OXFORD – The deadline for spectators to renew reserved seats to the TD Banknorth 250 has passed, meaning that outstanding seats in all three price blocks are available to anyone on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hailed as America’s richest one-day short track race since its inception in 1974, the 34th annual TD Banknorth 250 is scheduled for Sunday, July 30 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

For the third consecutive year, Oxford’s showcase race is scheduled on an off weekend for the elite NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, fueling anticipation that some of the biggest names in racing will join the top Pro Stock competitors from New England and Canada in the chase for a first prize exceeding $25,000.

Nextel Cup champions Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch have tested their mettle at the TD Banknorth 250 under the current scheduling arrangement, along with 2005’s Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year, Kyle Busch. Kenseth finished third in 2004, while Kyle Busch ran sixth in 2005 after leading the race prior to a pit stop with fewer than 50 laps remaining.

“We are certainly as anxious as everyone else to find out which Nextel Cup drivers might decide to join us at this year’s TD Banknorth 250,” said Oxford Plains Speedway President Bill Ryan. “It is fun to hear the speculation and buzz in the racing community as we get closer to spring. I think most of our fans would agree that it has brought an aura and some national attention back to this great race.”

TD Banknorth 250 weekend is a three-day event. It includes Call of the Wild Night, an OPS Weekly Racing Series program on Friday, July 28, and the American-Canadian Tour Maine-Ly Action Sports 100 on Saturday, July 29. Those are seperate admission events from the TD Banknorth 250, although three-day pit passes are available.

This year’s race will have special historic implications as ageless Mike Rowe of Turner attempts to become the first four-time race winner, breaking a record he now shares with Dave Dion and Ralph Nason. Rowe was recently named 2005 Touring Series Driver of the Year both the Northeast Motorsports Expo and the Web site Speed51.com, a tribute to the long reach and rich tradition of this race.

Seats are available at $50, $40, and $30. A seating chart is available online at www.oxfordplains.com. For more information about specific seat availability or to purchase tickets, stop by the Speedway office on Route 26 or call (207) 539-8865 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.