By Phil Whipple,Staff Writer

PORTLAND – Every summer around this time, area short track teams get their big chance to shine. It comes in the form of the TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, a race that probably means more to its contestants than most fans will ever know.

Anticipation is running high as race weekend approaches. The speedway held its annual pre-race news conference Wednesday, with a strong contingent of enthusiastic drivers on hand. In attendance to give their take on this year’s premiere short track race were Ben Rowe, Mike Rowe, Bill Whorff Jr., Jeremie Whorff, Scott Robbins, Johnny Clark and Andy Shaw.

Speedway owner Bill Ryan Jr. talked about the popularity the event has enjoyed, and how he anticipates another competitive race.

“Last year when we brought in NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch, interest from fans just exploded. This year, with Matt coming back and Kurt’s younger brother Kyle, fans are also very excited about the race.”

Ryan says interest is high among race teams, as well.

“We’ve had a ton of teams call to say they’re coming, and I have no doubt that fans will see an entertaining race on Sunday.”

Each year the entry list for the TD Banknorth 250 represents a mix of touring series drivers and veteran weekly warriors. Among that list is Ben Rowe, of Turner, the defending two-time champion. If he wins again this Sunday night, he would join Unity’s Ralph Nason with three consecutive 250 victories.

Never one to appear nervous, Rowe says he’s prepared and isn’t worked up over the race.

“I don’t really feel any pressure to speak of. I know a lot of people will be watching,” he said, “but they’ll be watching a lot of other drivers, too.”

The former PASS champion has struggled slightly in touring series races this season, but still feels he can be a contender. “My car has just been a bit off this year, but we’re not too worried,” Ben Rowe said. “We’ll make some changes as conditions require this weekend, and should have at least a top-five car come race time.”

Mike Rowe, who nearly won the recent PASS race at OPS last month, says his team could land in Victory Lane late Sunday evening.

“We’ve had a pretty fast car this year on the PASS tour. I was running well in the Dodge Dealers 150, but just couldn’t finish it off. I think if we get a decent starting position, we’ll have a shot at the win.”

Once tabbed “The King of Oxford” by longtime OPS announcer Bob Walker, Rowe would love nothing more than to bag his 150th career win at Oxford this Sunday.

Clark, the 2004 PASS champion who dominated the first half of last year’s 250, says patience is the key to victory this weekend.

“You just have to be careful and not forget its a long race,” he explained. “You can’t get yourself into any tight situations, and need to use patience with lapped traffic.”

An encounter with a lapped car cost Clark a chance for victory last July.

Scott Robbins, of Dixfield, won the 2002 edition but is running a limited schedule in 2005.

“The car felt pretty good in the last PASS race at Oxford, and I think we can adjust it some for more speed come Saturday’s practice,” said Robbins. “Actually, not running full-time has given us more time to prepare. We haven’t been hurried, and should be ready for Sunday.”

Some of the drivers not in attendance Wednesday yet among the favorites to win are Hebron’s Alan Wilson and eight-time OPS track champion Jeff Taylor. Wilson looked to have the 2004 edition well in hand when his car suffered mechanical trouble while leading on lap 242. Taylor has two wins in weekly competition at Oxford this year, including a dominant victory last Saturday night.

Every driver in the room Wednesday agreed – the luck of the draw and patience are what will determine who wins.

“Where you draw for that qualifying heat is always huge at the 250,” said Clark. “But its the same for all of us, and once we’re in the race, then its time to get settled in and use your head.”