A chilly, windy day wasn't going to keep a large group of eager race fans from what they had been waiting months for. Opening day at Wiscasset Speedway had arrived. Group 1 divisions took to the track Saturday afternoon with a little over 1,200 racing enthusiasts huddled in for a day of fun. The Thunder 4 Mini division had the honor of spotlight status for the day. Also in action were the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks, Maxwell's Market Super Streets, and Cahill Tire 4-cylinder Pros.

The Thunder 4s lined up for their 35-lap feature with Michael Golding of Pownal and Wiscasset's Noah Haggett on the front row. The two put on a good early battle with Haggett leading the way until a lap 8 caution. On the ensuing restart, Haggett had shifting problems and dropped 8 positions by the time he got up to full speed on the backstretch. That's all Golding needed as he ran out to a full straightaway lead by the halfway point of the race. Behind him, several drivers including Caleb Emerson Mains, Cameron Campbell, Travis Poulliot and Brandon Varney battled it out for the remaining two spots in victory lane. Poulliot finally broke into the clear and began to chase down the leader. Over the final 10 laps, Poulliot cut Golding's lead in half. But time ran out and Golding notched the victory. Poulliot settled for the runner-up trophy. Varney pulled in to claim the 3rd, however, he was penalized in post-race inspection, handing the 3rd place finish to Caleb Emerson-Mains. Haggett recovered to finish 4th and Campbell took 5th.

In support action, Dave Farrington Jr. of Jay returned to the track where his racing career started nine years earlier and notched a convincing victory in the 40-lap feature for the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks. Farrington patiently worked the outside lane and finished the pass on Sidney's Kevin Douglass by lap 15. From there he built up a comfortable cushion and held it to the checkers. It was his 3rd career prostock win at Wiscasset Speedway to go along with a pair of Late Model victories, including the 2015 Coastal 200. Wiscasset's Nick Hinkley started 4th and finished 2nd. They were joined in victory lane by Ajay Picard of Palmyra. Douglass and Charlie Colby of Newcastle filled out the top 5.

In the 25-lap feature for the Maxwell's Market Super Streets defending champ Josh Bailey took advantage of a slip by pole sitter Sean Johnson, took the lead in turn 4 and ran to the feature win. 2017 Rookie of the Year Michael Harrison turned in a personal best 2nd place finish, followed by Johnson. The Cahill Tire 4-cylinder Pros saw 2nd year racer Hayden Norris of West Gardiner hold off challenges from a handful of veterans to pick up his first career win. Ryan Hayes of Jefferson and Larry Melcher of Jay joined him in victory lane, while Jeff Prindall and Craig Dunn rounded out the top 5. 

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. for Group 2 opening day. The show will feature action in the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, the Norm’s Used Cars Strictly Streets, the K&A Property Services Modifieds, and the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis. The Amsoil Nelcar Legends Series will also make their first of seven appearances of the 2018 season.

For more information, go to www.wiscassetspeedway.com.