Six days from now, we may finally know at least one answer to that infamous, infernal musical question.

Tom Mayberry let the dogs out.

In this case, we’re talking about the Pro All Stars Series and Wiscasset Raceway promoter’s pet race, the Big Dawg Challenge.

Although the actual size of the pack has been debated in local racing circles for almost a year and truly can’t be predicted until race day, there seems one logical conclusion.

That is: A whole bunch of hungry Pro Stock drivers from New England, the Canadian Maritimes and points south and west will chase a prime rib of local lucre with canine ferocity.

Not the usual $1,500, $3,000 or $5,000 bone for an extended day’s work, next Sunday’s highest reward is a beefy, guaranteed $75,000. If the race winner competed in any combination of seven PASS or Wiscasset Pro Stock features this season, Mayberry will pile on another $25,000.

Top dogs among those seeking the first and likely only six-figure payday of their lives: PASS and True Value 250 champion Ben Rowe, along with local standouts Dale Shaw, Sam Sessions, Larry Gelinas, Johnny Clark and Jeff Taylor.

Former Slim Jim All-Pro Series champion Freddie Query and transplanted Mainers Pete Silva and Stan Meserve are among the southern racers reportedly contemplating a journey to the rockbound coast for a crack at the substantial money and glory.

No race in the region ever has met with such a volatile combination of enthusiasm and skepticism. Being a fan for more than 25 years and a journalist for the last 15, I’ve barked my share of both.

If the cross-section of competitors is as vast as predicted, if the Good Lord graces our state with two consecutive days of dry weather, if walk-up ticket sales are brisk and the temperature isn’t, this 400-lap marathon could be the biggest event in Maine motor sports history.

Could be.

Even as Mayberry called a press conference two days before Thanksgiving to boldly announce his new endeavor, he chose his words conservatively.

He said that he was only committing to one year, adding that the near $200,000 purse would take care of itself if lap sponsors stepped forward at a clip of $250 apiece to foot the bill. Time will tell if the racing community lived up to its end of that bargain. In many ways, the success of the Big Dawg Challenge is a reflection of the health of local racing in our area. Are we an armchair, NASCAR-consuming congregation who only frequents the local tracks between June 1 and July 31, or do we appreciate a great, grass-roots race when it’s served to us on a silver platter at any time of year?

Here’s hoping the latter rings true next Saturday and Sunday, and that a true tradition is born.

Who are you callin’ little?

Of course, there are options for spectators seeking one more dose of local racing before the snow flies.

Oxford Plains Speedway presents its 8th-annual Little Guy 100s next Sunday. The Pro Stocks being showcased 90 minutes to the southeast need not apply, as the Late Model Stock, Limited Sportsman and Strictly Stock divisions share the spotlight with long-distance races on the docket. Rules are streamlined to allow drivers from other New England speedways to compete, making it an all-star event for the intermediate classes to round out the season.

Mini Stock cars also have a 50-lap event on the schedule. Qualifying races begin at 1 p.m., with adult spectators admitted for only $10.

The Little Guy 100s provide the meat in a three-race sandwich to conclude Oxford’s 54th year as a racing facility.

Today marks the second season of the Big Apple Summer Series Showdown. The drivers fill the OPS garage on Wednesday nights during the summer months, and they’ll be showcased in a series of extended events. With every major track in Maine now featuring a similar program, there is the possibility of nearly 300 competitors attempting to make the starting grids when qualifying commences at 1 o’clock.

Oxford drops its checkered flag with the annual Halloween on Wheels exhibition on Sunday, Oct. 19. The speedway’s annual awards banquet is two nights earlier at Verrillo’s Restaurant in Westbrook. Tickets are $35 and are available by calling the speedway office at 539-8865.

Martin wins big

Oxford champion Carey Martin captured a caution-filled Street Stock 100 and its $5,000 top prize at Unity Raceway last weekend. It matched the largest winner’s share of Martin’s career. He also pocketed five grand for winning the 200-lap True Value Street Stock World Championship at OPS in 1993.

Martin, who hails from the community of Denmark, won his record fourth Limited Sportsman title at his home track in 2003.

Kalle Oakes is sports editor and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].