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{{Infobox NASCAR driver {{Infobox NASCAR driver
|name = Charles "Pete" Orr |name = Charles "Pete" Orr
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|Busch_Poles = 0 |Busch_Poles = 0
}} }}
'''Charles "Pete" Orr''' (born July 29, 1956, died November 18, 2002) was an ] ] racing driver. Regarded as a superstar in Florida ] competition,<ref>{{cite news|title=DiCandio holds on for first feature win|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=August 7, 1990|work=]|page=4|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19900807&id=VAwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LtMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3622,3919383}}</ref> Orr competed primarily in the lower levels of racing, but did have a brief ] ] career; his death from ] in 2002 led to the ] enacting insurance reform. '''Charles "Pete" Orr''' (born July 29, 1956, died November 18, 2002) was an ] ] racing driver. Regarded as a superstar in Florida ] competition,<ref>{{cite news|title=DiCandio holds on for first feature win|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=August 7, 1990|work=]|page=4|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19900807&id=VAwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LtMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3622,3919383}}</ref> Orr competed primarily in the lower levels of racing, but did have a brief ] ] career; his death from ] in 2002 led to the ] enacting insurance reform.


==Career== ==Career==
Born in ] but a long-time resident of ],<ref name="obit"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Montverde's Orr skids out of Daytona race|last=Coole|first=Terri|date=February 22, 1996|work=]|page=11B|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-02-22/news/9602210589_1_tryouts-team-manager-eric-faulkner}}</ref> Orr competed in local ] racing events throughout Florida starting in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr Captures Hobby Race|date=July 21, 1974|work=]|page=E6|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=West Palm Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19740721&id=YKM1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=l7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6319,911297}}</ref> He ran for Rookie of the Year in the ] ], later renamed the Slim Jim All Pro Series, in 1988;<ref>{{cite news|title=Pete Orr wins race on way to Challenge|year=1988|work=The Daily Journal|page=9|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19880302&id=MAwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K9MEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2481,1043418}}</ref> he competed in the series over the next several years, both as a driver and as ] for fellow Florida racer ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Orlando's Russell making run for rookie points title|last=Dame|first=Mike|date=August 15, 1991|work=]|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-08-15/sports/9108150514_1_russell-all-pro-switch-drivers}}</ref> Orr continued competing in local events as well, winning the ] Triple Crown Series in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr wins $1,000 prize in Speedworld 50 laps|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=November 5, 1991|work=The Daily Journal|page=4|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jw8qAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rNQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3763,3333814}}</ref> In 1992 he won the prestigious ] at ] for the second consecutive year;<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr keeps hands on Orange Blossom title|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=January 29, 1992|work=The Daily Journal|page=5|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19920129&id=qwsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GtMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3005,7985190}}</ref> he also won the speedway's ] championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Smyrna gets green flag|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=February 9, 1993|work=The Daily Journal|page=6|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19930209&id=Ko8fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ytMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2277,3803310}}</ref> Born in ] but a long-time resident of ],<ref name="obit"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Montverde's Orr skids out of Daytona race|last=Coole|first=Terri|date=February 22, 1996|work=]|page=11B|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-02-22/news/9602210589_1_tryouts-team-manager-eric-faulkner}}</ref> Orr competed in local ] racing events throughout Florida starting in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr Captures Hobby Race|date=July 21, 1974|work=]|page=E6|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=West Palm Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19740721&id=YKM1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=l7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6319,911297}}</ref> He ran for Rookie of the Year in the ] ], later renamed the Slim Jim All Pro Series, in 1988;<ref>{{cite news|title=Pete Orr wins race on way to Challenge|year=1988|work=The Daily Journal|page=9|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19880302&id=MAwqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K9MEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2481,1043418}}</ref> he competed in the series over the next several years, both as a driver and as ] for fellow Florida racer ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Orlando's Russell making run for rookie points title|last=Dame|first=Mike|date=August 15, 1991|work=]|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-08-15/sports/9108150514_1_russell-all-pro-switch-drivers}}</ref> Orr continued competing in local events as well, winning the ] Triple Crown Series in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr wins $1,000 prize in Speedworld 50 laps|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=November 5, 1991|work=The Daily Journal|page=4|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jw8qAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rNQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3763,3333814}}</ref> In 1992 he won the prestigious ] at ] for the second consecutive year;<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr keeps hands on Orange Blossom title|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=January 29, 1992|work=The Daily Journal|page=5|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19920129&id=qwsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GtMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3005,7985190}}</ref> he also won the speedway's ] championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Smyrna gets green flag|last=Marseglia|first=Paul|date=February 9, 1993|work=The Daily Journal|page=6|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1901&dat=19930209&id=Ko8fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ytMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2277,3803310}}</ref>


== Busch Series == == Busch Series ==
In 1995, having left local competition in an attempt to make it at the top levels of the sport,<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr races to DeSoto win|date=April 17, 1995|work=]|page=5C|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Sarasota, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19950417&id=pLsdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H78EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5636,3168741}}</ref> Orr made his debut in NASCAR national touring competition, driving for ] in the ].<ref name="road">{{cite news|title=Orr takes long road to Grand National|last=Zizzo|first=Mike|date=July 27, 1995|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=D10|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1995-07-27/sports/9507270443_1_pete-orr-ridling-hogan}}</ref> Orr was 39; he had promised his wife he would retire if he hadn't reached the Busch Series level by age 40.<ref name="road"/> Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with sponsorship from ], he ran two races in the 1995 season, at ] and ], with a best finish of 29th; he failed to qualify for the two final races of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/orrpe01/1995/B|title=Pete Orr - 1995 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=USA Today Sports Media Group|accessdate=2012-06-15}}</ref> In 1995, having left local competition in an attempt to make it at the top levels of the sport,<ref>{{cite news|title=Orr races to DeSoto win|date=April 17, 1995|work=]|page=5C|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Sarasota, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19950417&id=pLsdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H78EAAAAIBAJ&pg=5636,3168741}}</ref> Orr made his debut in NASCAR national touring competition, driving for ] in the ].<ref name="road">{{cite news|title=Orr takes long road to Grand National|last=Zizzo|first=Mike|date=July 27, 1995|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=D10|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1995-07-27/sports/9507270443_1_pete-orr-ridling-hogan}}</ref> Orr was 39; he had promised his wife he would retire if he hadn't reached the Busch Series level by age 40.<ref name="road"/> Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with sponsorship from ], he ran two races in the 1995 season, at ] and ], with a best finish of 29th; he failed to qualify for the two final races of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/orrpe01/1995/B|title=Pete Orr - 1995 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=USA Today Sports Media Group|accessdate= June 15, 2012}}</ref>


Remaining with Ridling's team for the 1996 season, Orr planned full-time in the Busch Series, declaring his intention to compete for ] honors; in the season-opening ] at ], Orr qualified tenth for the series' biggest race of the year,<ref>{{cite news|title=Purvis is making splash at Daytona|date=February 17, 1996|work=]|page=B5|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Gadsden, AL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19960217&id=JbgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q9cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3677,1593772}}</ref> but was involved in an accident, finishing 40th of 46 cars and completing only 50 laps.<ref>{{cite news|title=Busch rookie Orr banged up, finishes 40th|last=Williams|first=Charlean|date=February 18, 1996|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=S2|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-02-18/features/9602170406_1_busch-waltrip-wallace-will-start}}</ref> Orr failed to qualify twice over the next six races, skipping a third, with his best finish in the remaining three races which he competed in being 34th, at ] in the third race of the season, and ] in the seventh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/orrpe01/1996/B|title=Pete Orr - 1996 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=USA Today Sports Media Group|accessdate=2012-06-15}}</ref> Bristol's ] would be Orr's final race in NASCAR's higher levels; before the race the following week at ], Ridling released him from the team, replacing him with ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Lepage gets a big break, deservedly so|last=Oakes|first=Kalle|work=]|page=1C|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Lewiston, ME|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=19960503&id=2VIpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4151,424680}}</ref> who would go on to win at the season's final race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1996-11-04/news/9611040060_1_randy-lajoie-david-hutto-kevin-lepage|title=Lepage Wins A Safe Jiffy Lube|last=Biebrich|first=Richard Jr.|date=November 4, 1996|work=]|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Fort Lauderdale, FL}}</ref> Remaining with Ridling's team for the 1996 season, Orr planned full-time in the Busch Series, declaring his intention to compete for ] honors; in the season-opening ] at ], Orr qualified tenth for the series' biggest race of the year,<ref>{{cite news|title=Purvis is making splash at Daytona|date=February 17, 1996|work=]|page=B5|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Gadsden, AL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19960217&id=JbgfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=q9cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3677,1593772}}</ref> but was involved in an accident, finishing 40th of 46 cars and completing only 50 laps.<ref>{{cite news|title=Busch rookie Orr banged up, finishes 40th|last=Williams|first=Charlean|date=February 18, 1996|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=S2|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-02-18/features/9602170406_1_busch-waltrip-wallace-will-start}}</ref> Orr failed to qualify twice over the next six races, skipping a third, with his best finish in the remaining three races which he competed in being 34th, at ] in the third race of the season, and ] in the seventh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/drivdet/orrpe01/1996/B|title=Pete Orr - 1996 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results|work=Racing-Reference|publisher=USA Today Sports Media Group|accessdate= June 15, 2012}}</ref> Bristol's ] would be Orr's final race in NASCAR's higher levels; before the race the following week at ], Ridling released him from the team, replacing him with ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Lepage gets a big break, deservedly so|last=Oakes|first=Kalle|work=]|page=1C|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Lewiston, ME|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=19960503&id=2VIpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zmoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4151,424680}}</ref> who would go on to win at the season's final race.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1996-11-04/news/9611040060_1_randy-lajoie-david-hutto-kevin-lepage|title=Lepage Wins A Safe Jiffy Lube|last=Biebrich|first=Richard Jr.|date=November 4, 1996|work=]|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Fort Lauderdale, FL}}</ref>


Following his aborted Busch Series career, Orr returned to local short track competition,<ref>{{cite news|title=Racing back on track at Speedway|date=June 27, 1998|work=]|page=5A|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NJ&p_theme=nj&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FAD9D13A15EEC9E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> racing as far afield as ] in Florida and ] in ] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=HT&p_theme=ht&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFE7CDD5C1F98B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Patience pays off for No. 6 qualifier|date=February 7, 2000|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Sarasota, FL}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Florida driver increases level of competition in Late Models|date=April 30, 2000|work=]|page=D20|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Pittsburgh, PA|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/sports_headlines/20000430distcars6.asp}}</ref> Following his aborted Busch Series career, Orr returned to local short track competition,<ref>{{cite news|title=Racing back on track at Speedway|date=June 27, 1998|work=]|page=5A|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NJ&p_theme=nj&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FAD9D13A15EEC9E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> racing as far afield as ] in Florida and ] in ] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=HT&p_theme=ht&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFE7CDD5C1F98B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Patience pays off for No. 6 qualifier|date=February 7, 2000|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Sarasota, FL}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Florida driver increases level of competition in Late Models|date=April 30, 2000|work=]|page=D20|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Pittsburgh, PA|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/sports_headlines/20000430distcars6.asp}}</ref>


==Legacy== ==Legacy==
Suffering from ], he retired from racing in 2001, having scored over 300 wins in racing competition<ref name="Ledger">{{cite news|title=Insurance Scams Dupe Floridians|last=Groeller|first=Greg|date=April 15, 2002|work=]|page=B1|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Lakeland, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=20020415&id=A_IvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r_0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6212,4589877}}</ref> Orr became a victim of ], with over $250,000 in claims being refused by his insurance company;<ref name="Ledger"/> the racing community assisted in paying for his medical treatment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Racing-memorabilia sales to aid driver's cancer fund|last=Cole|first=Christine|date=June 21, 2002|work=Lake Sentinel|page=G4|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-06-21/news/0206210090_1_pete-orr-racing-team-door-panels}}</ref> Orr died of his cancer on November 18, 2002; he was survived by his wife Terri, three sons, and a daughter.<ref name="obit">{{cite news|title=Racing legend Charles 'Pete' Orr captured trophies for 3 decades|last=Matthews|first=Mark K.|date=November 21, 2002|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=B6|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-21/news/0211210161_1_bobby-orr-pete-orr-montverde}}</ref> Suffering from ], he retired from racing in 2001, having scored over 300 wins in racing competition<ref name="Ledger">{{cite news|title=Insurance Scams Dupe Floridians|last=Groeller|first=Greg|date=April 15, 2002|work=]|page=B1|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Lakeland, FL|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=20020415&id=A_IvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=r_0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6212,4589877}}</ref> Orr became a victim of ], with over $250,000 in claims being refused by his insurance company;<ref name="Ledger"/> the racing community assisted in paying for his medical treatment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Racing-memorabilia sales to aid driver's cancer fund|last=Cole|first=Christine|date=June 21, 2002|work=Lake Sentinel|page=G4|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-06-21/news/0206210090_1_pete-orr-racing-team-door-panels}}</ref> Orr died of his cancer on November 18, 2002; he was survived by his wife Terri, three sons, and a daughter.<ref name="obit">{{cite news|title=Racing legend Charles 'Pete' Orr captured trophies for 3 decades|last=Matthews|first=Mark K.|date=November 21, 2002|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=B6|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-21/news/0211210161_1_bobby-orr-pete-orr-montverde}}</ref>


Orr's insurance issues led to the ] passing insurance reform following his death;<ref>{{cite news|title=Legislators take on unlicensed insurers|last=Groeller|first=Greg|date=April 6, 2003|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=H1|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-04-06/news/0304050472_1_unlicensed-insurer-pete-orr-medical-bills}}</ref> the measure was referred to as the "Pete Orr Insurance Anti-Fraud Act",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/newswire/southeast/2003/06/18/29940.htm|title=Florida’s Gallagher Applauds Anti-Fraud Law|date=June 18, 2003|work=Insurance Journal|publisher=Wells Media Group|accessdate=15 June 2012|location=San Diego, CA}}</ref> or more simply as the "Pete Orr Bill".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2003/03/24/daily40.html|title=State financial officer applauds Pete Orr bill|date=March 27, 2003|work=]|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Orlando, FL}}</ref> The Orange Blossom 100 was renamed the Pete Orr Memorial;<ref>{{cite news|title=Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 125 set|last=Shacklette|first=Buddy|date=February 1, 2003|work=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|page=2A|accessdate=2012-06-15|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NJ&p_theme=nj&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F90019C2B13B758&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> Orr had won the event four times, more than any other driver.<ref name="obit"/> Orr's insurance issues led to the ] passing insurance reform following his death;<ref>{{cite news|title=Legislators take on unlicensed insurers|last=Groeller|first=Greg|date=April 6, 2003|work=Orlando Sentinel|page=H1|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-04-06/news/0304050472_1_unlicensed-insurer-pete-orr-medical-bills}}</ref> the measure was referred to as the "Pete Orr Insurance Anti-Fraud Act",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/newswire/southeast/2003/06/18/29940.htm|title=Florida’s Gallagher Applauds Anti-Fraud Law|date=June 18, 2003|work=Insurance Journal|publisher=Wells Media Group|accessdate=June 15, 2012|location=San Diego, CA}}</ref> or more simply as the "Pete Orr Bill".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2003/03/24/daily40.html|title=State financial officer applauds Pete Orr bill|date=March 27, 2003|work=]|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Orlando, FL}}</ref> The Orange Blossom 100 was renamed the Pete Orr Memorial;<ref>{{cite news|title=Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 125 set|last=Shacklette|first=Buddy|date=February 1, 2003|work=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|page=2A|accessdate= June 15, 2012|location=Daytona Beach, FL|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NJ&p_theme=nj&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F90019C2B13B758&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}}</ref> Orr had won the event four times, more than any other driver.<ref name="obit"/>


==Motorsports career results== ==Motorsports career results==

Revision as of 16:29, 23 June 2012

NASCAR driver
Charles "Pete" Orr
Born(1956-07-29)July 29, 1956
Miami, Florida, United States
DiedNovember 18, 2002(2002-11-18) (aged 46)
Montverde, Florida, USA
Cause of deathLymphoma
NASCAR Xfinity Series career
6 races run over 2 years
Best finish65th – 1996
First race1995 Gatorade 200 (Darlington)
Last race1996 Goody's Headache Powder 250 (Bristol)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 0 0

Charles "Pete" Orr (born July 29, 1956, died November 18, 2002) was an American stock car racing driver. Regarded as a superstar in Florida late model competition, Orr competed primarily in the lower levels of racing, but did have a brief NASCAR Busch Series career; his death from lymphoma in 2002 led to the State of Florida enacting insurance reform.

Career

Born in Miami but a long-time resident of Montverde, Florida, Orr competed in local short track racing events throughout Florida starting in the 1970s. He ran for Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Winston All-American Challenge Series, later renamed the Slim Jim All Pro Series, in 1988; he competed in the series over the next several years, both as a driver and as crew chief for fellow Florida racer David Russell. Orr continued competing in local events as well, winning the FASCAR Triple Crown Series in 1991. In 1992 he won the prestigious Orange Blossom 100 at New Smyrna Speedway for the second consecutive year; he also won the speedway's World Series of Asphalt championship.

Busch Series

In 1995, having left local competition in an attempt to make it at the top levels of the sport, Orr made his debut in NASCAR national touring competition, driving for David Ridling in the Busch Grand National Series. Orr was 39; he had promised his wife he would retire if he hadn't reached the Busch Series level by age 40. Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with sponsorship from Farmer's Choice Fertilizer, he ran two races in the 1995 season, at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, with a best finish of 29th; he failed to qualify for the two final races of the season.

Remaining with Ridling's team for the 1996 season, Orr planned full-time in the Busch Series, declaring his intention to compete for Rookie of the Year honors; in the season-opening Goody's 300 at Daytona International Speedway, Orr qualified tenth for the series' biggest race of the year, but was involved in an accident, finishing 40th of 46 cars and completing only 50 laps. Orr failed to qualify twice over the next six races, skipping a third, with his best finish in the remaining three races which he competed in being 34th, at Richmond International Raceway in the third race of the season, and Bristol International Raceway in the seventh. Bristol's Goody's Headache Powder 250 would be Orr's final race in NASCAR's higher levels; before the race the following week at Hickory Motor Speedway, Ridling released him from the team, replacing him with Kevin Lepage, who would go on to win at the season's final race.

Following his aborted Busch Series career, Orr returned to local short track competition, racing as far afield as DeSoto Speedway in Florida and Jennerstown Speedway in Pennsylvania in 2000.

Legacy

Suffering from lymphoma, he retired from racing in 2001, having scored over 300 wins in racing competition Orr became a victim of insurance fraud, with over $250,000 in claims being refused by his insurance company; the racing community assisted in paying for his medical treatment. Orr died of his cancer on November 18, 2002; he was survived by his wife Terri, three sons, and a daughter.

Orr's insurance issues led to the Florida Legislature passing insurance reform following his death; the measure was referred to as the "Pete Orr Insurance Anti-Fraud Act", or more simply as the "Pete Orr Bill". The Orange Blossom 100 was renamed the Pete Orr Memorial; Orr had won the event four times, more than any other driver.

Motorsports career results

NASCAR

(key) (Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position earned by points standings. * – Most laps led.)

NASCAR Busch Series

Year Team Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Position Points
1991 Emerald Performance
88 		Chevrolet DAY RCK RCH ATL NSV DAR BRI HCY NHA NZH CHA DVR MYB GLN MLW TAL SBO IRP MCH BR2 DA2
29 		RC2 DV2 CH2
31 		RK2
DNQ 		HOM
DNQ 		80th 146
1996 Emerald Performance
88 		Chevrolet DAY
40 		RCK
DNQ 		RCH
34 		ATL
36 		NSV DAR
DNQ 		BRI
34 		HCY NZH CHA DVR SBO MYB GLN MLW NHA TAL IRP MCH BR2 DA2 RC2 DV2 CH2 RK2 HOM 65th 220

References

  1. Marseglia, Paul (August 7, 1990). "DiCandio holds on for first feature win". The Daily Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. p. 4. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  2. ^ Matthews, Mark K. (November 21, 2002). "Racing legend Charles 'Pete' Orr captured trophies for 3 decades". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. B6. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  3. Coole, Terri (February 22, 1996). "Montverde's Orr skids out of Daytona race". Lake Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. 11B. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  4. "Orr Captures Hobby Race". The Palm Beach Post-Times. West Palm Beach, FL. July 21, 1974. p. E6. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  5. "Pete Orr wins race on way to Challenge". The Daily Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. 1988. p. 9. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  6. Dame, Mike (August 15, 1991). "Orlando's Russell making run for rookie points title". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  7. Marseglia, Paul (November 5, 1991). "Orr wins $1,000 prize in Speedworld 50 laps". The Daily Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. p. 4. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  8. Marseglia, Paul (January 29, 1992). "Orr keeps hands on Orange Blossom title". The Daily Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. p. 5. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  9. Marseglia, Paul (February 9, 1993). "New Smyrna gets green flag". The Daily Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. p. 6. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  10. "Orr races to DeSoto win". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Sarasota, FL. April 17, 1995. p. 5C. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  11. ^ Zizzo, Mike (July 27, 1995). "Orr takes long road to Grand National". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. D10. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  12. "Pete Orr - 1995 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results". Racing-Reference. USA Today Sports Media Group. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  13. "Purvis is making splash at Daytona". The Gadsden Times. Gadsden, AL. February 17, 1996. p. B5. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  14. Williams, Charlean (February 18, 1996). "Busch rookie Orr banged up, finishes 40th". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. S2. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  15. "Pete Orr - 1996 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Results". Racing-Reference. USA Today Sports Media Group. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  16. Oakes, Kalle. "Lepage gets a big break, deservedly so". Sun-Journal. Lewiston, ME. p. 1C. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  17. Biebrich, Richard Jr. (November 4, 1996). "Lepage Wins A Safe Jiffy Lube". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  18. "Racing back on track at Speedway". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. June 27, 1998. p. 5A. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  19. "Patience pays off for No. 6 qualifier". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Sarasota, FL. February 7, 2000. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  20. "Florida driver increases level of competition in Late Models". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. April 30, 2000. p. D20. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  21. ^ Groeller, Greg (April 15, 2002). "Insurance Scams Dupe Floridians". The Ledger. Lakeland, FL. p. B1. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  22. Cole, Christine (June 21, 2002). "Racing-memorabilia sales to aid driver's cancer fund". Lake Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. G4. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  23. Groeller, Greg (April 6, 2003). "Legislators take on unlicensed insurers". Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, FL. p. H1. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  24. "Florida's Gallagher Applauds Anti-Fraud Law". Insurance Journal. San Diego, CA: Wells Media Group. June 18, 2003. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  25. "State financial officer applauds Pete Orr bill". Orlando Business Journal. Orlando, FL. March 27, 2003. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
  26. Shacklette, Buddy (February 1, 2003). "Pete Orr Memorial Orange Blossom 125 set". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Daytona Beach, FL. p. 2A. Retrieved June 15, 2012.

External links

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