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Joan Roue
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Many followers of the International Pro Stock Challenge have said it was only a matter of time before Turner, Maine’s Ben Rowe scored a win on the series, but no-one was more surprised than Ben Rowe when the win came in Saturday night’s Copenhagen Inc./Ultramar Corner Stores 150 at Scotia Speedworld. Rowe literally grabbed the lead from Scott Fraser of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia on lap 145 of 150 as the two were passing lapped traffic. “I was ready to settle for second,” said an elated Rowe in Victory Lane. “Scotty (Fraser) was strong. I figured I could catch him but I knew I wouldn’t get by him - like I said second was looking pretty good.” The win was worth $6,250 for Rowe from the $30,975 posted awards for the event. Fraser collected $3,700. Mike MacKenzie, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia was third, with Bub Bilodeau, Standish, Maine and Steve Henderson, Truro, Nova Scotia rounding out the top five.

Dan Eddy, from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, added $1,200 to his winnings for the night by accepting the Copenhagen Inc./Ultramar Corner Stores Pole Challenge. Eddy forfeited his earned fifth-place starting spot to start at the rear of the pack with an opportunity to earn a $3,000 bonus if he had won the race or a guaranteed $100 bonus per position passed. He finished eighth, recovering from a couple of early race spins. Total winnings for Eddy - $2,100.

Rowe and Fraser are locked in a tight points battle for the series title. Rowe led by one point heading to Scotia Speedworld for this event and Fraser leads by two after the race (598-596). With $15,000 and the Kelly Cup on the line for the champion, both drivers have points on their minds, but are taking it one race at a time. “Yeh, we think about the big picture,” said Rowe, driver of the Tartan Textile Pontiac, “but - man, this is a sweet win.” Fraser agrees with his adversary. “We’re out there to win races,” Fraser said. “If you win, the points will sort themselves out.”

Both second generation drivers, Rowe and Fraser seem to have been riding similar paths in their racing careers but until the IPSC have not had the opportunity to compete with each other on a regular basis. Rowe is the son of New England short track standout Mike Rowe, and Fraser the son of Eastern Canadian racing legend Frank Fraser. Fraser has an average finish of 3.75 after the first four rounds of ‘99 IPSC competition - Rowe of 4.0. In Snap-on Tools Time Trial competition for the Copenhagen Inc./Ultramar Corner Stores 150, Rowe ran a first lap of 14.33 seconds and set fast time for the day with a new track record on his second lap of 14.02 seconds. Amazingly, Fraser ran a first lap of 14.34 seconds and a second lap of 14.04 - just 1/100ths slower the first time around and 2/100ths slower the second time.

With two races left on the ‘99 schedule - the August 28th Atlantic CAT 150 at Scotia Speedworld and September 11th Citra 150 at Oxford Plains Speedway, there is one race on each drivers “home turf”. Fraser has spent much of his racing career at Scotia Speedworld and Rowe at Oxford Plains Speedway. Fraser won Round 1 of the ‘99 series at Oxford on May 22nd. Now that Rowe has won at Scotia, the playing field would seem to be leveled in spite of both insisting there is a home track advantage. “We’ll have to just wait and see,” they joked together in Victory Lane.

Rowe started on the pole and led until Fraser ducked under him in traffic on lap 11. Fraser held the point to the lap 145 pass by Rowe. Fraser picked up the Provincial Electric Most Laps Led Award. He also was the winner of the Linco Fisheries Halfway Award. Bilodeau was the Snap-on Tools Teamwork Award winner. Rowe picked up the Motor Mart Dash For Cash and the Snap-on Tools Teamwork Award.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

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Joan Roue
Office: (902) 435-9872 July 1-4: (207) 539-8865
joan@ipschallenge.com

Oxford, Maine (July 4) - Fans of the True Value 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway have come to “Expect The Unexpected” in the biggest one-day short track race in North America and the 26th Annual running of the event was no exception. “Racin” Ralph Nason from Unity, Maine became only the second back-to-back winner and picked up a check for a whopping $42,700 (USD) for his efforts. 98 cars were on hand for Round 3 of the 1999 International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC).

“It was one of those deals where I had to slow down to go faster,” said Nason, a veteran racer who first win in the prestigious event came in 1998. “The track was so slippery with the heat out there, you basically had to get in a comfortable rhythm and stay there.” Nason’s started second on the 46-car field and picked up the lead in his No. 10 Jim’s Salad Ford on the second circuit. With the 1/3-mile track being packed with cars Nason had to avoid more than one bullet as the race progressed. On lap 91 he dodged a wreck right that occurred right in front of him. Just six circuits later he and Tracy Gordon got together with Nason spinning and Gordon being held in the penalty box for one lap. Nason had to come from the rear of the field but set sail on the outside groove and reclaimed the lead on lap 125. In all, he led 177 of the 250 green flag laps. Nason also picked up a premium lightweight aluminum jack for winning the Pace Race Jack Halfway Award.

More than 10,000 enthusiastic fans endured the sweltering 100 degree temperatures to watch the race that is known far and wide for more action in one day than any other pro stock car race in the country. Ben Rowe from Turner, Maine came from an 11th-place start to finish second in his first run in the Hi-Tech Motorsports Tartan Textile/Louis Pontiac Grand Prix. Scott Fraser from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia started 38th and finished third in the Atlantic CAT Chevrolet. Sam Sessions from South Paris, Maine, driving the Stripper Tree Delimbers Chevrolet was fourth and Tim Brackett from Oxford, Maine, rounded out the top five in the Dunkin Donuts Chevrolet.

Polesitter Pete Sheppard, Brampton, Ontario, led the first lap and finished 34th after retiring from the race on lap 134. Motor Mart Heat Race winners were Sheppard, Nason, Kirk Thibeau, Johnny Clark, Tommy Tompkins, Jr., and Danny Bubar. Consis went to Andy Shaw, Mike Maietta, Jr., and Nick Nichols. The top four finishers from the heat races and consis transferred to the True Value 250. The C Feature was won by Scott Moore (top six transferred to Last Chance Race). Tommy Rowe from Turner, Maine won the Last Chance and turned down $2,000.00 to transfer to the True Value 250 starting field. Tommy Rowe joined his father, Mike Rowe (two-time True Value 250 winner) and brother, Ben Rowe, in the field.

Ben Rowe will take over the IPSC points lead by just one point over Fraser (441-440), followed by Adam Friend at 420, Tim Brackett at 410 and Scott Robbins at 382. The champion will receive a check for $15,000 (CDN) and the Kelly Cup at season end.

Round 4 is set for July 24th at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

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Joan Roue
Office: (902) 435-9872 July 1-4: (207) 539-8865
joan@ipschallenge.com

TRUE VALUE 250 EXCITEMENT PEAKING

Oxford, ME (June 30) - With the strongest field ever expected at Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS) for this Sunday’s True Value 250, the excitement has never been higher as the prestigious landmark event draws near. Several drivers gathered today at a Media Luncheon to talk about the event, past and present. The True Value 250 marks the third race on the 1999 International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) Series six-race schedule.

More than 100 teams are expected through the gates this weekend trying to make the 44-car starting field and all vying for their share of the $200,000 USD race purse. The winner can take home as much as $50,000. The first 36 positions will be locked in with heat races, consis and a last chance race. Four more spots will be filled from the top four IPSC points-getters who have not already made the show after the qualifying races and four more as Promoters Provisionals.

Scott Fraser, from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, current points leader for the series and winner of Round 1 at OPS on May 22nd, says he is more excited than ever to be heading for the True Value 250. “We’ve always looked forward to going to the race,” said Fraser. “But after our run there in May, we’ve got more confidence than ever. Now, we just need a little luck to go with it. It’s good to know we have a spot, but we still want to start as close to the front as we can - and that means doing well in the heat races.”

Second-place points runner Ben Rowe from Turner, Maine, was on hand at OPS preparing for the weekends activities. Rowe is enthused with the IPSC and is looking forward to a good run this weekend. “We’re hoping to take the points lead this weekend,” said Rowe, just six markers behind Fraser. “We feel like we’ve got home-track advantage here.”

Third-place points runner Adam Friend from Pittsfield, Maine, says he is relieved to be in the top four in points entering the True Value 250. “This has been a good deal for us,” said Friend. “But to be heading into the 250 knowing we are guaranteed a starting spot in the field is a great feeling.”

Jerry Babb, the fourth-place points runner from Windham, Maine, also feels the local teams have a home-track advantage, but, adds, they need the luck aspect to go with it.

“There is no question seat time at Oxford helps,” said Babb. “But, with the 250 qualifying format, you’ve got to have luck - starting with the moment you pick your number for the heat races.” Derek Lynch, from Norwood, Ontario, who is eighth in points and 1994 True Value 250 champion says winning the prestigious race is definitely an asset as he pursues his racing career.

“It is an eye-opener, no question,” said Lynch. “Everyone in racing everywhere knows and respects the True Value 250. They know the caliber of competition the race attracts and having a win from this race is as big as having a NASCAR Busch Series win.” Mike Rowe, two-time winner of the True Value 250 and New England racing legend, has got to be listed as a favorite anytime he enters a race at OPS. But Rowe says he is anticipating the strongest field ever for this year’s running of the True Value 250.

“With all of the weekly OPS guys being so good, and with what I see in some of the IPSC drivers, it will be tough,” said the veteran racer from Turner, Maine (father of Ben Rowe). “You get guys like Fraser and Babb and all the others and it will be tough, and there will be a lot more coming in for this race, too.”

As for race strategy, Mike Rowe says you really need to wait and see how the race unfolds. “It depends on how the cautions fall,” said Rowe. “If you go a long ways under green and need to make a quick stop you’ll just do two tires, but if you’ve got the time, most guys will take on four tires. There are so many things that determine strategy.” Some may say the pit area is where NASCAR Busch Grand National North Series drivers entered in the race may have an advantage. Tracy Gordon and Dale Shaw were both on hand in Portland Wednesday talking about what a 250 win would do for their careers.

“When I talk to teams down south and tell then I’ve had three consecutive top-three finishes in the last three 250’s, all they want to know is who won,” said Gordon, winner of the most recent race on the BGNN schedule. “This race is big and any driver would be proud to have a 250 win on their resume.” Gordon is driving a car this weekend purchased from Canadian racing legend Junior Hanley - the same car that won the September 1999 IPSC race at OPS.

Shaw feels being used to making pit stops and running longer races is definitely an advantage for Tour drivers. “You can wear yourself out by holding the steering wheel too tight,” said Shaw. “Someone told me that before my first 250 and I laughed, but by the 100th lap I knew exactly what they meant.” Gordon, Shaw and Mike Rowe were the top three picks by the driver panel on hand to win the 26th Annual True Value 250 but all agreed on one point - that whoever should pull into Victory lane on Sunday evening should take advantage of every opportunity that goes with being the winner of such a landmark motorsports event.

Practice sessions are set for Friday and Saturday with practice, qualifying and the True Value 250 set for Sunday. Qualifying races start at 2 p.m. with the True Value 250 projected to start at 7:08 p.m. Reserved tickets are still available for the True Value 250 by calling 207-539-8865. 5,000 general admission tickets go on sale race day.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

WHITE WINS IPSC THRILLER

(June 26) - Bobby White, from Kennetcook, Nova Scotia, drove his No. 87 Russell White Lumber Chevrolet to victory in an action packed Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 at Scotia Speedworld. White, who started on the pole position for the race led the first 16 laps and the last three laps of the event - but he came from the rear of the 25-car field after being sent to the back of the pack for rough riding on lap 30. White picked up $5,500 (CDN) of the $30, 745 purse.

The race was round 2 of the six-race 1999 International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC). “This is my biggest win - ever,” said a tired but jubilant White in victory lane. “That early incident was unfortunate but the competition was so tough out there and the racing was so tight it just happened. We were lucky to get back up through the pack.”

White benefited from a late race tangle between the first and second place runners, John Flemming and Ben Rowe, that saw both cars spin. White was in third at the time. “I saw that one coming,” said White. “They were side-by-side and nose-to-tail - something had to give.” The top five was rounded out by runner up Adam Friend from Pittsfield, Maine, Mike MacKenzie of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Gary Drew of West Buxton, Maine and Cy Harvey of Elmsdale, Nova Scotia. Louie Mechalides set fast time for the event in the Snap-on Tools

Time Trials with a quick lap of 14.117 seconds around the 3/10-mile oval. Mechalides failed to make the field for the race after blowing the engine in the Motor Mart Dash for Cash in White picked up the checkers. Adam Friend and Doug Stokes were Motor Mart Heat Race winners. Ben Rowe was the recipient of the Linco Fisheries Halfway Challenge and the Provincial Electric Most Laps Led Award. Scott Fraser, the winner of round 1 of the ‘99 IPSC on May 22nd at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine retains the points lead by six markers over Ben Rowe (294 for Fraser, 288 for Rowe). Adam Friend is third at 282, followed by Jerry Babb 279, and Tim Brackett at 268. The series champion will receive $15,000 (CDN) from the $50,000 CDN points fund.

Round 3 of the ‘99 IPSC is set for this coming weekend on Sunday, July 4th with the $200,000 (USD) True Value 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway. For ticket information call 207-539-8865.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

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FURTHER INFO: Joan Roue (902) 435-9872 joan@ipschallenge.com ARGO MANUFACTURING JOINS IPSC FAMILY

(June 15) - Officials for the International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) are please to announce that Argo Manufacturing has joined the growing list of corporations who see the new racing series as a great way to promote their services and products.

In addition to being the Official Pit Equipment Supplier of the IPSC, Argo Manufacturing will sponsor the Pace Race Jacks Halfway Award in the True Value 250 on July 4th at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine - round three of six events for 1999 IPSC compeition. The team whose car is leading at lap 125 of the prestigious event will receive a lightweight aluminum high-performance jack.

“We’re pleased to have a hardcore racing component company like Argo Manufacturing join us,” said Randy Black, IPSC Competition Director. Marty Block, Marketing Manager for Argo Manufacturing, says his company is excited to be involved with the IPSC.

“We have known of the True Value 250 for years,” said Block. “Even visited it as a race fan a few years ago. We remember lots of exciting, door-handle to door-handle racing and we, as a company, have seized the opportunity to become involved with this calibre or exciting racing. It’s an opportunity to showcase our products to the racers of the northeast.” Argo Manufacturing is a quality oriented manufacturer of various components used in the racing business, with their premiere line of performance Pace Pit Equipment leading the way. Pace Race Jacks -available in one to six pump configurations - are recognized as the gold standard of performance floor jacks in the industry. Argo Manufacturing also carries a complete line of pit equipment including pit carts, air wrenches, lug nut sockets, air regulators, lines, fittings and more.Innovative Argo chassis adjusters make for fast, easy adjustments. The Rapco Performance Brake Systems at Argo Manufacturing offer long-wearing, aircraft quality brake pads and high strength steel alloy rotors that are built to stay intact under pressure.

Argo Manufacturing is located in Wasco Illinois and has distributors located throughout North America. Call 1-800-327-3552 for the dealer nearest you.

Reserved grandstand seats for the True Value 250 at Oxford are selling at a record pace. Call the OPS ticket office at (207) 539-8865.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

(June 10) - In just two weeks, race teams will be packing their haulers and heading for Halifax, Nova Scotia and the running of the June 26th Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 at Scotia Speedworld, which marks the start of the busiest week of the year on the 1999 International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) calendar. That hectic time will conclude at Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS) in Maine on July 4th with the crown jewel on the series schedule - the True Value 250 at Oxford - a race with a total purse of over $200,000 (USD) that could pay the winner more than $50,000!

In less than a 10 day span - our very own Speedweek - more than one-quarter million dollars will be won by pro stock race teams, the majority of whom will hail from the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada. Both races are points paying events with the IPSC which will see more than $50,000 in cash and awards split among the top 15 drivers at the end of the six-race season.

More than a dozen teams are planning to make the trek from the United States for the Forbes Chev. Olds. 150, including Jerry Babb - Windham, Maine. Tim Brackett - Oxford, Maine; Ben Rowe - Turner, Maine; Louie Mechalides - Tyngsboro, Mass; Adam Friend - Pittsfield, Maine; Scott Robbins - Dixfield, Maine; Kirk Thibeau - Fort Fairfield, Maine; Bub Bilodeau - Standish, Maine; Johnny Clark - Hallowell, Maine; Peter Melanson - St. Albans, Maine; Tom Mayberry - Naples, Maine; Trevor Hold - Calais, Maine; and more. Add to the mix the strong contingent of Canadian racers expected, including names like Nova Scotia’s Scott Fraser (winner of Round 1 May 22nd at Oxford Plains Speedway), Ontario’s Bill Zardo and Derek Lynch, and the necessary ingredients are present for one of the most exciting stock car races in Eastern Canadian history! As many as 35 teams are expected to be on hand to compete for their slot on the 28-car starting grid. Then we turn the page to the True Value 250 at Oxford - this year being the 26th annual running of what has become known as one of most prestigious short track races in North America. In 1998 there were 101 teams in the pit area attempting to qualify for one of the 44 starting spots. All indications are that the 1999 entry number will exceed that - maybe even break the record set in 1981 at 106.

Although the True Value 250 is an IPSC points race, the qualifying format will remain true to the race’s heritage. 36 spots will be determined through Motor Mart Heat Races, Consis and a Last Chance Race. Four additional spots will be awarded the top four IPSC points getters who haven’t already qualified and additional spots may be awarded as Promoters Options. The IPSC version of Speedweek will see more than 700 laps of pro stock competition and race fans attending all of the events will witness over 1,400 laps of total racing action. The schedule follows:

Friday, June 25th (Scotia Speedworld - FREE Admission to the Grandstands): Noon-5 p.m. Practice for IPSC

Saturday, June 26th (Scotia Speedworld): 6 p.m. Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 - Round 2 of ‘99 IPSC

Thursday, July 1st (Oxford Plains Speedway): 7 p.m. Weekly Racing Series (Pro Stock/Late Model Stock/Limited Sportsman/Strictly Stock/Minis) FIREWORKS

Friday, July 2nd (Oxford Plains Speedway): Noon-5 p.m. Practice 7 p.m. The Big Apple Food Stores Summer Racing Series Presented by Texaco NELCAR Legends 9 p.m. Live Entertainment - Leavin’ City Limits

Saturday, July 3rd (Oxford Plains Speedway): Noon-5 p.m. Practice 7 p.m. Weekly Racing Series (No Pro Stock) True Value 250 Happy Hour Live Entertainment

Sunday, July 4th (Oxford Plains Speedway): 9 a.m. Practice 2 p.m. IPSC True Value 250 Qualifying & Weekly Racing Series (except LMS) True Value 250 at Oxford - Round 3 of ‘99 IPSC

Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Oxford Plains Speedway is located on Route 26 in Oxford, Maine. Advance tickets are currently available for the Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at Forbes Chev. Olds., Parts For Trucks, and D & D Racing; in Halifax, NS at Racing Around; in Bedford, NS at Municipal Contracting and in Yarmouth, NS at Motor Mart. Or, call Scotia Speedworld at (902) 481-2514.

Reserved grandstand seats for the True Value 250 at Oxford are selling at a record pace. Call the OPS ticket office at (207) 539-8865.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

Halifax, NS (June 4) - Officials for the International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) say the new stock car racing series is turning out to be exactly what they had hoped and planned it to be - a series to bring together the best racers from many different forums, thus creating an exciting show for both the racers and the race fans. Anticipation is indeed high as the date draws near for the next event, the Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 26th.

Looking through the entry list for Round 1 of the lucrative six-race schedule for ‘99 is confirmation that a dream has become reality. Top drivers from all of the major forces in stock car racing in Eastern Canada and New England were on hand at Oxford Plains Speedway May 22nd. Anybody who is anybody in racing circles would name MASCAR (Eastern Canada,) NEPSA (New England,) NASCAR Busch Grand National North (BGNN - New England,) and Oxford Plains Speedway weekly Pro Stock division as the dominant forces of racing in their respective areas.

Scott Fraser, from Shubenacadie, NS, who won the opening IPSC race, is a two-time MASCAR champion and also returned to Nova Scotia to pick up the checkers in the first race of the ‘99 MASCAR season, the day after his win at Oxford. John Flemming, winner of the second MASCAR event of the season, finished 28th at Oxford. “We were so frustrated with our car at Oxford because we couldn’t get a handle on the setup,” said Flemming. “We came home and tore it apart, starting at square one, and put it back together. Now it’s working the way we expected. I can’t wait for the next IPSC event.” NEPSA has run four events in ‘99. Two of the three winners on that series were at Oxford (Ralph Nason - 10th, and Ben Rowe - fifth.) The only repeat winner with NEPSA ‘99, Mike Rowe, as indicated he will be in Halifax June 26th. Nason is also a two-time NEPSA champion.

From the BGNN ranks came Dave Dion, Bill Penfold, Louie Mechalides, Ben Rowe and Adam Friend. Dion, the ‘96 BGNN champion who currently sits third in the ‘99 BGNN points, said he was impressed with the new series. “They did a good inspection today to make sure there’s a level playing field,” said an excited Dion after finishing fourth in Round 1. “These cars are so different than the Busch car. With these the driver really has to drive. It keeps me on my toes.”

Oxford Plains Speedway has long been recognized as a driving force in motorsports in New England. With an average weekly car count of 31 in the Pro Stock division, the track they call “Maine’s Superspeedway” is certainly living up to its reputation. Of the seven weekly events having been run on the 1/3-mile oval in ‘99, there have been six winners (Jerry Babb, Bub Bilodeau, Tim Brackett, Tom Mayberry, Sam Sessions - two time winner, Tommy Tompkins.) With the exception of Tompkins, all are expected in Halifax June 26th.

Then there is the race that true short track champions are measured by, the stuff that legends are made of, the race they call the “granddaddy of them all” - the True Value 250 at Oxford. An event that has seen racing legends such as Bobby Allison, Geoffrey Bodine, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip - and the list goes on... In it’s 25-year history, there have been 19 winners. Of those 19, five are still actively competing in the pro stock ranks. All five will race with the IPSC in ‘99 - Dave Dion (‘75, ‘85, ‘92 - only three time winner of the 250,) Larry Gelinas (‘96,) Derek Lynch (‘94,) Ralph Nason (‘98,) and Mike Rowe (‘84 and ‘97).

“This is incredible,” said Randy Black, Competition Director of the IPSC. “When I look at these statistics, well, I just shake my head. What we need to do now is keep the ball rolling, and we’re working hard to make sure that happens.”

The five race dates remaining on the ‘99 IPSC schedule are:
1 June 26 Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 Scotia Speedworld
2 July 4 True Value 250 at Oxford Oxford Plains Speedway
3 July 24 Copenhagen Inc./Ultramar CornerStore 150 Scotia Speedworld
4 Aug. 28 Atlantic CAT 150 Scotia Speedworld
5 Sept. 11 Citra 150 Oxford Plains Speedway

The series offers more than $550,000 (CDN - $350,000 USD) in total awards. Scotia Speedworld is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Oxford Plains Speedway is located on Route 26 in Oxford, Maine. Advance tickets are currently available for the Forbes Chev. Olds. 150 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at Forbes Chev. Olds., Parts For Trucks, and D & D Racing; in Halifax, NS at Racing Around; in Bedford, NS at Municipal Contracting and in Yarmouth, NS at Motor Mart. Or, call Scotia Speedworld at (902) 481-2514. Reserved grandstand seats for the True Value 250 at Oxford are selling at a record pace. Call the OPS ticket office at (207) 539-8865.

Get all the latest information on the IPSC at www.IPSChallenge.com.

Oxford, ME (May 22) - Courtesy IPSC - Scott Fraser of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia drove his No. 08 Atlantic CAT Monte Carlo to his first-ever career victory at Oxford Plains Speedway in the New England Dodge Dealers 100, the opening round of the 1999 International Pro Stock Challenge Series.

"The car was loose early," said the 28-year old driver who led all but 16 laps and picked up a cool $5,000.00 for the win. "When the clouds moved in and the track tightened up the car came to us."

Fraser started the feature from the outside pole and took the lead for the first time on the first lap. He stayed on the point until lap 36 when Jerry Babb of Maine slipped under Fraser through traffic. Fraser retook the lead on lap 58 and stayed there to the checkers.

A stellar 48-car field was on hand for the event with 36 cars making the starting grid. Motor Mart Heat race winners included Adam Friend, Maine, Louie Mechalides, Mass. and Ralph Nason, Maine. Fraser set quick time and established a track record for the pro stock division at Oxford in the Snap-on Tools Time Trials with a lap of 15.333 seconds. Jerry Babb won the Motor Mart Dash for Cash.

Round 2 of the International Pro Stock Challenge is set for June 26th at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

International Pro Stock Challenge Series (IPSC) Officials announced that the 1999 season will be dedicated to the inaugural series champion from 1998, the late Scott Kelly.

Kelly, at age 28 lost a two year battle with cancer on May 2nd, 1999. We lost a friend, and a great competitor, said Randy Black, IPSC Competition Director. As a tribute to Scott, all cars will carry No. 12 decals, we’ve retired the number 12 for the season (registered by Kelly for 99), and our series champion will receive a trophy called the Kelly Cup.

Kelly captured the overall championship for the series in September of 98 while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. A second-generation racer, son of 1985 MASCAR series champion Junior Kelly, Scott began racing in 1986 at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who, with Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine is co-promoting the six-race series.

In 1994, Scott took over the wheel of the MASCAR racer from his dad and went on to win the Rookie of the Year title for that series. In the next five seasons, he finished no further back in final points than fourth, with two seconds, a third and a fourth. In 1996, he finished an impressive third in the prestigious True Value 250 at Oxford. He was not only an exciting driver and a fan favorite, but a great person, added IPSC series Public Relations Director Joan Roue.

The first event on the Int'l PRO STOCK Challenge schedule is the New England Dodge Dealers 100 at Oxford Plains Speedway, Saturday, May 22, 1999.