Wiscasset Speedway's owners are issuing an open invitation for September 16 to anyone who wants to help get the track ready to open. They also plan to meet with race car drivers and others for their input on when to hold the first and only race planned for this year.

In addition, a suggestion box will be available that day for ideas regarding the 2013 season.

Vanessa Jordan, who co-owns the track with husband Richard Jordan, has been excited some days and scared other days, as the two have begun their new venture with the West Alna Road property. Her husband was the high bidder in a foreclosure auction July 12.

Public enthusiasm and continued offers of volunteer help have bolstered her on the scary days, she said. “Someone will call (to volunteer) and I'll say, 'Gosh, I think we can do this,'” Jordan said in a September 4 interview. “There are so many people who want us to succeed.”

Neighbor Paul Ezzell has already been pitching in for free, riding his mower around the parking area to keep the grass down.

Ezzell, 45, was born a couple years before the track opened in 1969. He's lived across the road from it ever since, except for a few years when he was away. He would occasionally go watch the races and is looking forward to the place re-opening. “It's kind of exciting that it's going to be used again,” he said.

The Jordans' relatives, friends and others have also put in some work, converging on the infield one day with their many tractors and other equipment.

The Kingfield couple have decided to rename the business from Wiscasset Raceway back to its original name, Wiscasset Speedway. The old name has meaning for many people, “particularly those with longstanding history and tradition at the track,” Vanessa Jordan said.

The September 16 Community Clean Up Day will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

“There are plenty of projects such as trimming (and) raking grass, picking up tires (and) debris, cleaning buildings, painting trim, or repairing the bleachers,” the Jordans wrote in an announcement released September 5. “Bring your gloves, favorite tools and meet new friends or visit old friends while working on a project that interests you.”

The Jordan family's Kingfield businesses, Jordan Lumber and Jordan Excavation, will serve free hot dogs, drinks and chips until the food runs out.

The informational meeting on the mid-October race is set to start at 3 p.m. So far, plans call for a race similar to one held last year, with trophies for the top three in every class. “There will definitely be lots of racing and fun for everyone,” the release stated.

The Jordans welcome volunteers to come for however long they can September 16 – for an hour or all day.

“(P)lease know that we appreciate your continued support of Wiscasset Speedway,” they wrote.

For more information, call 265-2249 or email wiscassetspeedway@gmail.com.