Just as New Englanders are taking the next steps in returning to a semblance of normal and the relaxing of restrictions, Wiscasset Speedway is set to host its first major event of the year this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The annual Coastal 200 has now been expanded to a special two-day event that will start out with the inaugural Coastal Cruise-In & Fun Day on Saturday and then wraps up with the big 200 lap race on Sunday.

With capacity limits updated to 100% and social distancing restrictions lifted, speedway management is expecting a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance. Saturday's Coastal Cruise-In & Fun Day, presented by Ames True Value Supply runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a cruise-in car show sponsored by Four Season Synthetic, a cornhole tournament sponsored by Brunswick Home & Garden and by Wicked Cornhole, a barbecue competition sponsored by Pro Body Works, live music from the Dyer Neck Gang, and more — all to raise money for Special Olympics. The event will be held on the track and in the infield. The cost to attend is just $5. There will be prizes and awards for the car show, tournament, and barbecue cook-off..The cornhole tournament will kick off at noon and is open to any team for a $20 entry fee. A complete rundown of information and participating sponsors can be found on the Wiscasset Speedway website www.wiscassetspeedway.com 

Sunday marks the return of the annual Coastal 200 presented by Jordan Lumber & Jordan Excavation, which is one of the marquee events at Wiscasset Speedway. The 200 lap race welcomes the top Late Model Sportsman drivers in the region to take on Maine's fastest track for their shot at a $5,000 winner's share of the (near) $30,000 purse. Last year's Memorial Dat weekend race was cancelled due to the pandemic and returns for the first time since 2019.

Two-time Coastal 200 champion Ben Ashline of Fairfield will return to defend his crown and make a run for an unprecedented third straight Coastal 200 victory. A trio of Wiscasset Late Model regulars will be on hand to try to stop Ashline's reign and pick up their second win. Sidney's Chris Thorne, a 5-time Late Model division champion established himself as an early favorite with a dominating victory last weekend. He was the 2016 Coastal 200 champ. Andrew McLaughlin of Harrington and Liberty's Josh St Clair have also taken home the spoils of victory in the division's biggest race. St Clair has been a role to start the 2021 season with four wins scattered across three different divisions.

To add to the excitement, it's looking likely that Josh's 73-year-old grandfather "Boss Hogg" Dave St Clair, a member of the Maine Motorsports & Wiscasset Speedway Hall of Fame, is planning to come out of retirement to run the race he created back in the early ’90s when he owned the track. Two-time defending Pro Stock champion Nick Hinkley is changing things over for the weekend to run the  Coastal. His best effort to date in the big race is a 3rd place run in 2017.  Look for a slew of other contenders to line up for their chance at the coveted Coastal 200 title. The show will also feature action in the Portland Glass Strictly Streets, the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, and the 88.5FM Modifieds.

The pit gate will open at 9 a.m. with grandstand gates opening at noon and racing action beginning at 2 p.m. sharp. Grandstand admission is just $5, with kids 6 & under free. Plus, as a thank you for service and sacrifice, Veterans and Active Duty Military are invited as special guests with free grandstand admission. Full race day schedule and information on the website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com

Wiscasset Speedway is located at 274 West Alna Road in Wiscasset.