Spring has finally taken hold in southern and central Maine, just in time for the start of the 2017 season at Wiscasset Speedway. As fans and drivers have come to expect the past few years, they will be greeted once again by several upgrades and changes to Maine’s fastest track. Most noticeable is the addition of a new retaining wall in turns three and four, plus the long-awaited replacement of the aging front-stretch wall. Final preparations are taking place in the days and hours leading up to the season opener on Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m.
A new catch fence, flag stand, and Victory Lane area are also among the updates to the 3/8-mile oval. Under the nearly five-year ownership of Richard and Vanessa Jordan, the coastal Maine speedway has quickly turned into a popular destination for racers and fans from around the state.
One item that is unique to Wiscasset Speedway is the split of the eight weekly divisions into two distinct groups that run an alternating schedule from mid-April through early October. Group 1 will hit the track first this weekend with the SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco Prostocks, Super Streets, Thunder 4 Minis, and New England Four-Cylinder Pros. The weekly Flex division, typically reserved for regional touring divisions or specialty races, will be the first of nine appearances for the Amsoil Nelcar Legends. Group 2, consisting of the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman, Midcoast Region Napa Modifieds, Norm’s Used Cars Strictly Streets, and Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, will kick off their season on April 29.
Highlights of the upcoming 2017 season include the annual Coastal 200 on Memorial Day weekend; the return of the NEMA Midgets and NEMA Lites; the 75-lap Outlaw Mini Madness; the fifth annual Top Gun Strictly Shootout; and a special double-header weekend July 29-30, featuring the track’s 48th birthday celebration and the Boss Hogg 150 Prostock Open. Once again, fans can see every race at Wiscasset Speedway for just $5 grandstand admission.
Pit gates will open at 9 a.m. on April 22, with cars practicing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fans can enter the grandstands at noon and the green flag will fly on the opening day program at 2 p.m. Wiscasset Speedway is located at 274 W. Alna Road, Wiscasset. For more information, go to wiscassetspeedway.com.
