It was Fall Fury at Wiscasset Speedway once again on Saturday, bringing a close to the 2015 Wiscasset racing season. Fans lined the grandstand to watch a presentation of 10 feature races, including all eight divisions of regular season racing. Also making an appearance were the two classes of Wicked Good Vintage Racers. Wiscasset Speedway celebrated the season’s end with driver awards, presentations, and a pig roast for friends, drivers, their families, fans, and Speedway staff.

Starting off the racing action were the two divisions of the Wicked Good Vintage Racers. In the first division, Late Models and Modified pitted their skills against each other and raced to the finish. By lap six, the #13 of Jody Lewis had taken the lead, and did not relinquish it. The #24 of Zac Poland and the #420 of Keith Smalley battled for second place throughout the race. Poland edged out Smalley during lap fifteen of the twenty lap feature. Lewis sped under the checkered in first place. Poland took second. Rounding out the top three was Smalley in third.

The second division of the Wicked Good Racers were the Outlaw class competing in a twenty lap event. Starting at the pole was the #64 of Steve Reny. Reny and the #71 of Arthur Hannaford fought for the lead. In what was a heartbreaker for Reny, Hannaford took the lead during the last lap when Reny’s car slowed on the track, appearing to suffer a mechanical issue. The battle for third was between the #73 of Mark Theranault and the #1 of Scott Tucker. During lap eighteen, Theranault secured third, and despite Tucker’s best efforts, he slid to forth. Hannaford took the win, Reny finished in second and Theranault placed third.

Regular Wiscasset Speedway racing divisions then hit the track. Making the first appearance in a twenty-five lap feature were the Napa Super Streets. Starting at the pole was the #32 of Tasha Dyer. Dyer exhibited the skills needed to secure a win in the division, and sped her way to victory despite serious challenges from the #11 of Dalton Gagne and the #5 of Mark Lucas. Lucas and Gagne both vied for the lead, but when those attempts eluded them, they fought for second. During lap seventeen Lucas made a pass on the inside of the back stretch to snatch second place from Gagne. Gagne was later failed to pass post-race inspection, bringing the #2 of Josh Bailey to third place. Dyer took the win from the boys. Lucas placed second. Bailey finished in third.

It was a slow pace for the Outlaw Mini twenty-five lap feature. Spin-outs and accidents slowed the action on the track for the first fifteen laps of this event, and the race ended under a yellow and checkered. Making an appearance in the Mini division this week was New England Four Cylinder Prostock racer, Jacob Hendsbee. Hendsbee demonstrated that his talents translated well to the Outlaw Mini class. 

Hendsbee quickly moved from his fourth place start to the lead by lap seven in his #91. The #92 of Mike Wilson was a contender in the top three, but a ride off the turn three corner during lap nine ended his hopes of a top five finish. The #19 of Shane Kaherl started at the pole. Kaherl and the #5 of Jimmy Childs made contact during lap nine, taking Kaherl out of competition. The #13 of Cody Tribbet filled the void in the top three, along with the #84 of Mike Bolduc. Bolduc spun on the track during the final lap however, and the #20 of Shawn Kimball took third place. Tribbet placed second. Taking the win was Hendsbee.

A thirty lap Late Model Sportsman feature was action packed and kept fans on the edge of their seats til the finish. Going head-to-head for the win throughout the race were the #04 of TJ Watson and the #87 of Chuck Colby. Colby and Watson’s battle for the lead kept racing action tense. Watson had the lead after the #4 of Ben Erskine spun on the opening lap. Second was held by Colby. Third place was held by Nick Hinkley of the #15, who passed the #25 of Will Collins during lap three. Hinkley patiently waited for either Watson or Colby to make a mistake. However, the pair skillfully avoided error, and instead raced door-to-door for nearly the entire race. Colby predominantly held the outside track, and although he tried at times to get under Watson, Watson effectively held him off. A determined Watson and an equally driven Colby sped across the finish line with only 8/100ths of second between them. The narrow victory was secured by Watson. Colby settled for second and Hinkley took third.

A twenty-five lap New England Four Cylinder Prostock race demonstrated the skills of the top drivers in the class. An early leader in the race was the #0 of Alex Waltz. Waltz dominated until lap twelve, when an unfortunate spin took him out of contention for a top three win. The #98 of Kamren Knowles and the #27 of Jacob Hendsbee were quickly at the front of the pack behind Waltz, both eager for a win. Knowles and Hendsbee made contact during lap nine, sending both into spins, and both were sent to the back of the pack. Demonstrating the skills that made both point leaders in the division, the duo made their way skillfully through the field and back into contention for the win by lap fourteen. The #38 of Ryan Hayes gave both a battle for the top three honors. However Hayes slid to third as Knowles and Hendsbee took first and second. Knowles, point champion in the division, took first. Hendsbee placed second and Hayes finished in third.

A twenty-five lap Strictly Street event sped by quickly after two early cautions were out of the way. Some new faces appeared in the top three of this feature, but those new faces had to contend with point champ of the division, Kyle Hewins. The #51 of Hewins started in ninth, but by lap three, Hewins had worked his way into the top three. The #82 of Matt Dow started in fourth and took the lead early in the race. Drew Morse of the #39 also quickly entered the top three by lap five. The laps ticked off as the trio put on a show in this close quarter race. Hewins was in the lead by lap five. Dow was in second. Third was occupied by Morse. Heavy competition marked the race, but a masterful Hewins was able to defend the lead, showing the gathered fans the skills that made him a season winner. Hewins took the checkered, Dow placed second and in third was Morse.

Starting at the pole was veteran track champion and multi-time winner of previous point Prostock championships at Wiscasset Speedway, Scott Chubbuck of the #15X. Chubbuck quickly showed the crowd how to win a thirty lap feature event. Chubbuck did have his hands full with hard charger, Nate Tribbet, whom had started second from the back. Chubbuck also had to contend with James Osmond of the #05 and the #32 of Mike Orr. Orr started in second but slid behind during lap sixteen, ending a top three finish for him. Osmond and Tribbet filled the void left by Orr when Orr’s car slowed on the track. Osmond held second until lap twenty-six. Tribbet then rallied, and passed Osmond on the outside. Tribbet was unable to catch race leader Chubbuck, and took second. Osmond finished in third. Chubbuck took the win.

A twenty lap Thunder Four Mini feature was quick and action-packed. When the green flag flew, there was a mad dash as all 11 Thunders rushed for the lead. There were numerous lead changes, but when the dust cleared, the cream had risen to the top. The #4J of Joe Katula had taken the lead. The #51 of Kyle Hewins had advanced to second. Noah Haggett, cruising in his new whip, was in third. During lap eight, Haggett went into a spin, and a caution was called. On the restart, Katula was too slow off the start and lost his lead to Hewins. The #04 of Michael Moody was watching in his rear view mirror as tenth place starter, Jeff Minchin Jr, was advancing up the track. Moody soon had his hands full as Minchin battled him for his third place position. Minchin won the fight and finished in third. Although Katula skillfully tried to take the win, Hewins held him off, and secured the first place finish. Katula had to be satisfied with second.

A twenty-five lap Modified feature concluded the racing action for the evening. Putting on a show was the #04 of Allen Moeller and the #1 of Adam Chadbourne. Chadbourne and Moeller raced for the lead off the start. Chadbourne overtook Moeller and secured first. However, moving up from the back, was point champion and 11-time season winner in the division, Mark Lucas of the #5. Lucas was able to overtake Moeller, but found himself with his hands full trying to pass Chadbourne. Chadbourne and Lucas raced door-to-door. Lucas took the lead during lap six, going over the line just 8/1000ths of a second ahead. Lucas was able to slip in ahead of Chadbourne several laps later. However, Chadbourne put up a fight, and showed the gathered fans that Lucas would not cruise to an easy victory. Lucas did take the win, but Chadbourne was hot on his heels. Moeller finished in third.

Post-race the drivers, families, staff, and some fans all gathered to celebrate the season end with a pig roast while awards were distributed. A full list of award winners can be found on the homepage at www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Three “Promoters Awards” were given this year. Track promoter Ken Minott said, “The Promoters Award is given to staff members, volunteers and drivers from Wiscasset Speedway who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have helped make the Speedway an even better place.”

This year’s awards went to Penny Shorette, the Kid’s Club volunteer who did so much for the children of the fans of Wiscasset Speedway. The second Promoters Award went to James Bailey, the tire barn manager at the track. Bailey went above and beyond and pitched in where ever a helping hand was needed. The third Promoters Award went to driver Scott Chubbuck. Chubbuck has worked to make Wiscasset Speedway a better place. Chubbuck could often be found lending a hand to other drivers or giving advice when asked for.

This year two “Team Spirit Awards” were presented to the teams who raced each week with enthusiasm for the sport and helped each other out throughout the year, a dedication to racing, and who were good representatives of the sport. This year’s awards went to the St. Clair racing family, Josh, Ryan, Puncin, and Dave St. Clair. The second Team Spirit award went to the racing family of Kimberly Knight. 

This year’s Integrity Award was presented to John Shorey, a New England Four Cylinder Prostock Driver who also helps out behind the scenes at Wiscasset Speedway. The Integrity award was given to the driver that embodies qualities that an ideal driver has.  

The Pit Crew of the Year award went to the crew of James Osmond. Osmond was a Prostock driver this year. Osmond’s crew, and Osmond himself, could often be found lending a hand to others. Osmond’s crew helped Osmond overcame obstacles to Osmond’s success throughout the racing season. 

This year’s Four Season Synthetic Drivers of the Month were Ben Erskine, Michael Harrison, Josh Bailey, Mark Lucas, and September was awarded to Leandra Martin. From this pool of drivers, a Four Season Synthetic Driver of the Year was selected. This year’s recipient was Napa Super Street driver Josh Bailey. Bailey was also point champion of his Napa Super Street division.

Point champs in each division were recognized when awards were passed out. This years’ point champion in the Modified division was Mark Lucas. Lucas dominated the division with eleven season wins, losing just one race to Nick Reno of the #7. Lucas said, “This was the best season I ever had. Raced two divisions, then the Late Model. I had success in the Napa Super Streets and the Modified. This is the most success I’ve had since I started racing. I want to thank my crew, because without them I wouldn’t be here. I want to thank Lonnie’s Hydraulics, Lucas Auto, and Mark Ramsey, Dallas Staples Excavation, Fishing Vessel Mamiluem, Rick’s Masonry and Roofing, Jerry Merrill Carpentry, DAB Used Auto Sales, Casco Bay Marine, and Ken and Roxy Farley. My plan was to run Late Model next season, but I’m not sure. To my fans, look for me next year, I’ll be here somewhere with a big #5!”

Josh Bailey of the #2 was point champion in the Napa Super Street division. The #1 of Adam Chadbourne put up a good fight, and finished just twenty-four points below Bailey. Bailey had a solid performance throughout the entire season, often finishing in the top five in his division. Bailey said, “This season was pretty good. We had a few low points, but all in all was a good season and we can’t complain. I want to thank my sponsors, Galley Restaurant, Possibility Salon, my Uncle Dave and Aunt Debbie, Bath and Wiscasset Napa, and Maguire Plumbing. I want to thank my crew: Chuck, Zac, Dave, Cody, and everyone that helped out. I want to thank my mom for bringing my kids every week and for supporting me. Next year we will do the same thing, and stay with Super Street. Thanks to my fans for all their support and see you next year!”

Thunder Four point champion was Leandra Martin. Martin goes down in Wiscasset Speedway history as the first woman racing head-to-head with the men to win a point championship at Wiscasset Speedway. Martin deserved it with her consistent performance throughout the season, driving her #31 car every week without fail, and with weekly good results. Martin finished an astounding seventy-eight points ahead of Michael Harrison, her closest competitor. Martin said, “It was a successful season. We got better as the season went on. We were patient. I’m patient. If I start in the back, I just wait until everyone fights their way through. We also had a lot of good luck. Next season I’m going to stick with the same class. I want to thank my grandfather, my Uncle Casey, Nate Tribbet, and Cody Tribbet. I also want to thank my sponsor, Main Street Fuel.”

Outlaw Mini driver, #13 Cody Tribbet was this year’s point champion. Tribbet was a solid contender throughout the season, and his efforts paid off. Tribbet held off all competitors, finishing fifty-eight points above Jimmy Childs, who held second in points in the division. Tribbet said, “This season was pretty good. We were very consistent, and we had a top three car a lot. It was definitely a top five car every week. We stayed out of the wrecks. I want to thank my Uncle Casey, my grandfather, my brother (Nate), K and G Auto Sales, and Main Street Fuel for making it possible. Next year it will be Outlaw Mini’s again.”

Kyle Hewins, a new driver this year at Wiscasset Speedway, was the Strictly Street champion for 2015. Dan Brown of the #83 was close on his heels, only sixteen points shy of the season champ. Hewins said, “We’ve had a real good season. We got three wins down here: two season wins and the Top Gun Shootout. We have had a lot of fun down here. We really appreciate Vanessa and Richard Jordan, and what they do. They make us feel like we are right at home, even though it is our first year down here. We have enjoyed it and had a pretty good year. I’ve got to thank my crew mainly, they helped me through it all: Kenny Wills, Todd Macomber, Dustin Salle, Cary Edmunds, Scott Damon, my brother, my dad, just everyone who has helped me out. It’s a lot of time and work in the garage, and I want to thank my girlfriend and son for putting up with it. I want to thank all my sponsors, without them I wouldn’t be able to do this. Most of I want to thank Scott Brewer, the car owner. He gets the money and helps pay for everything. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be able to race at this level. I am pretty sure next year we are going to run here mostly, but we are not going to run a full season at any track. We are going to pick and choose our races, and spend more time with our families.”

This year’s Late Model champ was Waldoboro’s Will Collins. Collins and Shane Clark went down to the wire for this season’s point championship. Clark came in a close second to Collins’ twenty point lead. Collins said, “It was a pretty good year. We sort of fell off a little bit towards the end, but a lot of it was just bad luck. All the guys worked real hard to keep it together for me this season. I want to thank dad, MG, Randy, Andy, Guy, Scott, and Ryan. All those guys really won it for me. I also want to thank my sponsor Breakwater Design and Build. Next year will be the same, running Late Model and trying to defend it. A big thank-you to all my fans out there.”

For the second year in a row, Kamren Knowles, the 15-year-old from West Gardiner, won point championship in the New England Four Cylinder Prostock division. Forty points separated Knowles from his closest competitor, Jacob Hendsbee. Knowles said, “I want to thank my mom and dad, Chad Moody, Pork, Uncle Moe, Dean, and A C Towing, and everyone that helps out. I’m not sure what my plans are for next season yet. I want to thank all my fans for coming.”

Only a few points separated Andy Saunders from point leader, Jeff Burgess, heading into the last Prostock point race of the season. Saunders was able to edge out Burgess by only twelve points. It was a hard fought battle and Saunders emerged victorious, as the underdog, and secured the championship for the 2015 season. Saunders said, “My season was very solid. I am disappointed over my lack of wins, but outside of that, I’m pretty happy. It is still too early to tell what my plans are for next season. Right now we are planning on returning back here with the Prostocks. I want my fans to keep on coming and to keep on cheering!”

Wiscasset Speedway will be back in action for the 2016 season in April. Keep your eye on the website for news at www.wiscassetspeedway.com. Like us on Facebook at Wiscasset Speedway, and receive racing news throughout the winter months. If you want memories of the 2015 racing season, look up some video footage of the races on YouTube. Track videographer, Brandon Simmons, has posted plenty of racing action on YouTube, which can be found simply by searching “Wiscasset Speedway.” Also available are pictures from not only this season, but from previous seasons’ as well. Head to Peter Taylor’s (the track photographer) website: www.petespicks.smugmug.com.