With clear skies above and no rain on the horizon, it was the picture-perfect day for some racing on Maine’s Coast on Saturday. Wiscasset Speedway took full advantage of the weather, hosting a jam-packed Group 2 racing program that included double features for both the T&L Automotive Modifieds and the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models.
The racing action kicked off with the first 40-lap feature for the Late Models. Will Collins took off with the early lead, but by the mid-point of the race, there were battles all over the track. Will Collins and Brandon Bailey went head-to-head for the top spot, but Bailey got bent out of shape with 10 to go. This opened a hole for Branden Fowler, who powered into the lead as Will Collins began to fade into the distance. Fowler fought through lap traffic in the closing laps of the race, yet maintained his lead over Jon Emerson, picking up his first win in over 4 years at the track. Shane Clark followed, rounding out the top 3.
Reed Reno led the field to green in the first 30-lap Modified feature while multi-time champion Adam Chadbourne quickly moved into the runner-up spot over Chuck Colby. A lap 5 caution brought the field back together and Chadbourne got the upper hand, pulling away with a sizable lead. Multiple cautions led to a start-stop effect for the remainder of the feature, but Chadbourne held strong, picking up another victory in the division. Chuck Colby and Reed Reno followed, completing the podium.
During intermission, multi-generation driver Jonathon Emerson was awarded the “May Driver of the Month” award, which is given to one driver at the conclusion of every month that exudes excellence both on and off the track. Emerson will now be eligible to receive “Driver of the Year” honors at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Following intermission, the Chestnut Auto Roadrunners took to the track for their 30-lap spotlight feature. Gavin Gerow held onto the lead for the first half of the race, but a sudden mechanical failure on lap 12 devastatingly ended his day prematurely. Alec Brown inherited the lead on the restart and pulled away. Dylan York, another heavy hitter in the division, took a spin with just 9 laps to go, bringing the field together one final time. Alec Brown held off the competition on the restart, securing his first feature win at the speedway. Ken Turner and Carl Conant rounded out the official top 3 following tech.
Will Collins took off with a sizable lead once again in the second Late Model feature. Multiple cautions plagued the first half of the race, but it was Tiger Colby who got the upper hand once the field settled. He powered to second on lap 20 following a mid-race restart as Ryan St. Clair rode his heels in third. Colby continued his mission in the coming laps, taking off like a rocket on a lap 27 restart to catapult himself into the lead. After a solid showing all day, Will Collins retired to the pits on lap 34. Tiger Colby was able to hold off the competition in the closing laps of the feature, picking up the win over Alex Waltz and Ryan St. Clair.
Scott Eck pulled out to the early lead in the 30-lap Portland Glass Strictly Street feature. There was melee on the backstretch on the initial start, but Eck maintained command of the field. While battling for position, Landon Tapley and Alex Cromwell made contact on lap 20, changing the trajectory of the race. Dan McKeage, Jr., who started deep into the field back in 19th, went wide right in a bold move to avoid contact, powering his way up to third. From there, it was go-time for the young driver. He powered around Zach Emerson-Mains for the runner-up spot, and it was a drag race to the finish between himself and Scott Eck. Both drivers gave it all they got, but it was McKeage who took home the win by a nose in an exhilarating finish. Zach Emerson followed, completing the podium.
The night concluded with another 30-lap feature for the Modifieds. An early caution delayed the racing action, but Brian Treadwell took off with the lead once the field went green. Zach Bowie was also on the move early, breaking free of lap traffic on lap 8 before tracking down the leader. Bowie lost his air cleaner on lap 15 but kept rolling, overtaking the top spot from Treadwell the lap following. A late-race caution for debris brought the field back together on lap 18 but Bowie held strong, picking up the win over Chuck Colby and Reed Reno.
Saturday’s Group 2 program was loaded with exciting racing action, but there’s still more excitement to come. Wiscasset Speedway will be celebrating their 55th birthday this coming Saturday, July 27th with a full Group 1 program, Hall of Fame celebration and the Ward & Sons Super Street 100 followed by fireworks!
As always, general admission is just $5 for adults and FREE for kids 6 & under.
See you there!
As always, thank you to Jasen Dickey Photography for providing all featured photos this week. Check out his awesome portfolio here!
