Speedway opener rained out

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 7:30am

Wiscasset Speedway has had more than its share of good luck when it comes to weather over the past few years. As a matter of fact, the track hadn't lost a full program to rain since June of 2014. The luck ran out Saturday afternoon as a cold steady mist hung over the region for much of the day, forcing track management to pull the plug, sending a group of hearty race fans and drivers home without the racing fix they had waited all winter to cure.

"It's frustrating," said track announcer/promoter Ken Minott. "The radar and forecast looked like we had a real window of opportunity. We wanted to get the race in as badly as they did. We know our drivers want to race, so we make every effort to get the show in. This time it just didn't happen."

Saturday's show was meant to be the season opener for the 2017 season and the unveiling of the latest round of improvements to the facility, including a new wall in turns 3 and 4 and a new front stretch retaining wall and victory lane area. No makeup has been scheduled for Saturday's rainout. The track will take another shot at opening its season Saturday, April 29 at 2 p.m with Group 2, which includes The Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman; Midcoast Region Napa Modifieds; Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis; and Norms Used Cars Strictly Streets. The flex division will be the Wicked Good Vintage Racers. Pit gates will open at 9 a.m., Practice from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The grandstand gate will open at noon and the green flag flys on the program at 2 p.m. For more information, go to www.wiscassetspeedway.com.