Highlight of racing: TD Bank 250 qualifying procedure The TD Bank 250 is without a doubt the highlight of New England Late Model racing. It is not often that the number of cars failing to make the race is higher than the number that do. This is why many say that qualifying alone is worth the price of admission. The qualifying format for the TD Bank 250 consists of Heat Races, Consolation Races and multiple Last Chance Races. It is possible for a driver to qualify by virtue of placing in the top four of his 15 lap heat race, or, for the less fortunate, run 55 laps without ever making the show. Below is the qualifying procedure for the TD Bank 250.
Bill Childs, Jr. gets into the sand during his first qualifying heat last year.
THE DRAW
6 HEAT RACES
Determines starting position in Heat race
Top 4 Qualify (positions 1-24)
Each driver’s name is added to a list when they roll their cars through pre-race inspection. That list is used to determine the order of “The Draw.� A member from each tea m must plunge t heir dig its into a bucket containing up to 150 numbered chips. A simple task that could mean the difference between sitting in the drivers seat ... or the grandstands.
Heat races a re a n intense a nd nerve-wracking experience. One 15-lap race will set the tone for your day. Finish in the top four and you have a few hours to prepare for one of the biggest races of your life. Fail to do so and chances are you’ll be scrambling up until the main event.
Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
3CONSOLATION RACES
these races are not intended for the faint of heart.
3 LAST CHANCE QUALIFIERS
Top 3 Qualify (positions 25-33) No driver wants to stare the Last C ha nce Qua l i f ier i n t he face knowing they must win to get in. TD Bank 250 Consolations w ill put every bit of your driving ability through the ultimate test of skill and determination.
Only the winner qualifies (positions 34-36) Ta lk about pressure. It’s a race where second-place will earn you a seat in t he grandstands. The
E x pect to see plent y of pa intswapping and torn sheet metal as
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TD BANK 250
winner is presented with a buyout option at the end: Take a $1,500 check and a seat in the stands or start at the rear of the field. And don’t count out the winner of this race. The 2005 last chance winner, Mike Rowe, became the first driver to take full advantage and win the main event, earning $26,000. 2002 victor Alan Wilson placed 4th in the big show taking home $6,000. Ricky Craven and Tracy Gordon a lso have led t he ma i n event after winning the non-qualifiers’ transfer spot.
Frequently asked questions How do I purchase tickets? TD Ba nk 250 tickets a re priced at $ 50, $40 a nd $ 30. A seat ing chart is available online at w w w. ox fordpl a i n s.c om . T ic ket s for t h e B r a c k e t t Me c h a n i c a l / R B Per forma nce PASS 150 a re $25. Special discount ticket packages are available for the weekend. FMI about specific seat availability or to purchase tickets, stop by the Speedway office on Route 26 or call 207-539-8865 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Is camping free? Camping is free for all events. Please read the rules. Also, be sure to visit Oxford Plains Speedway online for information on the latest racing news: www.oxfordplains.com
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, July 21, 2011