Oxford 250 to be run for 1st time since former owner’s death

OXFORD, Maine (AP) - Most big events have been canceled this summer in Maine but the pandemic isn’t stopping the Oxford 250.

It’s going to be different, though.

Only 200 people are going to be allowed in the grandstands for the state’s biggest summer stock car race on Sunday at the Oxford Plains Speedway, said Mike Mayberry, race track vice president. Others will be able to watch the race as a pay-for-view event, he said.

It’ll be the first Oxford 250 since the passing of former Oxford Plains Speedway and New Hampshire International Speedway owner Bob Bahre.

Bahre, who passed away early on July 24 at age 93, created the Oxford 250 and was grand marshal of the 2019 Oxford 250. He made a final lap around the track in a hearse at his funeral on July 29.

Under Baher, the Oxford 250 became a big event, and there’s a dedicated following for the track’s marquee event.

Rain washed out Saturday’s races at Oxford Plains, but good weather is expected for the marquee event.

This year’s event was expected to feature handful of former race winners, including three-time and defending winner Travis Benjamin, another three-time winner, Mike Rowe. They’re both seeking to make history as the first four-time winner of the race.

Others include two-time winners Eddie MacDonald and Ben Rowe and three others who’ve won once: 2018 winner Bubba Pollard, 2017 winner Curtis Gerry and 2002 race winner Scott Robbins.

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This story has been corrected to show Mike Mayberry is Oxford Plains Speedway’s vice president, not owner, and that former race track owner Bob Bahre’s funeral was July 29, not July 30.