Staff Reporter
The once broken down bleachers at Spud’s Speedway in Caribou were filled with cheering fans when the recently-opened track hosted another weekend of stockcar and motocross racing for thrill seekers from across Aroostook County and beyond on September 8 and 9. The newly-renovated track encouraged both seasoned and green racers to purchase a car and try their hand at the raceway. Local restaurant owner, Bob Rankin of Stockholm, enjoyed his first official stock car race at the raceway on Labor Day weekend. Like many area residents he has always had an interest in racing, and now with a raceway in Aroostook County he can final enjoy racing as a hobby.
“I have always enjoyed motor sports, and the raceway appeared at the right time and in the right place,” he commented. Rankin got his vehicle from Anderson’s Salvage Yard and with a little work he is ready to race.
While the raceway has drawn a number of new drivers to the sport, it has also has a quality track and competition to attract seasoned racers to the participate in the fun. Phil Adams of Caribou practically grew up on the race-track as his parents’ house sits right behind the former Limestone Motor Speedway. Over the years he as won a number of divisions and championships around the state, and he hopes to take home a trophy at Spud’s Speedway in the future. Like many Aroostook County residents attending the weekend events, he commented that he is extremely happy to have a local place to race.
Drivers weren’t the only ones who were excited. Harley Hansell, 12, of Caribou sat on the edge of the raceway with her friends cheering on her father who was participating in the Northern Lights division. While watching is fun, she hopes to get into the action next year.
“I want to race in the Young Guns next summer,” she stated tossing her long blonde hair.
Hansell’s sentiment was shared by a number of the teenagers hanging out in the pit and helping their friends and family ready their cars. Fifteen-year-old Dylan Hamilton of Claire View, NB stated that he hopes to race next year as well. He has been coming to the track every weekend with his friend Shawn Hamilton who races in the Young Guns devision to help him get his car ready in the pit. To Dylan Hamilton racing wasn’t all about winning a trophy. He commented that Shawn Hamilton had done “pretty good” as he had “kept it on the track.”
During intermission, speedway fans gathered around vending stands like Kam’s Kart which served up hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries and soft drinks.
Kyle Gagnon of Caribou took home first place in the Young Guns category, followed by Chase Chandler of Crouseville and Keith Thibeau II of Fort Fairfield.
In the all-female Powder Puff division, Charly-Rae Chandler of Crouseville earned first place when she showed off her first rate-skills on the track, followed by Sheana Caron of Caribou and Lisa Levasseur of Van Buren.
Jason Forbes of Castle Hill placed first in the group A of the Northern Lights, followed by Bob Anderson of Caribou and Wayne Fox Jr. in third. Group B was led by Paul Caron of Caribou in first, Jake Rodrigue of Woodland in second and Jeff St. Peter of Caribou in third.
Eric Argraves of Castle Hill placed first in the Street Stocks, followed by Jeff Willette of Presque Isle in second and Dana York of Fort Fairfield taking third.
