OXFORD – Arrests at the TD Banknorth 250 were down this year. Credit a joint effort made by the Oxford Police Department and Oxford Plains Speedway.

The race drew 14,000 fans this year, but only 24 arrests were made. On an average year, more than 30 people are arrested at the event and during the days leading up to it.

“We were really surprised,” said Sgt. Rickie Jack of the Oxford Police Department. “I think it went really smoothly. The jail was happy.”

Jack said that the Oxford County Jail is nearing capacity and there were fears that it would become overcrowded after the 250 weekend.

Jack said police from Norway, Paris and Mechanic Falls and Oxford County sheriff’s deputies were called out to help Oxford police at the race track.

Most race-related arrests made were for disorderly conduct. There was also an alleged domestic assault and a woman was charged with she allegedly failed to disperse when told to. Three people were charged with operating under the influence before they left the speedway parking lot. Jack said that’s also a low number.

Oxford police stepped up their patrols in the area in the days before the race. Jack said that arrests made before the event were mostly for alcohol and criminal trespassing.

The speedway did its part by requiring campers to register before they could spend the night at the racetrack. “People sometimes arrive just for the party, not the races,” Jack said in noting the registration requirement.

Six of the 24 people arrested at Oxford Plains Speedway over the weekend were ordered not to return there as a condition of their bail.

“If you get arrested at the speedway, you don’t go back to the speedway,” Jack said.

Four of those banned from the track were charged with disorderly conduct, one with disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing, and one with furnishing liquor to a minor.

Oxford Town Manager Michael Chammings said neighbors were happy with the weekend, for the most part. “I’ve had mostly compliments,” he said. “The only complaints were about the loud music when the band went late.”