After 16 seasons as program director and announcer, Ken Minot made a difficult decision to end his career at the largest track in Maine.
Minot’s career started at the Wiscasset Raceway at the tender age of 27 in the announcer’s position full time after filling in for the regular announcer, Wayne Elston at the end of the last race in 1992 when Dave St. Clair offered it to him for the beginning of the 1993 season.
Minot had announcing experience. He had worked as a program director at radio station 96.7 Coastal Country in Newcastle, but he had to learn the ropes of racing as he went. He received help from the track officials and many of the drivers. Over the years, he developed a love of the local short track racing sport and made many close friends along the way in the grandstands, pits, and with the staff.
Minot grew up in Brunswick on a dairy farm and graduated from Brunswick High School class of 1983. A year out of high school, he started working as a radio broadcasting traffic manager and program director.
Minot married his wife Robin (Hanna) on Nov. 24, 1990 and has three beautiful daughters, Kim 18, Sara 15, and Emily 8. Minot and his family have lived in Bath for the past five years.
When Ken and Robin were expecting Emily, some fans would ask when he was going to try for a boy. He just shook his head and said, “no more, three is enough” with a smile on his face. The “regulars” at the track watched his children grow and would often see Kim and Sara sitting next to dad, helping him with his paper work for the day.
From 1988-2003 Minot owned and operated his own business then worked in the building industry from 2002-06 for Hancock Lumber in contractor sales, and Hilltop Log Homes as materials buyer and shipping department and is now currently a mail carrier for the town of Georgetown.
Some of Minot’s most memorable track moments include hanging out at the “Redhouse” until 2 a.m. with the crew after racing; the farewell to Willis Alexander; Bill Pierce’s “Hands” car tribute to Claudia “Tiny” Benner; the Nascar Busch North race in 1993; cigars and the Boss Hogg Challenge; the kid’s bike races and costume contests; the 1997 Coastal 150 when Johnny Clark beat Stan Messerve; the 2007 Coastal 200 DJ Shaw beats Mike Rowe; racing against Peter Taylor; Ken Schrader; “Big John’s victory lap; the Joey Chitwood Thrill Show; Dave St. Clair having kids run through “Lake St. Clair” in the infield for a trophy; wrapping up the season with Crazy Day; the blackout night when he had to talk to the fans on a bullhorn from a fire truck during the lengthy power outage; “Snowball 100” on Jan. 1, 1995 with racing in three inches of slush; watching young drivers evolve into stars: Johnny Clark, Maurice Young, Scott Chubbuck, Adam Chadbourne, Chuck Colby, Chris Staples, and Chris Thorne, just to name a few; and last but not least, the great fans.
Minot also recalls the main tower swaying on windy days, and the many changes over the years.
He was a respected part of Wiscasset Raceway for many years as he helped fans through many challenges such as an expecting mom going into labor in the grandstands; the 9/11 tribute and times when the life flight was needed for drivers. Minot’s voice was soothing to many, a gift he surely does not realize he has. It came naturally.
Officials, drivers, crews, and mostly the fans, will sorely miss Ken Minot. Over the years, we have watched him do his job, with the voice so familiar.
