by Ken Minott

     Wiscasset Speedway’s Prostocks turned out a race Saturday night that had all the makings of a movie on the big screen; edge of the seat action, suspense, hero’s, villains, plot twists, and a surprise outcome that few would have expected – except of course the eventual winner. There was more than the usual accolades and prize money on the line. The 50 lap spotlight feature also offered the winner a guaranteed provisional for the $10,000 to win Prostock / Super Late Model National event at Seekonk Speedway in July. Sixteen drivers lined up to accept the challenge and when the dust cleared and the checkers flew it was Phil Richardson Jr of Hermon lifting the first place trophy, while many of the early favorites loaded up with banged up rides and dashed hopes of the big win. Richmond’s Nate Tribbett and Newcastle’s Charlie Colby joined Richardson in victory lane. Other winners on the night included Mark Lucas of Harpswell in the Super Streets, Logan Melcher of Jay in the Thunder 4 Minis, and Spencer Vaughn of Canton in the N.E.4-cyl Pros. The show was presented by Bozzutos and their family of IGA Food Stores for the benefit of the Dream Ride for Special Olympics.

by Ken Minott

     Harrington, Maine’s Andrew McLaughlin has come close, very close, to winning the state’s biggest Late Model Sportsman race; The Coastal 200, on more than one occasion. Finally, on a near perfect sunny Sunday afternoon at Wiscasset Speedway, McLaughlin finally sealed the deal and took home the biggest win of his career in dominant fashion. Over 2600 fans packed the house for the Memorial Day weekend tradition, including a large contingent of veterans & active duty military who were admitted free of charge as the track’s special guests. Starting from the pole position in front of the 26 car field, McLaughlin led 181 of the 200 laps but was still tested on several occasions by a handful of drivers waiting for him to make a mistake. That mistake never happened as he was the best car all day, nailing down the win by a comfortable 3 seconds over Fairfield’s Ben Ashline and local favorite Nick Hinkley of Wiscasset. For his efforts, Mclaughlin raked in $5100 in winnings and lap leader money, including $500 for leading halfway. The race was once again presented by Jordan Lumber and Jordan Excavation of Kingfield. Other winners on the program included Jonathan Emerson of Sabbatus in the Norm’s Used Cars Strictly Streets; Mark Lucas of Harpswell in the Midcoast Region Napa Modifieds; and Zac Audet of Skowhegan in the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis.