A Fine Memorial: Unity Raceway Readies For ‘300’ Weekend
Track to host 200-lap Late Model event as part of extravaganza
UNITY, Maine — In the spirit of holiday giving, Unity Raceway track operator George Fernald Jr. wanted to give race teams and fans something different. In doing so, he may have created Maine’s newest racing tradition.
Unity will hold its 1st annual Memorial 300 on Friday and Saturday, May 28-29 — an event highlighted by the $3,000-to-win Late Model 200. Also on the card is a 100-lap Wildcat feature offering $1,000 to the winner.
“We’re excited about this weekend,” Fernald said. “We hope it’s the start of a great new holiday tradition here.”
First-round qualifying for both the Late Model and Wildcat events will be held on Friday evening, with additional qualifying rounds held on Saturday. Though the original entry forms for the Late Model 200 allowed for a maximum of only 30 starters, Fernald this week made the decision to start any safe Late Model that rolls into the track’s pit area on Saturday.
In true Fernald fashion, it’s about the race teams that support Unity Raceway.
“I just want to give everybody a chance to race that wants to race,” Fernald said. “Anyone who comes is in the show.”
Three heat races held on Friday will determine the first 12 starting spots in the 200 — with the top-4 finishers in each qualifying event transferring directly into the feature. On Saturday, the field will be rounded out through additional qualifying rounds. Teams will be allowed six tires for the feature, including two that can be changed during a halftime break. Following the intermission, the top-10 in the running order will be inverted.
Race teams unable to make it to Unity in time for Friday’s first rounds are still eligible to compete on Saturday, Fernald said.
“I knew I wanted to do something, but I wasn’t sure what,” Fernald said of the offseason. “I just wanted to give the Late Models and their fans something new to look forward to.”
While the winner of the Late Model 200 receives a healthy $3,000 check, he won’t be alone in reaping the rewards. Second-place pays $1,800 and $1,200 goes to third. Positions are paid right through the very last finisher, who is guaranteed $200 just for showing up and starting the main event.
All Wildcat entries will see similar benefits, with checks being earned by every car that starts the 100-lap race for the division.
Qualifying night on Friday begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes racing in five of Unity’s weekly divisions as well as the Wicked Good Vintage Racers. Tickets are $10.
On Saturday, the green flag falls on the Memorial 300 at 4 p.m. The NELCAR Legends and Unity’s Geo and Sons Teen Thunder and Waterville Oaks Club Ladies divisions join the Memorial 300 festivities. Tickets are just $15.
The rain date is scheduled for Monday, May 31, at 1 p.m.