IPSC True Value 250 Tickets on Sale

TRUE VALUE 250 TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Oxford, ME (May 5) - Race fans can secure their seating for one of the most storied events in North American stock car racing history by ordering reserved tickets for the 26th annual True Value 250 at Oxford. This year's running of the race that has seen the participation of racing legends like Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Gordon, is set for July 4th.

Gordon, who has gone on to win three NASCAR Winston Cup championships since racing at Oxford says it's one of the most competitive venues he's ever run. "It was very competitive," said Gordon, a resident of North Carolina, who was at the time ('90 & '91) a NASCAR Busch Grand National Series regular. "I struggled just to stay on the lead lap. It's one of the toughest tracks that I ever drove in the Busch Grand National Series. I have memories of getting smoked by a lot of guys from up there."

Indeed, in it's 25-year history, the 250 has seen 16 winners from north of the Mason-Dixon line, four of those being from Canada (Don Biederman 1977, Junior Hanley 1993, Derek Lynch 1994 and Dave Whitlock 1995.) The influx of Canadian competitors is expected to grow this year with the race being event number three on the rich International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) series schedule.

"We had 101 teams in the pit area last year," said Randy Black, Competition Director for both Oxford Plains Speedway and the IPSC. "We are already receiving entry blanks for this year's race and expect to exceed that number. Although it's a points race for the IPSC, we'll be keeping our traditional qualifying format with the guys having to race their way into the field. The starting field of 43 cars will be set with the Motor Mart Heat Races, consolation races and a last chance race."

Historically, the spectators see as much action in the qualifying races as they do in the feature race. With more than $200,000 (USD) purse and awards on the line for this one race, every driver out there is very aware making the starting field is half the battle in trying to win the $50,000 available from the purse to the victor.

Nova Scotia natives who have competed in the True Value 250 at Oxford include Terry Clattenburg (retired), Dan Eddy, John Flemming, Frank Fraser (semi-retired), Scott Fraser, Junior Hanley (now a resident of Ontario), the late Scott Kelly, George Koszkulics, Rollie MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Roger Miller, Greg Sewart and Bobby White. In addition to Hanley's win, Nova Scotians have scored top finishes with Sewart second in '94 and Kelly third in '96.

Festivities for the 1999 running of the True Value 250 at Oxford start July 1st with the weekly racing series and fireworks, then 250 practice July 2nd and 3rd, and the "main event" on Sunday, July 4th.

Oxford Plains Speedway is located on Route 26 in Oxford, Maine. For more information call (207) 539-8865 or check the Internet at www.oxfordplains.com.