Archive for the 'Oxford Plains' Category

Rookie Tommy Stilphen Now Youngest-Ever Top Class Winner at Oxford Plains Speedway

Published at May 18, 2013 in Oxford Plains. Closed

Oxford, Maine — Tommy Stilphen of Arundel became the youngest Oxford Championship Series race winner ever, posting his first career Oxford Plains Speedway main event victory in the 40-lap Pro Late Model feature Friday night.

Tyson Jordan of Poland, Justin Larsen of Peru and Corey Morgan of Lewiston also scored main event victories in the first night race of the 2013 season at the historic Maine speedplant.

Stilphen, a 14-year-old rookie, just beat multi-time track champion Shawn Martin of Turner to the checkered flag after race-long leader Chris Coolidge suffered handling issues after building a huge lead, allowing Stilphen, Martin and the rest of the frontrunners to close in quickly as he attempted to negotiate lapped traffic.

Continue reading ‘Rookie Tommy Stilphen Now Youngest-Ever Top Class Winner at Oxford Plains Speedway’

Bobby Pelland III Adds Super Late Models to Busy 2013 Slate

Published at April 10, 2013 in ACT LM Tour, Granite State Pro-Stock Series, Lee USA, Oxford Plains, PASS, PASS North, Seekonk and Thompson. Closed
2012 Late Model Runner-up Pursuing Full-Time Efforts in Seekonk Pro Stocks & Late Models

Bobby Pelland, III of Cranston, RI experienced the best season of his young racing career, earning a career best 2nd in Seekonk Late Model point standings and 3 wins. Pelland called last season, “Definitely an improvement, I think myself as a driver had more experience and confidence going into the year as well as finding some stuff in the car to wake it up,” Pelland said. “Overall, it was a great season and great points battle. Unfortunately, we had some bad luck due to wrecks and parts failures, but I can’t thank my team enough for never giving up.”

After race 10 of 17, Pelland faced a 37-point deficit to Gerry DeGasparre, Jr. Within three races, Pelland had reduced the margin to six. As DeGasparre and Pelland swapped the points lead, 2nd place remained within six markers for the rest of the year. Pelland led the points standings for three of the last 4 weeks before DeGasparre regained the points lead by six on the final points night for his sixth Late Model crown. “I think that says something about Team V and the guys”

“The 71 team has been a staple in the Late Models at Seekonk for years,” Pelland said. “I remember watching him when I was maybe as young as 10 when I was at the track watching my father. They clearly have their stuff in order and the team is run great by Gerry Sr. As far as Gerry, the accolades speak for themselves. He is clearly a great driver. It’s no secret he will be in contention for the title and I hope it’s a great battle between Gerry and I again this year, with a little different results of course.“

Continue reading ‘Bobby Pelland III Adds Super Late Models to Busy 2013 Slate’

PASS to Award 2013 National Champ with Championship Ring at Season’s End

Published at January 23, 2013 in Auburndale, Autodrome Chaudiere, Beech Ridge, Hickory, Oxford Plains, PASS, PASS National, PASS North, PASS South and Southern National Raceway Park. Closed

NAPLES, ME — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials announced today that the 2013 PASS National Series Champion will be awarded a one-of-a-kind championship ring. PASS, in association with series supporter Northern Race Tire, will present the newly crowned PASS National Champion with the championship ring following the final race of the season as part of the Mason-Dixon Meltdown at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, NC. The PASS National Champion’s ring is currently being manufactured by Stylecraft. From Super Bowl rings to civic awards, Stylecraft has been making finely crafted jewelry in the United States for over six decades. The 2013 PASS National Champion’s ring will be massive in size and will be emblazoned with the PASS logo and other jewels. This year’s championship ring is meticulously being designed now and will be unveiled on the PASS website in the coming weeks. It joins an impressive list of awards for the PASS National Champion which includes a chassis from Bull City Race Cars and a custom helmet made by Bell Helmets.

“We are very excited to be giving this opportunity to North America’s best Super Late Model racer,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “For whoever wins the 2013 PASS National title, no matter where they go, this championship ring will stand as a symbol of the hard work and dedication it took to achieve one of short track racing’s ultimate goals.”

The PASS National Series is comprised of six elite Super Late Model events throughout North America and gets underway in less than three weeks with the Inaugural Florida Winter Meltdown at Auburndale Speedway on February 8-9. In addition to a talented group of PASS regulars, former PASS National Champions Ben Rowe and Jay Fogleman hope to contain a strong contingent of Florida Super Late Model standouts on the tricky quarter mile oval.

Continue reading ‘PASS to Award 2013 National Champ with Championship Ring at Season’s End’

Crazy Horse Racing: Coolidge Tackles Oxford’s New Top Division

Published at January 22, 2013 in Oxford Plains. Closed

SOUTH PARIS, Maine – Norway’s Chris Coolidge will be back in the top division at Oxford Plains Speedway in 2013, even as the division itself has undergone offseason changes.

Formerly fielding ACT-legal Late Models at the .375-mile flat oval, new ownership there has revamped the division to be a Pro Late Model – a sort of hybrid blending the former Late Model division with the Super Late Models that compete in the PASS North Series. Coolidge, who earned his first career win in the 2012 season finale at Oxford, is already eager to get back on the track in his No. 72 Crazy Horse Racing chassis.

“It’s not going to be a full-blown Pro Stock. It’s not going to be a lot different,” Coolidge said. “It’s always been my hope to try and be able to run something like that. It’s definitely going to be a learning curve – I still had a lot to learn in a Late Model, and now we’ve even got more to learn. But I still think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Continue reading ‘Crazy Horse Racing: Coolidge Tackles Oxford’s New Top Division’

PASS National Series To Be Highlighted By Major Events and Big Money

Published at January 11, 2013 in Auburndale, Autodrome Chaudiere, Beech Ridge, Hickory, Oxford Plains, PASS, PASS National, PASS North, PASS South and Southern National Raceway Park. Closed

- National Champion’s awards to include chassis and helmet
- 40th Annual TD Bank 250 at Oxford to pay PASS Super Late Model winner $25,000, plus $25,000 in guaranteed lap leader money
- 3rd Leg of Autobus La Quebecois Triple Crown at Chaudiere Will Pay Winner $10,000 to win, plus $20,000 in guaranteed lap leader money
- Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Continues Tradition as Spring’s Premier Super Late Model Event

NAPLES, ME — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials have released the six races that will make up the 2013 PASS National Championship Series. The schedule is comprised of six premier Super Late Model events in both PASS North and PASS South that will determine an overall PASS National Champion. The PASS National Series will be highlighted by the return of Super Late Model action to the 40th Annual TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway in July. And, for the first time, the PASS National Series will take on a more international flavor with an event scheduled in Canada later this year. While awards are currently still being finalized with sponsors, Bull City Race Cars has announced it will award the 2013 PASS National Champion with a chassis and Bell Helmets will provide a helmet to the new title holder.

“Thanks to a lot of time and effort by a group of really dedicated people, we are very pleased to announce our 2013 PASS National Series,’” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “These events exemplify what’s great about short track racing and we feel each of them will attract the best Super Late Model drivers competing today. All of these events are unique and will prove to be a challenge for our competitors. And, with the addition of races in Florida and Canada, a broad base of fans will get to see racers from all over North America come together and compete to see who truly is the best of the best.”
The PASS National Series gets underway in less than a month with the Inaugural Florida Winter Meltdown at Auburndale Speedway on February 8-9. In addition to a talented group of PASS regulars, former PASS National Champions Ben Rowe and Jay Fogleman hope to contain a strong contingent of Florida Super Late Model standouts on the tricky quarter mile oval.

Continue reading ‘PASS National Series To Be Highlighted By Major Events and Big Money’

Nelcar Announces 2013 Schedule

Published at December 11, 2012 in Beech Ridge, NELCAR, Oxford Plains, Speedway 95, Spud, Star and Wiscasset. Closed

The 2013 Nelcar schedule has been released. The 20th season for the popular North East Legends Tour consists of a 27 race schedule across six race tracks, as once again the Nelcar Tour holds one of the most diverse schedules in the area. Once again, all races will hold INEX sanctioning and count towards the US Legends Cars national point standings.

The highlights of the new schedule include a larger presence with the Pro All Stars Series, as the Tour will be running companion events five times over the course of the season at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and Oxford Plains Speedway. Included in that is the Tour running on one of the biggest stages in all of short track racing, the Oxford 250 weekend on July 20-21. Also included are the season opener and finales for the PASS North Tour.

The schedule however, will start up with the re-opening of Wiscasset Raceway, which was purchased last season by Richard Jordan as he looks to bring the track back to life. The Tour was always a mainstay at the facility and will race at the high banked 3/8th mile four times during the 2013 season.

Continue reading ‘Nelcar Announces 2013 Schedule’

VMRS To Celebrate 10 Years With 19-Race Schedule in 2013

Published at December 1, 2012 in Beech Ridge, Canaan Fair, Lee USA, Monadnock, Oxford Plains, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson, VMRS and Waterford. Closed

Canaan, NH — With New England’s Valenti Modified Racing Series celebrating its 10th anniversary next season,President and Founder Jack Bateman has announced a 19-race schedule
for the 2013 campaign.

The series will return to the State of Maine twice next summer with invites back to the Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford 250 weekend, July 20, and the Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Scarborough, ME., August 3.

The series visits the State of Connecticut eight times with the Waterford Speedbowl hosting the season opener, April 6 & 7, and a return engagement August 10.

Stafford Springs Motor Speedway adds a third event in 2013. The first race is June 21, with the popular 80-lap races also on tap August 30, and September 13.

Thompson Speedway offers a different twist with two Sunday events and a return to the season ending World Series of Speedway Racing, Saturday, October 19. The Sunday 75-lap races are May 19, and July 28.

Continue reading ‘VMRS To Celebrate 10 Years With 19-Race Schedule in 2013′

PASS Announces Ambitious Schedules For North and South Super Late Models in 2013

Published at November 23, 2012 in Anderson, Autodrome Chaudiere, Beech Ridge, Canaan Fair, Caraway, Dillon, Hickory, Myrtle Beach, Oxford Plains, PASS National, PASS North, PASS South, SC, South Boston, Southern National Raceway Park and White Mountain. Closed

PASS To Sanction $25,000-to-win Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway
PASS South Returns To Southern National Raceway Park

NAPLES, ME — Pro All Stars Series (PASS) officials released the 2013 schedules today for both the PASS North Super Late Models and PASS South Super Late Models. In its 13th year of operation, PASS will sanction over 30 Super Late Model races across North America in 2013, including the previously announced PASS Northwest races at Wenatchee Valley Super Oval in Washington and the PASS National opener at Florida’s Auburndale Speedway on February 9th.

The PASS North schedule consists of 13 confirmed dates with races in Maine, New Hampshire, and the Canadian province of Quebec. PASS South has 14 confirmed dates with races in the Carolinas and Virginia. Both schedules could see up to two more additional dates to be added by January.

“We are very pleased to have our 2013 schedules out for the PASS North and PASS South Super Late Models at such an early date,” said PASS President Tom Mayberry. “It is my hope that our teams of talented racers and mechanics around the country can start making plans for next year and hopefully this schedule release will help out in their search for sponsors. I think the PASS fans will enjoy the tracks we are going to in 2013 and will have the chance to see some really great racing at some outstanding venues.”

Continue reading ‘PASS Announces Ambitious Schedules For North and South Super Late Models in 2013′

Frank Gehling Passes Away at 70

Published at November 18, 2012 in ARDC, Catamount, Danbury, Devil's Bowl, Lee USA, Nazareth, NEMA, Nostalgia, Oxford Plains, Plainville, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Stafford, Utica-Rome and Westboro. Closed

Frank Gehling, 70, Retired Norwalk Race Car Driver

NORWALK, Conn. – Frank Gehling of Norwalk died Nov. 14 at his home. He was 70.

Born May 5, 1942, in Newton, Mass., he was the son of Daniel Chester Gehling and Esther Lawson. He had a love for race car driving early on and began his racing career at age 16.

As a pit crewman, Gehling traveled to more than 40 races a year. He became interested in driving when a driver was late one night and he was asked to fill in.

When he was 19, Gehling purchased a three-quarter midget and fudged his age to obtain a racing license. He competed during the winter months indoors in Hempstead, N.Y. In 1963, he was introduced to stock car racing and the Southern New York Racing Association.

Continue reading ‘Frank Gehling Passes Away at 70′

2012 New England Auto Racing Hall Of Fame Pioneer Inductees Announced

Published at September 9, 2012 in Cherry Park, Danbury, Hudson, NEAR, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oxford Plains, Pines, Plainville, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson, W. Peabody and Waterford. Closed

Twenty racing pioneers considered central to the success of the sport in New England during its formative era will be inducted into the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 18 at the Speedway Clubhouse located on the grounds of the Thompson International Speedway in Thompson, Connecticut.

Just completed, the selection follows a lengthy voting process administered by a committee of the region’s foremost auto racing historians.

Slated for induction are stock car drivers Tony Mordino, Sparky Belmont, Hank Stevens, Ed Patnode, Johnny Georgiades, Wally Silva, and Ray Brown.

Midget racing standouts Eddie Casterline, George Rice, Al Pillion, Billy Tibbert, Frank Simonetti, Charlie Ethier, and George Monson round-out the open-wheel inductees.

Completing the list of those entering the Hall of Fame are car owners Anthony “Beebe” Zalenski, Ed Stone, Wen Kelley, Bob Oliver, Gordon Ross, and owner & promoter of Connecticut’s former Plainville Stadium, Joe Tinty.

Continue reading ’2012 New England Auto Racing Hall Of Fame Pioneer Inductees Announced’

Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. Dominates Oxford 250

Published at July 23, 2012 in ACT LM Tour and Oxford Plains. Closed

ACT Veteran Pockets One of the Biggest Checks in 250 History

American Canadian Tour star Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. of Hudson, NH dominated the 39th Annual Oxford 250 at Oxford (ME) Plains Speedway on Sunday, July 22nd. The ACT veteran wheeled his Ford-powered Pole’s Automotive machine to one of the biggest paydays in Oxford 250 history at $45,500, while leading over 200 laps. Polewarczyk maneuvered through heavy lapped traffic throughout the majority of the event and held off a late race charge from Jeff Taylor and fellow ACT competitor Austin Theriault in second and third respectively.

Polewarczyk jumped out to a commanding lead early from the outside pole and lapped nearly half of the 39-car field before the first caution of the event flew on lap 69. With multiple lap cars cushioning his lead over the rest of the lead lap cars, Polewarczyk quickly stretched out his lead again after returning to green and was a half a track ahead when the second caution of the event came out on lap 135.

The second place point man on the ACT Tour lead all but two of the field to pit road during the lap 135 caution period for fresh tires. He returned to the track in the 10th place position and spent the next 46 laps working his way back to the point. Polewarczyk reclaimed the lead from ACT point leader Wayne Helliwell, Jr. on the 181st circuit and cruised to the win.

Continue reading ‘Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. Dominates Oxford 250′

Calling Hours for NEAR Hall of Famer Bill Slater Announced

Published at July 18, 2012 in Langhorne, NEAR, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oxford Plains, Seekonk, Stafford, Thompson and Waterford. Closed

Calling hours for Bill Slater will be Monday, July 23 4-to-7 at the Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. in Manchester, CT

NEAR Presents “Class of 2012” At 15th Annual New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductions

Published at January 30, 2012 in Airborne, Albany-Saratoga, Autodrome St. Eustache, Beech Ridge, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona, Dover, Eastern States, Holland, Hudson, Keene, Lakeville, Langley, Lee USA, Lonsdale, Martinsville, Monadnock, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR WMT, NEAR, New Smyrna, NHMS, Norwood, Nostalgia, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Plainville, Pro 4 Mod, Riverhead, Riverside Park, Seekonk, South Boston, Spencer, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Twin State, USAC, Utica-Rome, W. Peabody, Wall, Waterford, Westboro and Wiscasset. Closed

East Windsor, CT — On Sunday January 29, The New England Antique Racers (NEAR), presented the 15th annual New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame Inductions. Award-winning sportswriter Matt Buckler served as Master of Ceremonies for the well-attended event held at LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.

Receiving induction honors this year were drivers Reggie Ruggiero, Joey Kourafas, Moe Gherzi, Jerry Humiston, and Roland Lapierre Sr., owner/mechanics Mario Fiore and Jim Jorgensen and track operator Irene Venditti.

Though not present due to prior commitments, longtime Northern media personality Dave Moody was the recipient of the prestigious “Jack Ratta Memorial Media Award.” Veteran auto racing journalist and Hall of Fame Member Pete Zanardi received the Danny Pardi Memorial Award for his many contributions to NEAR over the years.

A pivotal figure during the formative years of the sport and truly one of the regions earliest stars, Moe Gherzi came to stock cars following a brief fling with midget racing during the busy post-war era. Gherzi won for some of the best teams in the early days of the sport while displaying a flashy style which became his trademark. Nicknamed “Moneybags” owed to a knack of winning many big-dollar events, he tasted success at virtually all of the regions tracks. He later served as the longtime Racing Director at Connecticut’s Plainville Stadium. Accepting for her late father from presenter Dave Dykes was Ms. Alma Michaud.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘NEAR Presents “Class of 2012” At 15th Annual New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame Inductions’

‘Rapid Roman’ Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot Into History

Published at January 19, 2012 in Albany-Saratoga, Bowman-Gray, Caraway, Chemung, Daytona, Dover, Fonda, Hickory, Holland, Langhorne, Lee USA, Martinsville, Monadnock, NASCAR WMT, New Smyrna, North Wilkesboro, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Riverhead, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Spencer, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Twin State, Wall, Waterford and Westboro. 0 Comments

New York Star Won Nine NASCAR Modified Series Titles In Hall Of Fame Career

Daytona Beach, FL — Richard Ernest “Richie” Evans certainly was the face of NASCAR – and modified racing – in the northeast, winning an estimated 475 times in approximately 1,300 starts. It equates to a win in every three starts (a 36.5% clip), something unheard of in modern racing at any level.

Evans will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday, one of five members of the Hall’s third class comprised of the New York native, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, team owner Glen Wood and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough. He is the first of 15 inductees without a connection to NASCAR’s premier series.

The 2012 enshrinement ceremony kicks off NASCAR Acceleration 2012 weekend, which includes the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, where fans can interact with the sport’s legends and current stars in person, get autographs and catch a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Fans can go to NASCARacceleration2012.com for more information.

Continue reading ‘‘Rapid Roman’ Richie Evans Rode Orange Chariot Into History’

Joe Doucette Wins First Valenti Modified Series Race at Oxford Plains

Published at July 25, 2011 in Oxford Plains and VMRS. 0 Comments

Oxford Plains, ME — As the saying goes, “good things come to those that wait.” Joe Doucette and his dedicated crew waited longer than they wanted too. For five years, the Framingham, MA., racer and his team towed their racecar all over New England chasing their dream.

Saturday night, July 23, Doucette and his dedicated crew finally attained their goal. In a perfectly executed late race charge, Doucette nabbed the Valenti Modified Racing Series 100-lap event at the Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford,
ME. Doucette becomes the eighth different winner this season and the fifth different winner of the Oxford race.

Before a huge “Oxford 250” weekend crowd, pole-sitter and present point leader Chris Pasteryak, Lisbon, CT., jumped into the lead at the drop of the green flag and appeared to be in cruise mode when a lap 62 caution flag brought the race leader back to the rest of the field. Up to that point, Les Hinckley, Windsor Locks, CT., and Dwight Jarvis, Ascutney, VT., staged a torrid second place battle until Doucette came into the picture and second place on lap 73.

Continue reading ‘Joe Doucette Wins First Valenti Modified Series Race at Oxford Plains’

Measure of the Man

Published at June 19, 2011 in Albany-Saratoga, Bowman-Gray, Caraway, Chemung, Daytona, Dover, Hickory, Holland, Lee USA, Martinsville, Monadnock, NASCAR WA-AS, NASCAR WMT, New Smyrna, North Wilkesboro, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Riverside Park, Seekonk, Spencer, Stafford, Star, Thompson, Twin State, Utica-Rome, Wall, Waterford and Westboro. 0 Comments

Equal parts talent, lifestyle and legend earn Evans his Hall call

Every Christmas Day, no matter how cold or how much snow was on the ground, Richie Evans would drive his race car over to The Rusty Nail, the Rome, N.Y., bar that also sponsored his famous orange and black No. 61, to celebrate the holiday. For Evans was never far from his roots.

This week, short-track fans up and down the East Coast were celebrating the announcement that Evans would be one of five people inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Evans made his name with eye-popping statistics from his career in a Modified.

But Evans cemented his legend a long time ago with the stories that surrounded his career.

Continue reading ‘Measure of the Man’

Jeff White Takes First ACT Win in Big JAB 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway

Published at June 5, 2011 in ACT LM Tour and Oxford Plains. 0 Comments

Winthrop, Maine’s Jeff White earned his first career American Canadian Tour win in dominant fashion at his hometrack of Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday, June 4. White led all but three laps in the Big JAB 150 while battling with seven time and defending ACT Champion Brian Hoar.

Hoar held on for second followed by Brent Dragon, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. and another Oxford regular TJ Brackett rounding out the top five. Shawn Martin completed the three Oxford regulars in the top ten with a sixth. Wayne Helliwell was the biggest mover in the 150 lap event as he came all the way from 32nd to finished seventh. Eric Chase, Jeff Labrecque, Jr., and 2010 ACT Rookie of the Year Brad Babb completed the top ten.

A total of 41 ACT Late Models attempted to qualify for the 33 car field. The 150 lap event was completed in just 1 hour and four minutes with just three cautions. Twelve of the 33 car field finished on the lead lap.

Continue reading ‘Jeff White Takes First ACT Win in Big JAB 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway’

NASCAR Star Kyle Busch Announces Return to TD Bank 250 on July 24

Published at April 20, 2011 in Oxford Plains, PASS and PASS North. 0 Comments

Oxford, ME – Kyle Busch made quite an impression in his first two TD Bank 250 attempts.

In 2005, he led the race twice for a total of 61 laps. In 2006, Busch looked poised to win the event when his motor expired while leading the event.

Kyle is coming back and will be looking for a victory in 2011.

Today, Oxford Plains Speedway and Kyle Busch Motorsports announced that Kyle has entered the TD Bank 250 on July 24 and the Brackett Mechanical/RB Performance PASS 150 on July 23. New England racing fans will have two chances to see Busch compete against the region’s best competitors.

Continue reading ‘NASCAR Star Kyle Busch Announces Return to TD Bank 250 on July 24′

ACT Track Facts: Speedways on the 2011 ACT Schedule By the Numbers

Published at December 1, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Airborne, Beech Ridge, Devil's Bowl, Lee USA, NHMS, Oxford Plains, Thunder Road, Twin State and White Mountain. 0 Comments

In anticipation of the 2011 ACT Racing Guide, which will be published and ready for sale soon, we’ll take a look at the speedways on the 2011 ACT Late Model Tour schedule. All of these stats (and more) can be found in the 2011 ACT Racing Guide. The stats below include ACT Late Model Tour point counting events only, unless otherwise noted. More information on the Racing Guides will be available soon.

ACT Late Model Tour 

Airborne Speedway – Plattsburgh, NY – ½ mile
First ACT event: May 23, 1992
# of ACT events: 38
Total event payout: $563,079
Number of starters: 1,176
Most starts: Dave Whitcomb (34)
Most wins: Brian Hoar (7)
Most top fives: Brian Hoar (16)
Most top tens: Brent Dragon (25)
Most money earned: Brian Hoar ($28,702)

Total laps run: 5,162   Continue reading ‘ACT Track Facts: Speedways on the 2011 ACT Schedule By the Numbers’

NEAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011 Announced

Published at October 15, 2010 in Monadnock, NEAR, Nostalgia, Oswego, Oxford Plains, Stafford, Thompson and Twin State. 0 Comments

Literally hundreds of victories and dozens of championships are represented in the New England Auto Racer’s Hall of Fame “Class of 2011.”

Drivers Punky Caron, Dan Meservey, Russ Nutting and Jerry Dolliver, car owners Rich & Ray Garuti, Stanley “Skip” Matczak, Vic Kangas, and Speedway Scene publisher Val Lesieur will be inducted at the 14th annual induction ceremony slated to take place on January 30th at the LaRenaissance Banquet Hall in East Windsor, CT.

Still to be announced are the inductees from the Veterans Committee and the Jack Ratta Memorial (media) winner.

Additional information and ticket forms will be on the New England Antique Racers website www.near1.com in the near future.

Continue reading ‘NEAR Hall of Fame Class of 2011 Announced’

NHMS ACT Invitational Announces More 2010 Invitees

Published at September 7, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, NHMS, Oxford Plains and Waterford. 0 Comments

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) has announced another round of invited teams who have been invited to participate in the second ACT Invitational to be held at the regions largest sporting complex, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on Saturday, September 18, 2010. The event will be held as one of three preliminary events leading to the Sunday, September 19th first ‘Chase’ for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. The ACT teams will join the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the Camping World Truck Series in a spectacular triple-header event on Saturday, September 18.

The first group of ACT teams, selected a week ago, represented the winners of 2010 championship events and track champion candidates with a few ‘at large’ selections. This announcement is primarily teams from an ‘at large’ pool who participated in a test and tune session last month at the Speedway. “This group represents sixteen (16) more teams in the selection process. This has been one of the most difficult jobs I have had in the racing business. We had 71 teams test and they all did a great job. They really are all deserving of being part of the 43 team starting grid. That is the problem; there are only 43 spots for 71 worthy teams,” said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour.

The following group will join initial invitees, Brian Hoar, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr., Karl Allard, Patrick Laperle, John Donahue, Eddie MacDonald, Guy Caron, Brent Dragon, Ricky Rolfe, Donald Theetge, Dan McHattie, Alex Labbe, Austin Theriault, Miles Chipman, Randy Potter, Nick Sweet, David Pembroke, Dennis Spencer, Jr., and Mark Hayward.

Continue reading ‘NHMS ACT Invitational Announces More 2010 Invitees’

Oxford 250 Weekend Modified Victory Has Special Meaning to Andy Seuss

Published at July 19, 2010 in Oxford Plains and VMRS. 0 Comments

Driver Dedicates Victory to a Fallen Friend on the Day of His Memorial Services

Hampstead, NH — “If you are in the Northeast, the Oxford 250 is the place with all of the history,” said Andy Seuss of the short track racing classic that has been held every year since 1974 in Western Maine.

And while Seuss did not race in the 250 this season, the young New Hampshire driver was able to put his name in the history books on 250 weekend by winning its undercard race – Saturday night’s Modified Racing Series event at OPS. Although Seuss has gotten used to winning on the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and in MRS competition, this wasn’t your typical victory.

“I really enjoy winning anywhere that there is a lot of history involved,” said Seuss. “I was real happy to win at South Boston and Myrtle Beach. The 250 weekend is so big. It meant a lot to me a few years ago to even just get the chance to run here. So to be able to win here is very special.”

Continue reading ‘Oxford 250 Weekend Modified Victory Has Special Meaning to Andy Seuss’

MacDonald Wins Second Straight TD Bank 250

Published at July 19, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Oxford Plains and Série ACT Castrol. 0 Comments

ACT Competitors Take Six of Top Ten Spots

Rowley, MA’s Eddie MacDonald earned his second straight TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, July 18. MacDonald inherited the lead from Center Harbor, NH’s Brad Leighton who had a flat tire on lap 203. MacDonald was uncontested for the remaining 47 laps to earn the $29,800 pay day, which included lap money.

Leighton climbed his way from his 5th starting position to take the lead from pole sitter Brian Hoar on lap 13. He would then proceed to lap all but the top five cars on the racetrack before a lap 140 caution (the second of the race). The majority of the field used the lap 140 caution to make pit stops for fresh tires. Hoar used a unique strategy and just took one tire on the pit stop and beat Leighton back onto the racetrack.

With fresh tires Leighton again jumped out to the lead and was for the most part uncontested until a flat tire on lap 203 sent him spinning off the top of turns 1 and 2, bringing out the fifth and final caution of the 250. Leighton was able to remain on the lead lap and returned to the track after changing his tire as the sixth and final car on the lead lap.

[Photo Gallery] by Nicholas Teto

Continue reading ‘MacDonald Wins Second Straight TD Bank 250′

Seuss Becomes Eighth Different Winner With Oxford Victory

Published at July 17, 2010 in Oxford Plains and VMRS. 0 Comments

Oxford, ME — Andy Seuss, Hampstead, NH., took the lead on lap 85 and went on to win the Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.Com, feature race, Saturday night, July 17, at the Oxford Plains Speedway, Oxford, Maine. An emotional Seuss dedicated his win to his friend, crewman, and car builder Jay Hull, who passed away last week.

The “Mainely Action Sports Night 100” was the first win of the year for Seuss, his fifth career win with the series, he becomes the fourth different driver to win the Oxford race and the eighth different winner in nine series races in 2010.

Seuss shared the top spot with four other drivers. Pole-sitter Jack Bateman, Canaan, NH., led the first six laps until Jacob Dore, Sanford, ME., took over the lead to the delight of the home state crowd leading through lap 13. Then fellow Maine driver David Pinkham, Buxton, showed the way from lap 14 through 42. Bateman again took command and showed he was a force to be reckoned with leading the event from lap 43 to lap 73. The long time racer had a sizeable lead when the first caution flag was displayed on lap 73.

Continue reading ‘Seuss Becomes Eighth Different Winner With Oxford Victory’

American-Canadian Tour Competitors Take on the TD Bank 250

Published at July 15, 2010 in ACT, ACT LM Tour, Oxford Plains and Série ACT Castrol. 0 Comments

The American-Canadian Tour and the Série ACT Castrol Edge will both take a break from their 2010 season schedules this weekend to allow competitors the chance to race in the TD Bank 250, one of the biggest Late Model races in New England. The $25,000 to win event at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Maine has long been one of the favorite events for stock car racers, and, since 2007, Late Model drivers.

Ever since the TD Bank 250 made the change from Pro Stock/Super Late Model rides to ACT Late Model type cars in 2007, the American-Canadian Tour has been well represented by its regular competitors on the ACT Late Model Tour, Série ACT Castrol Edge and Thunder Road Late Models. ACT regulars have filled at least half of the top ten spots in each of the past three 250s including the 2007 winner Roger Brown and three of the top five in the 2009 event with Patrick Laperle second, John Donahue third, and 2009 ACT Late Model Tour Champion Brian Hoar fourth.

Continue reading ‘American-Canadian Tour Competitors Take on the TD Bank 250′

Modified Racing Series Heads to Oxford Plains Speedway Saturday

Published at July 12, 2010 in Oxford Plains and VMRS. 0 Comments

Oxford Plains, ME — With the second half of the season set to begin this weekend, New England based Modified Racing Series, sponsored by Bob Valenti AutoMall.Com, heads up Rte 95 to Oxford Plains, ME., for their fourth appearance as part of the 37th annual TD Bank Oxford 250 weekend. The open-wheel 600 horse powered modifieds will compete in the “Maine-ly Action Sports 100” lap green flag race on Saturday night, July 17.

The three previous races held at Oxford Plains were hotly contested and this year’s event promises to be the same based on the drivers planning on making the trip.

Maine drivers expected to enter the race are both popular and successful competitors with the seven year series. 2009 Koszela Speed Rookie of the Year, Jacob Dore, Sanford, a former winner at Twin State Speedway, Claremont, NH., and 2008 Oxford winner, David Pinkham, Buxton, are ready to defend their home turf. Pinkham will drive for longtime race car owner/builder Tom Greeley, of Auburn.

Maine-Ly Action Sports 100 Event Schedule

Continue reading ‘Modified Racing Series Heads to Oxford Plains Speedway Saturday’

Jeffrey Earnhardt Announces Entry In TD Bank 250 At Oxford Plains Speedway

Published at July 9, 2010 in Oxford Plains. 0 Comments

Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, has entered the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway. The race is on July 18, 2010 with qualifying starting at 2:00 pm. The green flag will fly on the TD Bank 250 itself at 6:30.

Earnhardt will be driving for Go Green Racing, a team owned by Archie St. Hilaire from Old Orchard Beach, Maine. St. Hilaire has fielded cars in the TD Bank 250 before, most recently with NASCAR’s Kevin Lepage at the helm. The Late Model will be number 8NC and will be sponsored by BBI Waste Industries of Old Orchard Beach. Jeffrey will be competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday, July 16, before flying to Maine to practice on Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s main event.

“I was absolutely thrilled when Archie St. Hillaire contacted me to let me know that Jeffrey Earnhardt would be competing in the TD Bank 250,” said Speedway owner Bill Ryan. “The Earnhardt’s are racing royalty and we are honored that Jeffrey has decided to challenge the best Late Models from all over New England and Eastern Canada.”

Continue reading ‘Jeffrey Earnhardt Announces Entry In TD Bank 250 At Oxford Plains Speedway’

NASCAR Sprint Cup Race Winner Keselowski enters TD Bank 250

Published at June 21, 2010 in Oxford Plains. 0 Comments

Oxford, ME — Brad Keselowski, who pilots the number 12 car for Penske Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has announced his entry in the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway on July 18.

Qualifying for the famed race begins at 2 pm on race day, with the main event scheduled for 6:30. Keselowski emerged as a force in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2008 while driving for Dale Earnhardt, Jr’s JR Motorsports. He finished third in points that year notching two wins. He followed up that effort with a third place finish in the Nationwide Series points in 2009.

His success in the Nationwide Series led to a ride in the Sprint Cup, which he capitalized on with a win at Talladega. His Talladega win was the defining moment of his young career. In 2010, Brad is running both a full Nationwide Series schedule in addition to his Sprint Cup duties.

Continue reading ‘NASCAR Sprint Cup Race Winner Keselowski enters TD Bank 250′

Eddie MacDonald Wins Second ACT Tour at OPS

Published at June 20, 2010 in ACT LM Tour and Oxford Plains. 0 Comments

Oxford, ME — Rowley MA’s Eddie MacDonald took the checkers in the second ACT Late Model Tour event at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday, June 19. MacDonald led the last 43 laps of the 150 lap event after taking the lead from current ACT Late Model Tour point leader Brian Hoar.

Ricky Rolfe would claim second, TJ Brackett third, Corey Morgan fourth and Hoar would hold on to fifth. Tommy Ricker, Brent Dragon, Tim Brackett, Jeff White and Austin Theriault completed the top ten.

The 150 lap event was completed with just four cautions and took one hour and four minutes. A total of 50 cars attempted to qualify with 33 making the starting grid. All but two were on the track for the checkered flag.

Continue reading ‘Eddie MacDonald Wins Second ACT Tour at OPS’

Eddie MacDonald Holds On For ACT Win at Oxford Plains

Published at May 16, 2010 in ACT LM Tour and Oxford Plains. 0 Comments

Eddie MacDonald of Rowley, MA took the checkered flag in the American-Canadian Tour 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, ME. MacDonald started in the fifth starting position and would take the lead on a lap 54 restart.

The 2009 Oxford 250 and ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway winner would lead the remainder of the race but not without pressure from hometown favorite Tommy Ricker of Poland, ME. Ricker got to the rear bumper of MacDonald several times in the final laps but didn’t have enough to get by while the two worked their way through lap traffic. The 2009 ACT Late Model Tour Champion Brian Hoar took third after leading the first 25 laps. MacDonald’s only other ACT Late Model Tour win also came at Oxford Plains Speedway in August of 2007.

John Donahue made a late race charge from his 31st starting position to finish fourth followed by Tim Brackett rounding out the top 5. Travis Adams, Scott Payea, Brent Dragon, Jeff White and TJ Brackett rounded out the top ten.

Continue reading ‘Eddie MacDonald Holds On For ACT Win at Oxford Plains’

« Previous Entries