OXFORD — It only took one slight bobble.

John Donahue got up onto the curbing just for an instant coming through turn 4 on lap 119, and Eric Williams drove on by,
then hung on to claim the New England Dodge Dealers Fall 150 for the American-Canadian Tour on Sunday at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Williams, of Hyde Park, Vt., became the fourth different leader in the season finale for the Vermont-based Late Model tour. Joey Polewarczyk Jr., winner of the ACT 150 at Oxford on May 17, led 60 laps and settled for second, while Donahue carried the momentum built from winning last Sunday’s Milk Bowl to a solid third.

Brian Hoar started on the pole, led the first 17 circuits and came home fourth to lock up the 2009 ACT title, the sixth of his stellar career. Local veteran Tim Brackett of Buckfield completed the top five.

This was Williams’ second win of 2009 and sixth of his career. His most recent victory came back on May 3 at Thunder Road in the Merchant’s Bank 150.

“This is pretty special to win here at Oxford,” Williams said. “Brian, Joey and John, they’re all strong, and I didn’t know if we had enough to get by them. John bumped the curb there once and I snuck by him. With three more restarts after that, it was challenge to get this one done. Any ACT win is special, but today’s win here perfectly caps a great season.”

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After a terrific start to his 2009 campaign, Polewarczyk had struggled the past few races and was looking to end his season on a high note.

“The outside line kind of went away for me in the closing laps,” Polewarczyk said. “Eric ran a clean race, and so did John
(Donahue). This was just good, close racing the whole distance. I had a lot of fun, it was a great way to finish the year.”

Hoar stood back and took a few moments to reflect on his accomplishment after the event. He earned his first five ACT titles quite some time ago in family-owned equipment, but now drives for Rick Paya, who fielded cars for seven-time champion Jean-Paul Cyr. Hoar ran the NASCAR Camping World East Series for a while, then returned to his ACT roots in 2008. This season, it took while for the team to gel, but when it did — Hoar returned to his old ways.

“This is pretty awesome for me,” Hoar said as he hoisted the champion’s trophy. “It’s remarkable to go nine years without winning a race, and then to come back and run so well means an awful lot.”

Finishing sixth through 10th was Bradley Babb, Jay Laquerre, ACT points runner-up Scott Payea, Brent Dragon and Jamie Fisher. Six cautions slowed the pace, none for a serious incident. The biggest contact came then Tyler Cahoon of St. Johnsbury, Vt., slapped the outside wall coming off turn 4 on lap 75. Cahoon was uninjured, and racing resumed shortly after the incident.

Fifteen of the 33 starters finished on the lead lap, with all but four running at the finish. Other drivers of note competing in
Sunday’s race included 2009 Oxford champion Travis Adams (12th); OPS veteran Shawn Martin (16th); TD Banknorth 250 and ACT Invitational at NHMS winner Eddie MacDonald (20th); and multi-time 250 winner Ben Rowe, of Turner, who finished 32nd after a rough outing.

Fifty-three cars attempted to qualify. Oxford wrapped up their 2009 season Sunday with the Little
Guy 100s following the ACT 150. Oxford’s Acceleration Series classes also concluded their seasons with 50-lap non-point races.    


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