are alot of factors that we consider when we think of this award and the winner this year has shown all of them. But you will have to be there to find out who because we are not telling before then," added Smith.
Wayne Anderson of Wildwood, Florida has won both of the Pete Orr Memorial races but it is a goal of every driver in the field to get this win. To say you have won the Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 100 is something very special for all Super Late drivers.
Past winners of the Orange Blossom 100 are:
Pete Orr Memorial 125 2003 - Wayne Anderson 2004 - Wayne Anderson
Orange Blossom 100 Winners List 1989 - Leroy Porter 1990 - Jack Cook 1991 - Pete Orr 1992 - Pete Orr 1993 - Pete Orr 1994 - David Russell 1995 - Jack Cook 1996 - David Russell 1997 - Jack Cook 1998 - Jack Cook 1999 - David Rogers 2000 - Pete Orr 2001 - Jack Cook 2002 -Travis Kittleson
Also on the program Saturday will be the Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stock, Mini Stock and Strictly Stocks. Also a number of drivers getting ready for the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing may be in the field.
Reserved seating is availabe by calling 386-427-4129 ext. 0. General admission is $15.00, students and seniors $10.00 and children 11 and under are free in the grandstands. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
Wayne Anderson & the Orr Family in winners circle last year. Can Anderson make it three in a row?
