Saturday at Wiscasset Speedway was bright and sunny. Fans gathered at the Speedway for the planned Fan Appreciation Day festivities. There was a car show at the speedway, with numerous cars both old and new. The car show entrants also had the opportunity to parade some laps around the speedway in their cars. There were kids bicycle races on the race track during intermission. Additionally, the drivers gathered on the track to greet fans and sign autographs prior to race time. Presented Saturday were its group one lineup of divisions: Prostock, Super Stock, New England 4-cylinder Prostock, and Thunder 4's. After the races were completed the fans cheered as a display of fireworks brightened the Wiscasset sky.

First on the track were the Thunder 4’s for a 15-lap feature race. Pete McCollett was in the pole position in the No. 20. Behind him were Adam Armstrong of the 31X and Leandra Martin driving the No. 31. There was plenty of action and numerous leader changes right from the start. Martin passed Armstrong in turn one on the outside, and took second before the first lap was even completed. The cars raced several laps with no leader changes. Then, in lap five, the No. 13 driven by Cody Tribbett passed Armstrong on the outside of the front stretch for third place. The following lap Tribbett passed Martin on turn four for second. Coming up from behind was Ryan Chadwick driving the No. 5. Chadwick passed Martin during lap seven to take third.

A determined Chadwick raced furiously up the track, looking for second. Then during lap eleven, Chadwick passed Tribbett on the outside of turn three for second. The pair raced neck and neck around the track, close behind McCollett. Tribbett wanted second place back. He came up behind Chadwick in turn one of lap fourteen. The pair made contact. Tribbett was able to slide back into second place. Chadwick could not regain second before the finish. McCollett took first place. This is McCollet’s first Thunder 4 win at Wiscasset this season. Tribbett placed second. This is Tribbett’s fourth appearance in victory lane this season. Rounding out the top three was Chadwick in third. This was Chadwick’s first top three finish this season.

The Super Stock class provided an exciting 25-lap race for the fans. Josh Bailey driving the No. 2 had the pole position. Behind him were James Osmond of the No. 05 and Bobby Mesimer of the No. 3. Bailey surged ahead at race start. The race for second was heated between Osmond and Mesimer. Mesimer pulled ahead on the inside of the back stretch during lap one. Osmond and Mesimer raced head to head for the following three laps, vying for position. Then, in lap four, Mesimer was able to pull ahead by a car length coming out of turn two onto the back stretch, solidifying second place. Osmond looked for his chance to pass Mesimer. His chance came in lap twelve when he pulled ahead of Mesimer on the outside of turn two to take second. Osmond looked ahead at Bailey, and headed up the track to challenge for first.

Mesimer found himself battling for third when he saw Adam Chadbourne driving the No. 1 coming up from behind. Chadbourne passed Mesimer during lap 14 on the outside of turn three for third. Mesimer and Chadbourne battled for third for the next two laps, then during lap 16, Mesimer passed Chadbourne taking back third. The pair continued to battle for third. Then, in lap 23, Chadbourne passed Mesimer coming out of turn three for third place.

Bailey, still in first, had held off Osmond. Osmond was in dogged pursuit of Bailey, and as the pair made their final lap, it looked as if Bailey was going to fly first under the checkered. However, as they were rounding turn four, Bailey got loose and fishtailed on the track. Osmond seized his opportunity and surged past Bailey on the front stretch and went across the finish line 183 seconds ahead. The crowd roared with enthusiasm. Prior to race time, Osmond had said, “My car is running so-so, but I feel good, like I am going to win!” Osmond must have had a crystal ball, because he did win. Osmond thanked his sponsors Red’s Eats and Dave the Tire Guy. This makes Osmond’s eighth appearance in victory lane this year. He had three prior first place wins, two second place finishes, and two third place finishes. Additionally, Osmond was selected as July’s Napa Auto Parts Driver of The Month. Bailey placed second and Chadbourne took third. 

Wiscasset Speedway resumes racing action, August 24 with its group two lineup of divisions: Strictly Street, Mini Truck, Late Model Sportsman, and the spotlighted feature of the week a 35-lap Outlaw Mini race. The flex race of the week is a 20 lap Wicked Good Vintage Racer event. There will be fireworks at the conclusion of the races. Pit gates open at 2 p.m., grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. and racing begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children aged seven and older. Kids six and under are free. Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

For more information, visit the Wiscasset Speedway website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com.