Across the country, the major discussion on every news station and talk show is the upcoming presidential election. With a little over a month until Americans will head to the polls, the mudslinging and campaigning is in full swing everywhere — everywhere, that is, except Wiscasset Speedway. With several division championships still up for grabs, drivers were as competitive as a presidential race, without all the talking. Sounds like a win-win.

The NAPA Modifieds 30- lap feature began with sparks as Allan Moeller and Nick Reno were caught up in traffic along the back straightway. Reno connected with the wall and the track was left under caution one lap in while the track crew removed his car. When the drivers moved finally into lap two, Adam Chadbourne had snatched a commanding lead, followed by Moeller and Mark Lucas. By lap 23, Moeller was close enough to Chadbourne to keep the latter warm with his engine, but the leader continued to use his speed on the straightway to keep the advantage. Chadbourne achieved his first career win in this division and Moeller took second. By placing third, Lucas claimed his second straight Modifieds Championship.

Sponsored by Kennebec Equipment Rental, the Outlaw Mini 25-lap feature race was set to be a contentious battle to the finish, with the division championship spot up for grabs. Zach Audet flew in front of the pack until Mike Bolduc caught the tires in turn four for the race’s first caution in lap six. Back on the green flag, Shawn Kimball took a small lead over Audet, leaving the two points leaders battling to secure the championship. Ultimately, Kimball won the race but Audet claimed the championship with his second place finish. Shane Smith came in third for his first appearance in victory lane this season.

Seven cars ended up against the wall between turns one and two before the completion of the first lap of the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman 35- lap feature race. That caution was quickly followed by a second on the restart when several cars ended up in the infield from a bumpy line up. Third time was the charm with the competitive pack continuing to go 3-wide throughout the first five laps. With several potential drivers still able to grab the Late Model championship, the race proved to be as competitive as ever. Dan Smart held a solid lead through the first few cautions until it was taken by Chris Thorne in lap five. The pack slowed for a brief caution when Tyler Robbin lost control and careened down pit road.

By lap ten, Thorne had cleared some distance between himself and the St. Clair clan who barreled toward him from behind — Josh in second and Ryan in third. By lap 15, Andrew McLaughlin had worked his way into third. In lap 31, a red flag stopped the track completely when a tangle with Smart spun Dave St. Clair before turn three, where his grandson, Josh, tboned his driver’s side door. Back in the action for the final five laps, Thorne was able to continue his lead over the finish line for first place and his fourth career Late Model Sportsman championship at Wiscasset.

McLaughin took home second and Nick Hinckley third. Thanks to a mood swing from Mother Nature, the rain that had been predicted for late Saturday night arrived an hour ahead of schedule. For the safety of drivers, the Top Gun Strictly Shootout has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday.

Whether you have attended one race or all of them, make sure you get the family together and head over to Wiscasset Speedway to wrap up the 2016 season next Saturday, October 8th at the Fall Fury. Starting at noon, all eight divisions will race, as well the Wicked Good Vintage Racers, followed by a cookout and awards ceremony for race teams and track staff. As always, a full day of fast and furious entertainment is only $5! For more information, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.