Following another unfortunate rainout two weekends ago, Wiscasset Speedway returned to action on Saturday night with a loaded Group 2 program that featured the Dale’s Cash Fuel Roadrunners, Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, the weekly T&L Automotive Modifieds and the final points race of the season for the Portland Glass Strictly Streets.
The Roadrunners kicked off the racing program with a 30-lap feature race. Hayden Carver took off with the early advantage, but trouble was brewing for multiple-time race winner Gavin Gerow, who cut down a tire on lap 8. Meanwhile, Karigan Glasier was coming through the field, breaking the top 3 on lap 9. She continued her success in the laps that followed and was all over race leader Hayden Carver’s back bumper as the laps wound down. Glasier used lap traffic to her advantage with just 8 laps to go, overtaking the top spot. Glasier held strong through one final restart, taking the win over Jason Sears and Dylan York.
Entering Championship Night for the Strictly Streets, defending champion Dan McKeage, Jr. held a slim 2-point lead over Zack Emerson and Ben Burgess, who were in a deadlocked tie for second. Everything changed in the blink of an eye during the qualifying heats as Emerson won his qualifying heat and Burgess and McKeage struggled, with McKeage even being forced into a secondary car for the feature. Following the heat races, Zack Emerson entered the feature with a 4-point lead over Ben Burgess and 8 over McKeage, Jr.
Mike Delano powered to the early lead in the 30-lap feature, but Zack Emerson was on a mission, overtaking the top spot by lap 5. Multiple early-race cautions collected a number of heavy hitters, including Dan Brown, Donnie Fletcher, Matt Veinott and others. Ben Burgess also experienced trouble as the exhaust on the #7 machine started dragging, forcing him to pit under yellow. Emerson maintained command on the restart as drivers stacked up 3×3 behind him, making it a mad dash to the finish. He continued to edge out the competition as the laps wound down, sailing into the victory and his 3rd career Strictly Street championship. Mike Delano (first career podium) and Chaz Briggs rounded out the top 3.
Zack’s son, Jon Emerson, jumped out to the early lead in the 40-lap Late Model feature. Daniel Harding was also on the move early, overtaking the runner-up spot on lap 12. The field settled until Ryan St. Clair and Frank Moulton went door-to-door at halfway, battling it out for third. Frank Moulton pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 23, setting his sights on the leaders. Daniel Harding remained on Jon Emerson’s tail as the laps wound down, completing the pass with just 8 laps to go. Harding maintained his advantage, picking up the win as Jon Emerson and Frank Moulton completed the podium.
The night ended with a 30-lap bout for the weekly Modifieds. An early-race caution brought the field back together, but it was multi-time champion Adam Chadbourne that pulled ahead with the advantage. He continued his reign through a handful of mid-race cautions, holding off Reed Reno and Chuck Colby for the win. Although Chadbourne picked up the victory, it’s now Reed Reno that holds a slim 4-point lead in the division entering Championship Night on September 27th.
Although the Strictly Streets already crowned their 2025 champion on Saturday, there are still many battles to be had amongst the remaining 8 weekly divisions.
It all begins with Group 1 Championship Night this Saturday, September 20th. The action-packed program will include all Group 1 divisions with double features for both the Pro Stocks and Super Streets. The visiting NELCAR Legends will also be in town, adding to the excitement.
Saturday’s Group 1 finale will also serve as “Fan Appreciation Night”, with a driver meet and greet on the front stretch starting at 3:00 pm followed by kids’ bike races prior to the start of the racing action.
As always, adult admission remains just $5 while kids 6 and under get in for free.
Come on out and continue to support your local short tracks — I hope to see you there!
As always, thank you to Jasen Dickey Photography for all featured photos this week.
