OXFORD – Mother Nature has not been particularly kind this year at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Back in May, two Saturday nights in a row were lost to inclement weather, then our much talked-about, rain-soaked second half of summer wreaked havoc on a few more weekly shows. And just when it looked like the annual Little Guy 100s would run off without a hitch, a pesky line of steady showers played the role of spoiler once again.

Carey Martin and Jim Childs were able to record wins in their respective features before the rains brought the Strictly Stock event to an abrupt halt after just six laps of racing.

Childs took the lead from Larry Melcher in heavy lapped traffic on Lap 24 and survived a strong challenge from his father to notch the Mini Stock 50-lap feature. Melcher, a multi-time winner in 2004, started from the pole and looked invincible until he came up on a pack of slower cars in Turn 1. Defending race champion Bill Childs Sr. ran up front throughout and took second away from Melcher briefly during the mid-stages, but the Livermore driver got back by as the laps ran down to claim second. Auburn’s Danny Morris and Ted Audet of Greene rounded out the top five.

Martin earned the win in the caution-plagued Limited Sportsman feature with a brilliant performance. The Denmark driver took the lead from polesitter Dennis Spencer Jr. on Lap 13 and built as much as a half-straightaway lead en route to the victory. Spencer attempted to run down Martin, but frequent yellow flags prevented him from mounting a successful bid.

“This is what we wait for at the end of the year,” said Martin. “This is the first time I’ve ever won a 100-lap race here. We’re moving up to Late Model Stock next year, so to go out on such a positive note means a lot to us. What a great way to end the season.”

Beech Ridge regular Derek Kneeland ran among the leaders all night and finished third, while Durham’s Marty Emerson and Bruce Helmuth of Auburn came home fourth and fifth, respectively.

Sessions led the Strictly Stock field down into Turn 1 just as a light rain shower approached the speedway. Just as the drivers settled into a rhythm, the rain picked up in intensity and forced officials to halt the event. The shower persisted, and track owner Bill Ryan made the decision at about 8:40 p.m. to postpone the event. The program will conclude as part of the annual “Hell on Wheels” show on Oct. 10. Ticketholders from Saturday night’s event may hold onto their stubs for admission to October’s conclusion.

This was the second straight year that rain effected the proceedings during the Little Guy event. The conclusion of the Strictly Stock feature, starting from lap 12, will be the first item of business on Oct. 10. Following that will be the Late Model Stock 100 lap race, then the regular event schedule for the Hell on Wheels program will resume.