Nine years ago was the first mini stock race at Beech Ridge. The ‘4-Cylinder Nationals’ as it was called by Gary Sagar was an open comp mini stock event that attracted over 30 cars fighting for $1000 to win in the 50 lap event. Now NEMST Promoter Bob Guptill started deep in the field in that first event that showcased the best from all over the region and drove to a top 10 finish. Fast forward to the present with the popular NEMST and its 10 race schedule for the 2015 season.

 

Twenty-six touring minis entered the pit area Saturday morning to fight for the first Beech Ridge trophy since the 2011 season. From brand new cars to aged veterans the competition was high. This was truly the best of the very best, champions from nearly every track in New England battling against one another. Practices went well with a large group of drivers running nearly identical lap times. NEMST Officials were sure the feature would be an action packed show.

On August 3,  2014 the North East Mini Stock Tour and its sponsors Texas Roadhouse, Twisted Tea, Froling Energy, and Weidner Services made history at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. For the first time in track history an entry level stock car division ran on the 1 mile NASCAR circuit. During the previous season the NEMST ran on a number of configurations along the NHMS Road Course and Mini-Oval within turns 1 and 2.  The Magic Mile was a completely different animal. Speeds were estimated to reach an astonishing 130MPH, faster than most of these cars have ever gone before, and set one of New England’s fastest growing tours on the largest track in the region.

As the North East Mini Stock Tour rolls into Oxford Plains Speedway on June 27 for their ACT/NEMST special event the touring mini stocks will have the 3^rd Annual NEMST Homecoming Race. For the past two seasons the NEMST has held their homecoming event at Wiscasset Speedway as that was the only Maine date on the schedule, however for the 2015 season the state of Maine will host 3 events in the months of May, June, and August.

Along the lines of previous years the Homecoming Event will feature an increased payout for the top 5 positions with $750 to win, and $500, $400, $300, $200 for the remaining top 5 positions. The feature event will also run 50 laps with a 30 car starting field. “Bringing the NEMST to Oxford, my home track, and being able to offer this extended purse once again is such an honor. I want the teams to enjoy OPS as much as I have!” said NEMST Promoter Bob Guptill.

Another legendary event for the 2014 season of the North East Mini Stock Tour was held Saturday August 23 for the only Maine event of the Pine Tree State based series. With help from Tire King and Belly Busters Concessions the NEMST was able to increase the purse for the top 5 finishers of the event and offer a $750 to win payday!

Under cloudy skies twenty-seven tour style mini stocks entered the pit area to begin pre-inspection and registration for the nights 50 lap Main Event. The cars were split into 3 heats races and set off for their qualifying races shortly after 6:00 PM. Shawn Kimball, Justin Trombley, and Toby Wells all took home their respective heat race wins. By fortune of winning the first heat race Justin Trombley got to draw the invert for the starting lineup. Justin selected the chip marked for a 7 row invert.