Saturday’s Group 2 program at Wiscasset Speedway started out with a ‘bang’ as the power went out on the track’s side of town, resulting in a delayed start to the racing action. Luckily, the electricity fired back up just before 5:30 and members of Team Wiscasset immediately sprang into action, getting cars on the track just mere minutes later.
The excitement kicked off with a 40-lap feature for the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models. Dave Getchell held the early advantage, but Chase Burgess was quick to track him down, taking over the lead on lap 5. Jonathon Emerson followed in succession but wanted a piece of the pie for himself, claiming the top spot on lap 9. Just as the leaders were finding their stride, Ross Harlow went around on the backstretch on lap 16, resulting in a caution.
Jonathon Emerson held the upper hand on the restart, but Opening Day winner Frank Moulton was on the move, breaking the top 3 on lap 20. Moulton continued his mission in the laps that followed, clearing Chase Burgess for second on lap 22 before moving onto the race leader. Frank Moulton made his way to Jonathon Emerson’s door on lap 24, quickly overtaking the top spot. Moulton sailed off into the sunset from there, picking up the feature victory as Jonathon Emerson and Chase Burgess (1st career podium) rounded out the top 3.
Alyson Graffam took off with a sizable early lead in the extended 30-lap Pepsi spotlight feature for the Dale’s Cash Fuel Roadrunners. Her sister, Karigan Glasier, was also on the move early, climbing to second in the opening laps of the race. As the laps wound down, the leaders got wrapped up in lap traffic, making the battle for the top spot tighter than ever. While Graffam broke free from the pack, sealing her first career victory, a 3-way battle for second ensued. Gavin Gerow took the spot while Jason Sears and Karigan Glasier were neck & neck coming to the line for third. Sears edged Glasier out by a nose, capturing the final spot on the podium.
Division rookie Jaxson Moreside took off with the early lead in the 30-lap feature for the Creative Cleanouts Sport Modifieds. Shawn Austin took a spin on the backstretch on lap 12, resulting in a mid-race caution. Trouble was still brewing in the laps that followed as Adam Chadbourne went around while battling for position, collecting Faith Cleaves. Kyle Hewins powered to the lead on the restart and never looked back, capturing the victory as Jaxson Moreside (top career finish in the division) and Adam Chadbourne completed the top 3.
Following a heat race win, Chuck Wagstaff powered to the front in the opening laps of the 25-lap feature for the Portland Glass Strictly Streets. A tight-knit battle for second ensued behind him, with Chaz Briggs taking the spot. Mac Hannan, Jr. was also on the move early, overtaking second on lap 9. He began to bite into Chuck Wagstaff’s lead, making his way to his door on lap 15. Mac Hannan, Jr. made quick work of the leader, claiming his spot at the top of the podium and his first victory following a disqualification on Group 2 Opening Day. Chuck Wagstaff and Chaz Briggs followed, rounding out the top 3.
The night concluded with the biggest event of the night; the second 100-lap Enduro race of the season presented by AIM Recycling of Maine. Over 40 drivers showed up to compete, with 21 of those successfully making it to the checkered flag. As an added bonus, those drivers got to split an overall pot of $500. Just four drivers completed all 100 laps, with Irving Doughty taking home the win while Ian Campbell and Keith Russell rounded out the official top 3.
Saturday was a great night at the race track but it’s bound to get even better as Wiscasset Speedway hosts their first “Fan Appreciation Night” of the season this Saturday, June 27th.
In addition to all Group 1 divisions and the visiting Senior Tour Auto Racers taking to the track, the night will kick off with a driver autograph session on the frontstretch at 4:00 pm with kids’ bike races to follow.
Wait, there’s more! The track will open their doors once again on Sunday for the Maine Vintage Race Car Association “Heritage & Horsepower” event from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, presented by our awesome website partner Kennebec Equipment Rental, who continues to be a great advocate for local short track racing and preserving its history.
Load up the car and bring the family out to Wiscasset Speedway this weekend for not one, but TWO days of racing fun – I’ll see you there!
Thank you to Jasen Dickey for all featured photos this week — check out his awesome portfolio HERE.
