News Archives for 2026-08

Brandon Barker Reigns in 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250

Story courtesy of Racing America

Brandon Barker added his name to the list of Oxford 250 winners on Sunday, claiming the 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Barker dominated the second stanza of a race that truly proved to be the tale of two halves. Rainfall interrupted the prestigious event after 126 of 250 scheduled laps, with Barker running second to Gabe Brown at the time of the red flag.

Oxford Plains Speedway and Pro All Stars Series officials committed to making every effort to complete the full, 250-lap scheduled distance, with intense track-drying efforts following the rain. At approximately 11:30 p.m. local time, the race resumed, and Barker took the lead shortly thereafter when Brown went to pit road.

When a caution flew with 46 laps to go, Barker, leader D.J. Shaw and many others pitted, while others stayed out to gain track position. Barker restarted ninth, but picked up several spots as Cory Hall made contact with Scott McDaniel on the restart, who then slid into Bubba Pollard.

Barker took the lead for the final time on lap 212, pacing the remaining 38 laps for his first Oxford 250 victory in his ninth attempt in the crown jewel event.

"A lot of people to thank," said Barker in victory lane. "I couldn't do this without so many people. My parents couldn't afford it, so guys like Jimmy Burgess stepped up, Sam and Jaimy Snow, Sam Snow Construction, Archie St. Hilaire, them guys at Landshark, Kyle, Eric and Mickey.

"A good day in the 250 for me would be, maybe, a top-10. Being able to work with these guys, they boost my confidence so much and the cars are so good."

Especially after the lengthy delay that pushed the Oxford 250 into the early hours of Monday morning, the victory lane celebration felt too good to be true for Barker.

"It's surreal right now, but I think we've got a lot of beer in the cooler, still. We'll probably see the sun come up this morning."

Johnny Clark, the 2020 Oxford 250 winner, finished second, marking his eighth career top-five finish in the event in 22 attempts. However, he took very little credit for Sunday's performance.

"We didn't have a second-place car," Clark admitted. "The guys pulled off an unbelievable pit stop. We went into the pits, and my brother was telling me, you've just got to maintain. They put two tires on when a lot of people hit pit road on lap 90-something. We put rears on, and the thing was brutal tight.

"It started to come around, and then rain came. We didn't know what the track was going to do, but I could tell you it tightens up real bad. I was a sitting duck on the outside, and we fell back to 12th or something.

"We went into the pits around there and came out, D.J. [Shaw] was the only one to beat us out of the pits. It's all to them why we're standing here with a second-place trophy. I can't thank them enough."

Joey Doiron finished third, his fourth time on the podium in the Oxford 250. Doiron entered the evening still searching for his first victory in the event after rattling off top-10 finishes in six consecutive attempts between 2018 and 2024.

However, Doiron took little joy in his third-place result, offering his apologies to D.J. Shaw for contact between the two drivers in the final 50 laps.

"I've just got to apologize to D.J. I just got in there, I hadn't been loose in all day," said Doiron. "I just made a mistake. I just got in there, tried to stay off him, but we were so close, there was nothing that I could do. I've been on the other end of that before, so I'm hoping we can talk it out. We'll see."

Ryan Kuhn finished fourth, while Alexendre Tardif recovered from an up-and-down evening to finish fifth.

Oxford 250 proceedings started on Sunday with five heat races after the blind draw to determine the qualifying race lineups. Barker won the fifth heat race to earn the fifth starting spot on the grid, behind fellow heat race winners Tardif, Shaw, McDaniel, and Garrett Hall.

Derek Griffith, Doiron, and Caden Kvapil won the two consolation races that followed, with Troy Patterson winning the Last Chance Race.

Barker will have a chance at more Oxford Plains Speedway glory next Monday, September 7. The Labor Day event marks the finale for the Oxford Championship Series, including a 100-lap feature for the Mid-Coast Excavation Super Late Models. Barker enters the finale one point behind seven-time track champion Mike Rowe in the points standings.

 

Photo by Pro All Stars Series

Sanborn Starts Oxford 250 Weekend with PASS 150 Victory

Story courtesy of Racing America

Trevor Sanborn started his Oxford 250 weekend in dramatic fashion, driving through the field to win the PASS 150 on Friday night at Oxford Plains Speedway.

After starting near the rear of the field and making an early pit stop, Sanborn worked his way through the field in Friday's Super Late Model feature. Sanborn took the lead inside of 20 laps to go and pulled away to the win.

"The first pit stop we made there, I wasn't sure we could get back through that," said Sanborn in victory lane. "They kept saying on the radio, you're faster than the leader, you're faster than the leader. We just kept trucking."

Any PASS win at Oxford Plains Speedway is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. However, this win also sets the tone for Oxford 250 weekend. The Super Late Models will be back in action for the crown jewel event on Sunday, August 30.

"Man, that really pumps me up for Sunday," Sanborn said. "I don't care where we start in that race. We've got a good car."

During the closing laps, Sanborn was part of a fierce multi-car battle for the lead which included the likes of Garrett Hall, Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. and Cory Hall.

Garrett Hall finished second, happy to secure a strong finish with a car that was not quite handling to his liking.

"I knew at the start of the race we were a little too free," said Hall. "I was able to hold off on the outside there when the 00 moved me up. I was able to hold him off and we had a pretty decent run. I thought we were going to be able to hold the guys off. The last stretch of cautions, the right-rear was gone."

Renfrew finished third to round out the podium. He is eager to take notes from Friday's race and apply them for the rest of the weekend in his pursuit of Oxford 250 glory on Sunday.

"I just never quite got the track position there. I was never able to quite clear for the lead there. I tried to be consistent. We know what we need now for the 250. Another podium here in PASS, so I can't complain at all.

"I can't thank all my guys enough for working on this thing all day long. I think we're going to have a real good shot on Sunday. Hopefully, between the three of us, we put on a show for you fans out there and gave you a bit of a glimpse of what it's going to look like on Sunday."

D.J. Shaw finished fourth, with Cory Hall rounding out the top five.

The Oxford 250 weekend continues on Saturday, August 29 with racing for the Milton CAT American-Canadian Tour, NEMA Midgets, NEMA Lites, Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modifieds and more. The weekend concludes on Sunday, August 30 with the 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250.

 

Photo by Jimmy Wiggin Speedway Images

2026 Oxford 250 Preview: A Deep Field Prepares for the 53rd Edition

August 25, 2026 — Oxford, Maine — Over 50 drivers have already put their name into the mix for the 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 on Sunday, August 30.  With the caliber of talent on the entry list already, one of the nation’s biggest and most popular short track races promises to be another exciting, unpredictable affair.  The question becomes which drivers are the favorites to hold the trophy, the big check, and the immortality that comes with being an Oxford 250 winner.

Thirty-eight different drivers have triumphed in the 52 editions of the Oxford 250 since the inaugural event in 1974. The historic race has proven a difficult conquest for many, and through the first 52 rounds, no driver has won more than three times. Nevertheless, former winners should be given high consideration when making predictions for the 53rd running of the one-day extravaganza.

Six former winners are currently on the entry list, accounting for ten 250 championships, including father-son duo Mike and Ben Rowe.  It’s not every day that a 76-year-old driver is considered a favorite, but most 76-year-olds aren’t Mike Rowe.  Rowe has been competing weekly at OPS in 2026, and as of this writing, has scored a win and is in a multi-way championship battle. Ben Rowe is a two-time champion of the race and has showed no signs of slowing on the track when he comes to race.

The same can be said for Johnny Clark, Scott Robbins, and two-time winner Eddie Macdonald.  Bubba Pollard, the 2018 champion, recently filed his entry and will chase a second crown. All six of these drivers can win on August 30.

Among drivers who have yet to win the Oxford 250 is a quartet of drivers universally acknowledged to be in their prime.  D.J. Shaw, Derek Griffith, Joey Doiron, and Garrett Hall are on the short list of favorites. As a nine-time PASS champion, there’s no question D.J. Shaw is one of the great modern Super Late Model racers. Yet the Oxford 250 has escaped him in 15 previous attempts. His three straight third-place finishes have been a textbook case of “close but no cigar.” However, Shaw scored a thrilling win in this year’s Celebration of America 300, potentially setting him up to finally break through.

Derek Griffith is also among the contemporary Super Late Model greats with two PASS National championships and 23 PASS wins, including three at Oxford. In 11 Oxford 250 tries, his best result is a second in 2019, and he is trying to do one better this year. Garrett Hall has had a bit of a resurgence in the last two years after snapping a three-year winless drought about 18 months ago.

Joey Doiron, who was the inaugural Celebration of America 300 winner, is another driver who has come oh so close but has not yet crossed the line P1. Trevor Sanborn, Mike Hopkins, Travis Stearns, Dennis Spencer Jr. and Dave Farrington Jr. have all had success at the tricky 3/8 mile oval and could land in Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 victory lane.

The group that has been a force in the last few years is the under-30 contingent.  Many these drivers started racing karts as kids and participate in IRacing on a regular basis. Many in this group have had their learning curve accelerated dramatically, so by the time they ascend to compete in the Oxford 250, they have enough “seat time” to be considered threats to win.

Jimmy Renfrew Jr. leads this list of drivers.  With success up and down the eastern seaboard, Renfrew has four wins in 2026 between PASS and Oxford Super Late Model action. Gabe Brown and Alexandre Tardif are two other perennial front-runners no matter what kind of car they wheel.  Sylas Ripley and Cole Robie are not yet old enough to vote, but have both proven they can run near the front on a big stage.  Add drivers like Ryan Kuhn, Kate Re, and Kaiden Fisher, and it’s entirely possible someone from this group will stand atop the podium at the end of the night.

Among weekly Oxford Super Late Model racers, plenty of contenders should be given serious thought. Brandon Barker is the point leader at post time and has scored a league-leading three wins in weekly competition. Add a PASS triumph at Lee USA Speedway early in the year, and the #88 is a driver to keep an eye on. Brandon Varney spent 2025 on the PASS tour and came home as the Rookie of the Year and PASS National Champion. The year 2026 has seen him concentrate on weekly racing at Oxford, garnering a pair of wins and a multitude of top-fives.  Scott McDaniel is the defending champion and is always a threat to win while Tom Abele Jr. has been a model of consistency throughout his campaign. 

But you don’t have to be a full-timer with PASS or Oxford Plains Speedway to upset the apple cart. Several outsiders have entered the fray for the 53rd annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250. Southern star Caden Kvapil, the current CARS Tour Late Model Stock point leader based out of North Carolina, will be at the helm of Archie St. Hilaire’s GoFas Racing #32.

Joining him will be Georgia’s Casey Roderick, a former All-American 400 and Rattler winner, who will be behind the wheel of a Kate Re Motorsports machine.  Northern transplant and modified driver John-Michael Shenette has leased a car from Tom Abele Jr. and looks to make his first SLM start at OPS.  Another invader, New Brunswick’s Cory Hall, is always a threat to win and will drive a machine prepared by former Oxford 250 winner Jeremie Whorff. Part-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competitor Alex Labbe is another late entry and will try, along with Tardif, to become the first Quebeois to win the Oxford 250.

The one thing we know is that anything can happen at the Oxford 250. We have seen it before and could see it again.  There are another 25-plus names that could surprise everyone and wear the victory wreath at the end of the night.   From Southern interlopers to established track and touring champions, massive upsets, utter domination, and more, fans have seen a lot of names on top in the 52-year history of this event. We’re certain the 53rd Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 has plenty of storylines and surprises in store, and we can’t wait for the green flag to fly!

For more information on Oxford Plains Speedway, visit www.oxfordplains.com.

For more information on the Pro All Stars Series, visit www.proallstarsseries.com.

To take advantage of marketing opportunities with the Pro All Stars Series or Oxford Plains Speedway, or to purchase lap sponsorships for the Oxford 250, please call 207-577-1836 or inquire at OPSmarketing50@gmail.com.

For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, please contact passracing@roadrunner.com or call Jason Ricker at 704-881-4429.

Don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series, OPS, NESS, and the PASS MODS Touring Series on Facebook: 

facebook.com/ProAllStarsSeries

facebook.com/p/Official-Page-of-Oxford-Plains-Speedway

https://www.facebook.com/NESupers

facebook.com/p/PASS-MODS-Touring-Series

 

Photos by Norm Marx

Battle Remains atop the NESS Heap at Ollia Silva Classic

August 22, 2026 — Lee, NH — Dunstable, Massachusetts’s Jeffrey Battle remained the class of the New England Supermodified Series (NESS) at New Hampshire’s Lee USA Speedway on Friday, August 21. Battle took the lead on lap 26 of the Ollie Silva Midsummer Classic, then survived over 40 laps of pressure from Jonathan McKennedy to win the Supermodified crown jewel event.

It was Battle’s fifth straight victory and sixth of the season. Battle became the 14th different driver to triumph in the 24th edition of the Ollie Silva Classic, doing so barely an hour after his cousin James Witkum captured the 350 Supermodified portion of the program.

Battle started fifth under the NESS previous winner handicap and patiently chipped his way through the field as polesitter P.J. Stergios set the early tone. McKennedy did the same from his sixth-place grid position, and they eventually chased down Stergios. Battle swung to the outside and took the lead just past the one-third mark of the 75-lap feature, with McKennedy also getting past Stergios six circuits later.

From there, the two Supermodified studs sliced and diced through the traffic, with McKennedy never far from Battle’s rear bumper. As the duo worked through a large pack of lapped cars in the closing stages, McKennedy saw an opportunity, shot up the middle, and led lap 59 by a nose.

However, Battle was not to be denied. He kept his foot in the gas as the pair went three-wide around another lapped car entering turn one, somehow finding the grip he needed to reclaim the top spot. McKennedy never got another chance to pounce, as Battle bobbed and weaved his way to the win by 0.308 seconds, denying McKennedy a potential record-setting fifth Ollia Silva Classic.

McKennedy did receive a consolation prize as part of the Dr. Mom Says “School is Cool” Challenge. A 12-sided chance die was rolled in Victory Lane, and it landed on six, meaning the even-numbered finishers evenly split $4,000 between them.

Stergios finished third and was the only other car on the lead lap thanks to Battle and McKennedy’s scintillating pace. The Nottingham, New Hampshire driver also ran the event’s fastest lap on the 11th circuit. Former champion Dan Bowes was fourth. After missing qualifying because of mechanical woes, Matt Swanson drove from shotgun on the field to complete the top five.

A season-high 14 cars entered the event. Rob Summers, who was subbing for Anthony Nocella in the Vic Miller-owned #11, had to withdraw after a crash in the second practice session. A left-front spindle broke, sending the car hard into the turn-three wall. Dave Duggan also did not start, loaning his machine to Vern Romanoski after issues prevented Romanoski’s car from making the call.

The New England Supermodified Series heads to Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, August 30 as part of Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 Weekend. Post time is 1:30pm for a program that also includes the 53rd Oxford 250 for the Pro All Stars Series Super Late Models, the Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modifieds, Triple Crown finales for the Dow Excavating Limited Sportsmen and Street Stocks, and the Green Lawn Solutions Mad Bombers. Visit www.proallstarsseries.com for more information.

 

Photo by Terrill Covey

Ollie Silva Classic Set for Friday Night Showdown at Lee USA Speedway

 

 

 

August 19, 2026 — Lee, NH — The engines are set to fire this Friday night at 7:00 PM as Lee USA Speedway hosts the highly anticipated Ollie Silva Classic, bringing together top-tier talent for one of the region’s most respected short track events.

The 75-lap Ollie Silva Midsummer Classic for the New England Supermodified Series (NESS) will rocket around New Hampshire’s Center of Speed alongside the 350 Supermodifieds, NEMA Midgets, NEMA Lites and a special Ridge Runner / Mad Bomber / Slingshot Shootout paying $750 to the winner!

Named in honor of New England racing legend Ollie Silva, the annual classic continues to attract a competitive field of drivers eager to add their name to its prestigious history. Fans can expect a stacked lineup featuring some of the best drivers from across the Northeast, all battling for bragging rights and a signature victory in one of the summer’s marquee events.

NESS points leader Jeffrey Battle, who comes into the race with five wins on the season, squares off against single-time winner Jon McKennedy for a battle in supremacy.  Also hoping to land in the Ollie Silva classic victory lane this Friday are multi time tour winners Dan Bowes, and Matt Swanson, number two point man PJ Stergios, Lee runner-up in July Derek Griffith, and former rookie of the year Mike Mayberry.

One storyline to watch is the maiden voyages with NESS for multiple drivers.  Legendary icon racer Russ Woods will be making his first start of the season in the number 29 machine.  Inaugural NESS champion Robbie Summers will be making his second NESS start of the season in the Vic Miller number 11 along with Rich Eaton in the number 4 winged warrior. Vern Romanoski makes his NESS return on Friday with Dave Duggan piloting his number 51 car. Also expected to be on hand are Mike Keddy, Mark Sparky MacIver, and Eric Lewis.

The Ollie Silva Classic has built a reputation for dramatic finishes and standout performances, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be no different. From rising stars looking to make their mark to seasoned veterans chasing another milestone win, the competition will be fierce from green flag to checkered.

For more information, updates, and ticket details, follow Lee USA Speedway on social media or visit the track’s official website. Pits open at 2:30pm and grandstands open at 4:00pm. With great racing, the region’s top talent, and a magnificent undercard, Friday night at Lee USA Speedway is set to deliver a must-see event.


For more information about the Pro All Stars Series and NESS, contact the PASS/Oxford Plains Speedway offices at (207) 539-8865 or visit www.proallstarsseries.com.

To take advantage of marketing opportunities with the Pro All Stars Series or Lee USA Speedway, please call 207-577-1836 or inquire at OPSmarketing50@gmail.com.

For more information about the American-Canadian Tour, contact the ACT offices at (802) 244-6963, media@acttour.com, or visit www.acttour.com.  You can also get updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ACTTour.

 

Photos by Jimmy Wiggin Speedway Images

 

Robie Snags First PASS Victory with Late Move at Riverside

August 17, 2026 — Groveton, NH — In a season full of first-time winners for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS), Windham, Maine’s Cole Robie became the latest and youngest name on the list this past Sunday, August 16. The 17-year-old got the upper hand in a late duel with Jimmy Renfrew Jr. to take the Riverside 150 at Groveton, New Hampshire’s Riverside Speedway & Adventure Park.

Robie became the fourth first-time PASS Super Late Model winner of the season and second in a row. The result also affirmed Robie as a contender for the 53rd Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 coming on August 30.

After starting third in the main event, Robie took advantage of an early kerfuffle between Garrett Hall and Matt Swanson to swoop around both. He eventually stretched a comfortable gap over Renfrew, who had worked his way to second place from the sixth position on the grid.

A caution on lap 54 for Trevor Sanborn’s flat tire let Renfrew pull alongside Robie for the restart, and Renfrew got the jump when the green flag unfurled. Renfrew pulled away in the middle stages, but Robie proved to have better long-run speed. He had closed back to Renfrew’s rear bumper when Swanson spun in turn two while trying to give the leaders room to race, bringing out the second and final yellow on lap 105.

The same sequence then repeated itself, with Renfrew darting away only for Robie to reel him back in. The two then raced inches apart for lap after lap, with Renfrew keeping his #00 planted on the bottom groove and daring Robie to take it away.

Robie finally struck with five laps to go, giving Renfrew a slight nudge in turn one to muscle the inside line away. Renfrew gave Robie a return bump out of turn four, but it wasn’t enough to sway Robie. A slight scare arrived when Robie caught the lapped car of Kyle Goodbout on the final circuit, letting Renfrew close back in. However, Goodbout swung high in turn three, and Robie darted through the gap to reach the checkered flag first.

Renfrew was runner-up for the second straight week. In a rare 2026 appearance, Jimmy Hebert made a late run to take third. Point leader D.J. Shaw and Sanborn completed the top five.

In Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modified action, Tamworth, New Hampshire’s Jeremy Davis became the season’s first two-time winner. Davis started seventh for the 50-lap event, and after quickly rolling to third, he bided his time as Tyler Robbins and Robert “Beaver” Norton duked it out for the top spot.

Once the rookie Norton cleared Robbins on the outside, Davis pounced, doing the same to take the lead for himself on lap 23. He then survived a pair of late yellows, including one that set up a green-white-checkered finish, for a convincing win.

Norton maintained second for a long spell after the Davis pass, but on the final restart, had trouble getting up to speed with a deflating tire. That created a mad scramble to the line which saw Jacoby Maines snatch the runner-up spot with Tyler Connolly third. Bill Penfold and Zach Bowie snuck through for fourth and fifth. Point leader Spencer Moore was shuffled back to sixth while Norton ended up a heart-breaking ninth.

The Pro All Stars Series is already preparing for the 53rd Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 Weekend on Friday-Sunday, August 28-30. Thirteen divisions of racing are on the packed schedule, which concludes on Sunday with the $25,000-to-win Oxford 250 for the PASS Super Late Models. The build-up includes the Modified Racing Series and a PASS 150 on Saturday, the Milton CAT American-Canadian Tour and Northeast Midget Association on Saturday, a PASS Modified doubleheader on Saturday and Sunday, and the New England Supermodified Series on Sunday.

Visit www.proallstarseries.com or www.oxfordplains.com for the full schedule, pricing, and other information. Live streaming will be available on Racing America with a special three-day all-access pass.

 

Photo by Cote's Motorsports Images

Nitro Trailers Named Official Trailer of Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS

August 11, 2026 — Oxford, Maine — Officials at Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS) and the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) are proud to announce that Nitro Trailers of Pittsfield, Maine has been named the Official Trailer of Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Stars Series. The partnership brings together two organizations deeply rooted in the Maine motorsports community, with Nitro Trailers providing quality trailer solutions to racers, teams, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the region.

As the Official Trailer, Nitro Trailers will have a prominent presence at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS events throughout the season. The partnership, which builds on Nitro Trailers’ sponsorship of the 53rd Annual Oxford 250, reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the racing community, including the teams and competitors who rely on dependable equipment both at the track and on the road.

“We are excited to welcome Nitro Trailers as the Official Trailer of Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Stars Series,” said Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS president Tom Mayberry. “They build top notch equipment and it’s always great to partner with Maine-based companies.”

Located in Pittsfield, Maine, Nitro Trailers continues to build its reputation by serving customers with quality trailers and a commitment to the needs of its customers.  Nitro Trailers has established itself as a strong part of the Maine community, and their commitment to racers and the motorsports industry makes them a great fit for our racing family. Nitro Trailers also specializes in trailers for contractors, cargo, and even the hobbyist who needs to transport their equipment.

Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Stars Series are proud to partner with Nitro Trailers and look forward to a successful relationship both on and off the track. Nitro Trailers has established itself as a strong part of the Maine community, and their commitment to racers and the motorsports industry makes them a great fit for the racing family.

For more information about Nitro Trailers and its products, please visit www.nitrotrailers.com or www.facebook.com/NitroTrailers/.

The 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 is scheduled for August 28-30. The three-day racing extravaganza features 13 divisions, including the Pro All Stars Series, Milton CAT American-Canadian Tour, New England Supermodified Series, Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modifieds, NEMA Midgets, and Modified Racing Series. Advance tickets are available by calling the Oxford Plains Speedway track office at 207-539-8865.

For more information on Oxford Plains Speedway, visit www.oxfordplains.com.

For more information on the Pro All Stars Series, visit www.proallstarsseries.com.

To take advantage of marketing opportunities with the Pro All Stars Series or Oxford Plains Speedway, or to purchase lap sponsorships for the Oxford 250, please call 207-577-1836 or inquire at OPSmarketing50@gmail.com.

For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, please contact passracing@roadrunner.com or call Jason Ricker at 704-881-4429.

Don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series, OPS, NESS, and the PASS MODS Touring Series on Facebook: 

facebook.com/ProAllStarsSeries

facebook.com/p/Official-Page-of-Oxford-Plains-Speedway

https://www.facebook.com/NESupers

facebook.com/p/PASS-MODS-Touring-Series

Tardif Smokes Competition for First PASS Win in Oxford 250 Tune-Up

August 10, 2026 — Oxford, ME — Alexendre “Fireball” Tardif served up an inferno at Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway on Sunday, August 9, to win the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Tune-Up to the 250. The Notre-Dame-Des-Pin, Quebec resident started from the pole and never looked back on the way to his first PASS victory in the final visit to Oxford before Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 Weekend.

By scorching the field on a packed day of racing, Tardif became the third first-time PASS winner of the 2026 season. He is also the first Quebec-based driver to win a PASS event since Patrick Laperle in June of 2015.

The only serious challenge Tardif faced came in the early stages of the event when Johnny Clark and then Corey Bubar put pressure on the first-year PASS racer. Bubar got to draw alongside Tardif following the lone caution on lap 28 when Travis Stearns came to a halt with a flat right-rear tire, giving the veteran his best chance at the top spot.

Although Bubar was able to hang with Tardif for a spell, he and Clark eventually dropped back, unable to maintain Tardif’s torrid pace. They gave way to Jimmy Renfrew and Gabe Brown, both long-distance feature winners at Oxford already in 2026.

Tardif, though, was not to be denied, deftly working his way through traffic and eventually lapping up to 12th place in the 28-car field. Renfrew, who had drifted back as far as 15th in the early stages, acknowledged after the race that he had used too much of his car charging through the field to have anything left to contend for the win. As such, Tardif took the victory by 6.405 seconds, announcing himself as a legitimate Oxford 250 contender.

Renfrew and Brown were second and third, with the latter making serious gains in the PASS North championship chase, as point leader D.J. Shaw muddled home to a 12th-place result. Cole Robe, Trevor Sanborn, Garrett Hall, Clark, Brandon Varney, Derrick Griffith, and Eddie MacDonald filled out the rest of the top 10.

In the Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modifieds, hometown favorite Bill Penfold dazzled the field and delighted the crowd on the way to his first win of the season. The 64-year-old’s day began by charging back from a flat tire to finish second in his heat race, which eventually earned him the pole for the 50-lap main event.

Penfold took it from there, manhandling his machine around the 3/8-mile oval to keep the pack at bay. Teenager Jacoby Maines proved to be Penfold’s closest adversary, even nudging ahead for two circuits following a lap-nine caution. But Penfold proved too strong, holding the inside line and getting stronger on the long runs.

 

Maines had a final chance on a restart with 15 laps to go, which ironically came after Penfold’s son Mike spun. The elder Penfold, though, brought it home, beating out the kids for his first victory at Oxford since 1992.

Another teen, Cody Macomber, grabbed the third spot with two laps to go when Tyler Connolly got together with a lapped car, setting Connolly back to fourth in the final rundown. Ricky Thompson Jr., Logan Spencer, point leader Spencer Morse, Jeremy Davis, Reed Reno, and Chanler Harrison were fifth through tenth.

The Tune-Up to the 250 was part of a massive Sunday at Oxford Plains Speedway brought about by a Saturday rainout. With the entire Oxford Championship Series weekly racing card moved to Sunday, fans were treated to nine divisions of fantastic action.

Renfrew’s runner-up in the PASS main event came not long after he triumphed in the Mid-Coast Excavation Super Late Model 50-lap feature. The Candia, New Hampshire standout flew through the field to grab the lead from Tom Abele Jr. on the 22nd circuit and cruised to victory after a mid-race caution.

D.J. Shaw also did double-duty and came home second. Brandon Barker roared from 12th to 3rd and unofficially took the points lead with just two weekly features remaining. Dave Farrington Jr. and Abele completed the top five.

The KHM Thunder Stocks were also in the spotlight with a 50-lap special that saw Tyler Moore grab his fourth win of the season. After stalking leader Jacob Aptt for most of the event, Moore took advantage of an opening to grab the lead with seven laps remaining.

Shane Farrar also walked through the door and took second. Appt, Joe Turner, and Moore’s brother Spencer rounded out the top five.

Wade Gelinas took his sixth Dow Excavating Limited Sportsmen feature of the year in an epic clash with Shawn Knight. After Gelinas chased down Knight, the duo ran the last 10-plus circuits of the 35-lap feature wheel to wheel with Gelinas rolling on the outside. Knight made a last bid in the final corners which led to slight contact, but both held on, and Gelinas muscled across the finish line first.

Former champion Jordan Russell completed the podium. Chris Foster was fourth with point leader Kyle Treadwell in fifth.

It was a brotherly affair in the Street Stocks as Billy Childs Jr. held off his brother Jimmy for the victory. Jimmy tracked down Billy late in the 30-lap feature but ran out of time to make a move on the defending champion. Will Dunphy finished third followed by Spencer Barth and Rick Spaulding.

Nick Hoyt made quick work in the 20-lap feature for the Green Lawn Solutions Mad Bombers, needing only seven circuits to charge from the 11th starting position to the lead. It was no contest from there as Hoyt grabbed his second win of the season. Cody Billing came home second followed by Josh Cook, Cole McIntire, and Adam Stearns.

Ricky Austin held off the pack to win a wild 207 Flight School Runnin’ Rebel main event. Point leader Gunnar Josselyn slipped through a late scrum to finish second ahead of Chance Childs. Ryder Cyer copped his second Aroma Joe’s Rookie victory this year with Mason Willis and Lucas Russell earning trophies.

The Pro All Stars Series travels to Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire on Sunday, August 16 at 2:00pm. The make-up event is a doubleheader with the Milton CAT American-Canadian Tour that also includes the Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Mods and ACT Twin State Flying Tiger Series. Oxford weekly racing continues on Saturday, August 16, 6:00pm with the Plant’s Seafood 100, which is a Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 qualifier. Visit www.proallstarsseries.com or www.oxfordplains.com for more information.

Fan Meet and Greet Added to Huge Doubleheader Weekend at Oxford

August 4, 2026 — Oxford, Maine — Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) are teaming up for a big doubleheader weekend this Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9. As part of the festivities, a Fan Meet and Greet now highlights Sunday’s Tune-Up to the 250 card, giving PASS Super Late Model, Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modified, and KHM Thunder Stock drivers a chance to meet their biggest supporters before racing action begins.

Following the end of practice at 3:15pm, cars and drivers will line up on the frontstretch, and the track gates will be opened at 3:30pm for fans. Drivers can sign autographs, take photos, and mingle with fans until the track is cleared for a 4:00 p.m. post time.

“It’s always important to connect with the fans, as they’re what keeps this great sport going,” Oxford and PASS president Tom Mayberry said. “While we already had one meet and greet this year as part of Fan Appreciation Night, we thought it was important for PASS Super Late Model and PASS Mod teams to also have the same opportunity. We think this is going to get people even more excited about Sunday afternoon’s action and the Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 that’s around the corner!”

The meet and greet is part of two massive days of racing at the Route 26 oval. On Saturday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m., Plant’s Seafood will present Week 15 of the Oxford Championship Series. The Midcoast Excavation Super Late Models will go 100 laps in an Oxford 250 provisional qualifier showdown. Fans will also be treated to weekly racing for the Dow Excavating Limited Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Green Lawn Solutions Mad Bombers, KHM Thunder Stocks, 207 Flight School Runnin’ Rebels, and Aroma Joe’s Rookies.

Oxford Plains Speedway remains full speed ahead on Sunday, August 9 at 4:00 p.m. with the PASS Tune-Up to the 250. The PASS North Super Late Models go 150 laps in their final Oxford outing before the 53rd Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 Weekend on August 28-30. The Kennebec Equipment Rental PASS Modifieds return home for 50 laps of open-wheel thrills. The KHM Thunder Stocks also have a 50-lap non-point special with added prize money, including a $200 bonus for the best finisher who also competes on Saturday night. The Fan Meet and Greet rounds out the program.

Visit www.oxfordplains.com or www.proallstarsseries.com for the full schedule, pricing, and other information about the weekend’s festivities. Both events will also be live streamed on RacingAmerica.TV.

For more information on open partnerships at the Nitro Trailers Oxford 250, OPS, or with PASS, please contact Kevin Varney at 207-577-1836 or at opsmarketing50@gmail.com or inquire via social media.

For more information about the Pro All Stars Series, visit www.proallstarsseries.com.

For more information about Oxford Plains Speedway, visit www.oxfordplains.com.

To take advantage of marketing opportunities at the Pro All Stars Series or Oxford Plains Speedway, please call 207-577-1836 or inquire at OPSmarketing50@gmail.com.

For technical information concerning all PASS divisions, please contact passracing@roadrunner.com or call Jason Ricker at 704-881-4429.

Don't forget to "Like" the Pro All Stars Series, NESS, and the PASS MODS touring series on Facebook: 

facebook.com/ProAllStarsSeries

facebook.com/p/Official-Page-of-Oxford-Plains-Speedway

https://www.facebook.com/NESupers

facebook.com/p/PASS-MODS-Touring-Series

 

Photos by Jimmy Wiggin Speedway Images and Orianna Lovell/O.L. Photos

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