OXFORD – Oxford Plains Speedway has announced a new sponsor for its showcase event, the 250-lap Pro Stock extravaganza held each summer in mid-July.

The event will now be known as the Banknorth Oxford 250, and will be part of a three-day weekend of racing at the Oxford oval.

The weekend starts with the LST Landscaping and Property Management ISMA Supermodified race on Friday, July 16. Saturday brings the ACT Dodge Tour into town for the Mainley-Action Sports 150. The weekend’s highlight will be the 31st Annual Banknorth Oxford 250 on Sunday, July 18.

“People travel from throughout New England and upstate New York to attend the Oxford 250 in Maine every summer,” said Rick Dempsey, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Banknorth Group, Inc. “As New England’s hometown bank, we saw this as a great opportunity to support a well-regarded sporting event that has strong local following in many Banknorth communities.”

The qualifying procedure for the Banknorth Oxford 250 begins at 2 p.m., setting the stage for Ben Rowe’s title defense.

Many deemed last year’s running as perhaps the best finish in the event’s 30-year history. Rowe put years of heartbreak and near-misses behind him when he led Steve Knowlton and Gary Drew across the stripe.

Rowe pocketed over $36,000 for his efforts and joined father and two-time champion, Mike Rowe, on the elite list of Oxford 250 champions.

Top regional talent such as Joe Bessey, Dale Shaw and Jeff Tayloy is expected to compete in the 2004 race.

try to dethrone the young lion.