After a two-week hiatus, the T&L Automotive Roadrunners returned to Wiscasset Speedway on Saturday. The non-points flex division allows entry level drivers to get a feel for racing competitively at Maine’s fastest track.
The Roadrunners competition kicked off with a single 8-lap qualifying heat. Sharon Whitelaw took off with the early lead, but Nicole Brown quickly began tracking her down. Brown overtook the lead on lap 4, leaving Sharon Whitelaw and her husband, David, battling it out for the runner-up spot.
David Whitelaw won the battle for position on lap 5 and began reeling in Nicole Brown in the closing laps of the heat. Brown was able to hold him off, securing the heat victory. Sharon Whitelaw rounded out the top 3.
Nicole Brown remained strong in the feature, powering to the early lead over David Whitelaw. The two drivers remained close and began to pull away from the rest of the field, extending their lead to a full straightaway by lap 5.
Kayle McLatchy pulled to Ken Turner’s door at the halfway mark, igniting a heated battle for third. The two drivers battled it out for a handful of laps before Turner pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 10.
The leaders began approaching lap traffic with two laps to go but Nicole Brown didn’t even bat an eye as she sailed into the victory. The victory is Brown’s first of her career and she won in spectacular fashion, leading the race from start to finish. Nicole was emotional in her Victory Lane speech, thanking her father and family for guiding her thus far in her journey.
David Whitelaw, Ken Turner, Sharon Whitelaw and Kayle McLatchy rounded out the top five.
Money was also raised throughout the day for Steven Turner, a Roadrunners competitor that was badly injured in a wreck on Coastal 200 weekend. Tech director, Derek Mingo, owner of Bingo’s BBQ, raffled off a catered barbecue feast to help raise money for Steven’s medical bills and other expenses. The raffle was a hit and fellow Wiscasset competitor, Nick Reno, won the grand prize.
My thoughts and well wishes will continue to be with Steven Turner and his family throughout his road to recovery. You can still donate to Steven’s GoFundMe HERE. All money raised will go towards Steven’s medical expenses.
You can catch the Roadrunners again on Saturday, July 23rd. Until then, please join the track for a full Group #1 program and the NEMA Lites/Midgets on Saturday, June 18th. Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and green flag flies at 5:00 pm. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 & under.
Please remember to support your local short tracks and help them thrive for years to come!
See you next time!
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