Over 80 competitors and nearly 3,000 spectators gathered at Wiscasset Speedway on Sunday for the track’s annual Coastal 200 race program. Among the divisions competing were the 88.5FM Modifieds, which featured a growing field that included a handful of visitors from neighboring speedways. Visitors included Dan Brown, Wayne Whitten, Billy Childs, Jr. and Matty Sanborn, among others.
The Modified competition kicked off with two 10-lap heat races. Allan Moeller, Sr. took off with the early lead in the first qualifying heat. Ryan Ripley was also on the move early, advancing to third over Dan Brown on lap 5. Ripley continued his mission in the coming laps, overtaking Ryan Hayes for the runner-up spot with just 3 laps to go. Allan Moeller, Sr. was able to fend off Ryan Ripley in the closing laps, capturing the heat victory. Dan Brown rounded out the top 3.
Wayne Whitten held the early advantage in the second qualifying heat while Doug Phillips began to descend through the field. Keith Lovejoy took a wild slide through the infield grass on lap 2 but managed to hold onto it as the field remained green. A caution for debris on lap 5 brought the field back together for a 5-lap shootout.
A false restart resulted in the top 2 rows being swapped per Wiscasset Speedway rules. Brandon Williams powered to the lead on the restart and never looked back, securing his first career heat victory at Wiscasset. Brian Treadwell and Wayne Whitten rounded out the top 3.
18 drivers took to the track for the 50-lap feature race. Allan Moeller, Sr. took off with the early lead as Bobby Mesimer faced troubles, falling to the back of the pack. Ryan Ripley was on the move from the get-go, approaching Moeller Sr’s back bumper by lap 7. Ripley took over the lead the following lap as Brian Treadwell followed in succession.
Ryan Hayes went around in front of the back half of the pack on lap 14, causing the field to scatter. Miraculously, he avoided contact with any of his competitors, but the incident resulted in a caution. Following the restart, Allan Moeller, Sr. took a hard right into the turn 1 wall, leading to another yellow. Moeller, Sr. was able to walk away from the wreckage under his own power.
Ryan Ripley maintained his advantage on the restart, pulling away from the competition. 2021 division champion Adam Chadbourne was on the move mid-race, advancing to third over Dan Brown on lap 25. A caution for debris on lap 33 brought the field back together one final time for a 17-lap shootout.
Ryan Ripley continued to pace the field following the restart, ultimately picking up his third consecutive victory in the division. As always, a large group of family and friends greeted him in Victory Lane following the big win. Adam Chadbourne, Brian Treadwell, Dan Brown and Brandon Williams rounded out the top five.
Ryan Ripley continues to dominate the Modified division at Wiscasset. Adam Chadbourne is a past champion/multi-time winner and is always a solid contender as well. Which driver will break Ripley’s winning streak? Stay tuned to find out!
The Modifieds return to Wiscasset on Saturday, June 11th. Until then, please join us for more Group 1 racing action on Saturday, June 4th. Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and green flag flies at 5:00 pm. As always, adult admission is just $5 with free admission for kids 6 and under.
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See you next time!
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