ISMA Returns to Oxford Plains in 2014 with the Bentley Warren Classic 75
Oswego, NY — A recent meeting between Oxford Plains Speedway and ISMA president Howie Lane has solidified plans for the 2014 ISMA return to that Oxford, Maine 3/8ths mile oval after six years absence.
It was announced that the race, which is slated for Friday, June 20, 2014, would be hereafter named the Bentley Warren Classic 75. The legendary New England racer, known from coast to coast and north of the border, who resides in Kennebunkport and owns the Bentley’s Saloon there, will be Grand Marshal of the event.
ISMA’s history at Oxford Plains goes back to August 19, 2000 when Nokie Fornoro won the inaugural sanctioned 75-lap event there. In 2001 Fremont, NH’s Mike Ordway picked up the 100-lapper at the famed Maine speedway. Ordway went on to repeat his victory in 2002.
In 2003 a new face appeared in the ISMA victory lane circle at Oxford when young Bobby Santos III earned his first-ever supermodified win in the Howie Lane 97. It was just the beginning for that Franklin, Mass. driver who would go on to many more wins, championships and accolades over the following ten years and is still looking for more.
The Rowley Rocket, Chris Perley, who spent part of his childhood in Maine, broke into the record books on July 16, 2004 at Oxford by taking a 75-lapper. After skipping a couple years of winged supermodified competition with ISMA, the Oxford management brought back the powerful supers in August of 2007, and Perley notched a second Oxford win adding to his eventual 10-win season that year. That 75-lap event would be the last of the decade for the ISMA group at Oxford due to scheduling conflicts and various other reasons.
As the 2014 ISMA schedule was unfolding, the new Oxford Plains owners were right there in line to request a spot on that ISMA schedule and to promptly establish a Classic to honor one of Maine’s famous residents, Bentley Warren.
The Bentley Warren Classic will be sponsored in part by Locke Crane Service of New Hampshire, and more backers may come onboard before the green unfurls on that race.
Oxford Plains Speedway President, Tom Mayberry is pleased to announce that the ISMA Supermodifieds will return to Oxford Plains Speedway in 2014 after several years’ absence. The ISMA Supers will be in action on Friday night, June 20, 2014. Locke Crane Service will sponsor the event.
“We are so excited to have the ISMA organization back with us here at OPS,” stated Oxford Plains President Mayberry. “These super sleek machines are so lightening quick, that they will keep the fans on the edge of their seats for entire 75 lap event. The “Winged Warriors” are known for their two and three wide racing, and Oxford Plains Speedway’s racing surface will be the perfect place for them to perform at their finest!”
Those fans who purchase the recently released Wicked Fast, Racing Through Life with Bentley Warren, written with Bones Bourcier, will definitely want to be on hand for the Classic to get the book autographed!
Further information on this inevitable historic racing event at Oxford Plains, will be forthcoming as the season draws closer in 2014.
Check out www.oxfordplains.com for further information or call the track hotline at 207-539-8865.
Sources: Carol D. Haynes/ISMA PR