Wiscasset Speedway will open for racing Saturday afternoon as Richard and Vanessa Jordan begin their second season owning the track. The couple will drop the green flag at 2 p.m.
The Jordans bought the track in July 2012 for $130,000 in a foreclosure auction.
Doug White had owned it but ran into financial difficulties. He closed it down after the 2010 season.
Ken Minott, track promoter and announcer, said the schedule that resulted in a good first season will be maintained. The eight classes will be divided into two four-class groupings that will race every other Saturday.
There will also be one flex class each week, including the NELCAR Legends cars, the Allison Legacy Tour, spectator drag races, the Wicked Good Vintage cars, Enduros and Flagpole races.
The reason to divide the eight classes was to keep each program shorter for the benefit of the fans, especially those who bring young children with them. It enables the fans to get home at a more reasonable hour.
“It was a good decision. Sometimes you have to think outside the box,” said Minott. “It’s unconventional, but it worked.”
The admission price of $5 for the grandstands will remain. Children ages 6 and under are free. Pit admission will be $20.
“We want to keep it affordable so families can come,” said Minott.
While there wasn’t racing for points a year ago, one of the changes this season will include the drivers in the eight classes racing for a points championship. However, there won’t be a points fund.
“The drivers voted to race for points this season,” explained Minott.
There have been some improvements, including a new septic system and upgraded public address system in the pits, according to Minott.
“And they’re in the process of buying a scoreboard which will also serve as a message board,” he said.
Saturday’s race card, in addition to the NELCAR Legends cars, will include Pro Stocks, NAPA Super Streets, New England 4-cylinder Pros and Outlaw Minis. The Pro Stock feature will be 40 laps, while the others will be 25-lap races.
Saturday, April 26, will feature Late Models, Strictly Streets, Thunder 4s, Trucks and the Legacy Tour. That will also be a 2 p.m. start.
Night racing will start 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
Two of the marquee events on the schedule will be the Coastal 200 Late Model race at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, and the Boss Hogg 100 Pro Stock race at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9.