photo by Norm Marx

photo by Norm Marx

NAPLES, ME (August 9) – Ever since the first HP Hood Oxford 250 was held at Oxford Plains Speedway in 1974, it has attracted not only the best short track racers from New England, but from across North America. In that first event won by Joey Kourafas, the precedent was set that short track racing’s best would assemble at Oxford for the 250. In addition to the talented group of drivers from New England in the field that day, Southern aces Bosco Lowe and 1963 Daytona 500 winner Tiny Lund competed along with a strong group of Canadian drivers led by Jean Paul Cabana. In fact, the early years of the HP Hood Oxford 250 were dominated by Southern drivers such as Butch Lindley, Bob Pressley, and Tommy Ellis. The first Canadian to taste HP Hood Oxford 250 glory was Don Biederman in 1977.

This year, the tradition continues at the HP Hood Oxford 250 with drivers from outside the Northeast coming into challenge New England’s best on their “home” field. With several weeks remaining before the race, the entry list has grown to over 50. Among those who have already entered are Pacific Northwest legend Garrett Evans, who will be attempting the HP Hood Oxford 250 for the first time in his illustrious career. Since first competing with PASS in “The Race” at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2011, the Wenatchee, WA native has made several PASS South starts, but this will be only his second time ever competing at Oxford Plains. Defending PASS Pro Late Model champion and current PASS South Super Late Model championship contender, Kodie Conner, will make the trip from Kannapolis, NC for his first attempt at the 250.

Likewise, Boca Raton, FL driver Dalton Sargeant returns to Oxford Plains Soeedway after locking up a spot in the 250 via the PASS “non-winners” race back in July. Sargeant impressed in his first PASS South starts in late 2014 and is hoping for big things in his return to Oxford Plains.

“Really looking forward to Oxford Plains Speedway and returning for my first try at the 250,” says Sargeant, driver of the Windows 10/Lane Automotive Toyota Camry #55. “I cut my teeth racing in the PASS South Series, it was home to a few of my very first starts in a Super Late Model, so the series is like home for me.”

Canadian drivers have long been a part of the history and tradition of the HP Hood Oxford 250, but none has gone to victory lane since Canada’s three year streak of winning came to an end with Dave Whitlock’s victory in 1995. New Brunswick’s Matt Matheson will attempt to make the HP Hood Oxford 250 after competing with PASS North this year and finishing third in the 2013 PASS National Championship standings. Multi-time Maritime champion, John Flemming, also returns this year and will be making the tow from Nova Scotia.

With echoes of races past reverberating through Oxford’s famed grandstands, tradition lives as fans and racers can be assured that only the best in short track racing will be vying for a shot to go to victory lane on Sunday in the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250.

But the PASS Super Late Models will not be alone in making the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 a celebration of short track racing. A great slate of divisions is set to race starting on Friday, August 26 with the Street Stocks, Outlaws, Rebels, Trucks, Cruisers, Bandits, Legends, and Ladies, plus PASS Super Late Model practice. The PASS Super Late Models be on the track on Saturday, August 27 for practice in the morning, followed by racing in the evening for the ACT Late Models, Valenti Modifieds, PASS Modifieds, Classic Lites, Legends, Mini Stocks, Wicked Good, and Street Stocks. On Sunday, August 28, gates will open bright and early at 7 AM with a full day of on track activities including practice and heat race action for the PASS Super Late Models, followed by features for the PASS Modifieds, Street Stocks, North East Mini Stock Tour, Legends, Rebels, and finally the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 to begin at approximately 5:30 PM.

Entry forms for the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com and OxfordPlains.com. The PASS North Super Late Models and PASS Modifieds will be in action again on Friday night, August 12 at Lee USA Speedway. Entry forms for upcoming PASS action at Lee, South Boston and the 43rd Annual HP Hood Oxford 250 can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America’s premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and boasts such marquee events as the Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory Motor Speedway and the legendary HP Hood Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway. For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or [email protected]. Please visit ProAllStarsSeries.com for more information and don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.