Maine Governor Welcomes State Champion
Beech Ridge Driver Farrington Meets LePage
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It has been an eventful offseason for 2014 Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Maine state champion Dave Farrington Jr.
The 22 year-old Jay, Maine, native recently had the opportunity to meet with Maine Governor Paul R. LePage in the State House in Augusta. Farrington, and his father Dave Farrington Sr., were welcomed by Gov. LePage and the trio spent time together talking about the 2014 season.
For Farrington, who edged out NASCAR K&N Pro Series East past champion Kelly Moore for the track crown at Beech Ridge, the meeting was something he will never forget.
“Not everyone gets to spend some one-on-one time with the Governor,” Farrington said. “He was real down to earth and humble, and my dad and I had a great time meeting him. It was just the three of us.”
One of the things that surprised Farrington was how interested Gov. LePage was in racing.
“He asked us how we did and what we did to win the title and insisted on wearing a hat we gave him for our picture together, which was pretty neat,” Farrington said. “We gave him a team shirt that is bright orange and asked if he ever made it to a race to be sure and wear it so we could see him in the crowd.”
It has been a busy offseason for Farrington as he just returned from spending time down in Daytona Beach, Florida, watching some racing and attending some events in conjunction with Speedweeks.
“I had a good time down there and I am ready to get back on the track and go racing and try and win another championship,” Farrington said. “One thing is for sure, the track promoter (Andy Cusak) told me after I won the title to get ready because the real work was just beginning. He was right.”
What he was referencing was the media opportunities, banquets and interviews he would have to do during the offseason, and special visits like the one he made to see Gov. LePage after winning the track and state crowns.
“It has been a busy and memorable offseason and we have got to do a lot of neat things like this visit which was really special,” Farrington said. “These are things you will always remember and make it fun being a NASCAR champion.”
Farrington and his dad will be ready to go when the 2015 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season opens at Beech Ridge on May 23.
Sources: Tim Southers/NASCAR WA-AS PR