Maine on NASCAR’s map, again

Dale Brackett’s foot is in the door.

Brackett, 31, is the only driver from Maine currently active in any of NASCAR’s top three touring series. He is entered in tonight’s AAA Insurance 200 at O’Reilly Raceway Park near Indianapolis.

Not to be confused with the driver of the same name or anyone with the same last name competing at Oxford Plains Speedway, Brackett lives in Strong.

After applying for three years, Brackett was granted a license to compete in seven truck races this season, at some of the shorter tracks on the circuit.

His first attempt came at Martinsville, Va., in March and was rained out. Brackett so far has failed to qualify for his initial start.

“It’s very humbling and a privilege,” Brackett told the Morning Sentinel of Waterville in April. “It’s amazing. I’m living the dream … Every day I pinch myself and walk around with a big smile.”

Brackett has been a part-time competitor in the Pro All Stars Series since 2006.

Another Strong native, Shain Romanoski, is Brackett’s crew chief. The Romanoski family has independently campaigned a car in the International Supermodified Association for several years.

Qualifying for tonight’s race is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will air on Speed. That network also has the race broadcast beginning at 8 p.m.

Brackett’s truck is No. 06.

Seventh heaven

Seven of the top 15 finishers in Sunday’s TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway are weekly competitors at the track. That tied a record set in 2000.

Corey Morgan rallied from one lap down to finish third. Don Wentworth was eighth, followed by Ricky Rolfe (10th), Travis Stearns (11th), Shawn Martin (13th), Dennis Spencer Jr. (14th) and Tim Brackett (15th).