Photos: Mary and Peter Taylor petespicks.smugmug.com
BY SOPHIE D. GABRION, RACE MEDIA REP ? Saturday, June 4, 2016 50
WISCASSET, MAINE – Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Most people know these infamous words of iconic professional boxer, Muhammad Ali. Not as common is the second half of this quote, often forgotten, “His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see. Now you see me, now you don’t.” Wyatt Alexander of Ellsworth was clearly channeling the words of this recently passed American legend, as he claimed first place in the Prostock 50-lap feature after a tremendous display of patience and sportsmanship. As spectators witnessed a pattern emerge of the 96 car holding a healthy lead, it became clear that speed was on Alexander’s side – now you can see him, now you can’t.
Sponsored by ServPro of Biddeford/Saco, the Prostock division is the most advanced class of auto racing run in the state. To say that the seventeen seasoned drivers who stepped up in this event are competitive would be the understatement of the century. Immediately after the green flag flew, Alexander wasted no time putting distance between himself and the ensuing pack. Not one to be left behind, the #15 car of Nick Hinkley engaged Alexander in a rivalry for first that would last long into the race, only ending when a caution in lap 37 left Hinkley of Wiscasset immobile midtrack.
Credit Photos: Mary and Peter Taylor – petespicks.smugmug.com
By Lisa and Rich Maguire
Last Saturday Wiscasset Speedway saw packed grandstands and some exciting racing action. The bright lights lit up Maine’s fastest oval for the spotlighted race of the evening, the Amsoil Nelcar Legends National Qualifier. Also on the schedule were the group one division of racing, including the Thunder Four Mini’s, ServePro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks, New England Four Cylinder Prostocks, and the Super Streets.
Starting of the evening was the thirty-five lap Amsoil Nelcar Legends Spotlighted feature. Prior to race beginning, the drivers had first competed in time trials to determine heat position. The heats finalized race start position, with the fastest at the front. At race time start the cream had risen to the top, and the three front runners battled for a win.
From the start, the #19 of Kevin Girard Jr set a grueling pace with an average speed of about 78 mph. Behind Girard was the #399 of Bob Weymouth. Weymouth and third place starter, Matt Grant of the #84, gave Girard a challenge. Girard was able to hold them off despite three cautions. On the restarts, Weymouth and Grant fought for position. Whoever started at the bottom of the track on the restart was able to advance to second using the inside advantage. However, when the trio flew under the checkered, it was Girard in first, Weymouth in second, and Grant rounding out the top three.
The bright lights of Wiscasset Speedway illuminated the track at the first evening race of the season. Despite the cool weather, fans lined the grandstands to watch group one division racing which included Super Streets, Thunder Four Mini’s, ServePro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks, New England Four Cylinder Prostocks, and the flex race of the week, Wicked Good Vintage Racers.
The Spotlighted race of the evening was a twenty-five lap Super Street presentation. Starting on the pole was the #27 of Barry Poulin. To his right was the #38 of Cody Buzzell. Starting in third was Bernie Dinsmore of the #3. When green flag racing began, Tasha Dyer of the #32 advanced quickly from fifth, passing Dinsmore for third by lap two. Ahead, Poulin was setting a fast pace for the pack, but Buzzell was tailing him looking for his chance to pass. His chance came during lap fifteen when Poulin went high, opening the door for Buzzell. During lap sixteen, Buzzell and Poulin raced head to head, until Buzzell accelerated and passed Poulin on the inside coming out of turn two for the lead. Dyer, sticking close to Buzzell, also passed Poulin for second.
It was a beautiful Spring day last Saturday, and fans flocked to Wiscasset Speedway for Group two opening day. On the schedule were the Strictly Streets, Late Model Sportsman, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Mini’s, Amsoil Nelcar Legends, and the Spotlighted race of the week, Napa Modifieds.
A forty lap Napa Modified feature race started off the action. Starting at the pole was 2015 Modified champion, Mark Lucas. Lucas set a grueling pace for the pack, running speeds in excess of 85 miles per hour. The #1 of Adam Chadbourne dogged Lucas’s heels throughout the beginning of the race, presenting a constant challenge for Lucas. Nick Reno of the #7 ran a close third, looking for his opportunity to pass. Reno’s chance came in lap fifteen. A race caution resulted in a restart. Reno started on the inside, and sped under Chadbourne, taking second. There was another caution during lap twenty-three. Reno tried to get a jump on Lucas at the start, but Lucas was able to power ahead and put a five car length lead between them within five laps. Lucas took the win. Reno placed second. Chadbourne finished in third.
By Lisa and Rich Maguire