After nearly a full calendar year of announcements, question marks, analysis, mud-slinging and just plain curiosity, the TD Banknorth 250 arrived in late July last summer and looked like, well, the Oxford 250.
Oxford Plains Speedway owner Bill Ryan announced in 2006 that the race would undergo a significant change (along with the track itself) as it handed over the prestigious event to the Late Model division. Much was made in the weeks and months leading up to the event regarding all the new drivers and teams who were readying to take their shot at the biggest race of the year. Some voiced excitement over a leveling of the playing field by going to the more cost-effective Late Models; some voiced extreme displeasure over allowing a longtime support division to run for the big prize.
As it worked out, however, the event was just another in the long line of 250s -- exactly what Ryan predicted it would be. Roger Brown of Lancaster, N.H., didn't win the most exciting 250 in history, nor did he win the worst race in Oxford's history.
There was pit strategy, lead changes, a late-race pass for the win that came with a small amount of controversy and a front fender serving as the margin of victory. Like in years past, qualifying didn't disappoint either -- nearly 100 cars (95) attempted to make the show, with 28 first-time qualifiers getting in. Some big names didn't make the show (Jeff Taylor, Patrick Laperle), while some upstarts did (Josh St. Clair, Jeff White).
The faces may have been new and the cars may have looked and sounded different, but the race itself was exactly what Maine race fans have come to expect.
*****
1 comment:
No comments? I guess that aint all bad
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