CARIBOU, Maine — Austin Theriault, the 2017 ARCA Racing Series champion, will make a return to his home race track Tuesday when he competes in the Pro All Star Series Aroostook Savings and Loan Firecracker 200 at Spud Speedway Tuesday, July 3.
The Fort Kent native will be behind the wheel of his No. 57 super late model car, T-Rex, for the feature race that begins at 7 p.m. He hasn’t competed since the ARCA championship last October.
“I’m getting a little rusty, but I’ve won some races with that car and hopefully it doesn’t let me down,” Theriault announced on Facebook Live Tuesday evening, June 26.
The race marks Theriault’s first time at the Caribou track since 2012.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve raced at Spud Speedway,” Theriault said in a press release on his Austin Theriault Racing website. “The track’s owner, Troy Haney, has planned the biggest event the track has seen in decades and I’m proud to play a small part in it.
“I have many Maine and Canadian fans and I’m looking forward to seeing them at the track,” he added.
Theriault began his racing career at Spud Speedway in 2007.
He resides in North Carolina and currently serves as a coach for ARCA racing series driver Chase Purdy. Theriault will be in Chicago for an ARCA race Thursday and plans to travel to Maine sometime this weekend, according to his Facebook Live announcement.
Theriault’s car will feature Maine-based sponsors Cross Insurance, Daigle Oil Company, Pelletier Ford and Voisine Technology Services.
The Firecracker 200 is part of the “Roads to Oxford and Richmond” series. The race winner will receive $5,000 and choose a guaranteed starting spot in the 45th annual Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway on Aug. 26 or the inaugural PASS Commonwealth Classic at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. on Oct. 20.
“Hopefully Tuesday’s race will turn into other races,” Theriault said.
Through a partnership of Spud Speedway, Aroostook Savings and Loan and WAGM TV, the race will raise money for Feed the County, a part of the Catholic Charities of Maine, to help support 24 food pantries throughout the county.
“Not only will the Firecracker 200 bring top super late model drivers from around New England and Canada, but the fact that we’ll be raising money to help those in need in Aroostook County is something very special to me,” Theriault said.
“The people of The County have been my fans since day one, and I’m looking forward to giving back to those who need it the most by helping put on a great race at Spud Speedway.”
