OXFORD — Back in the middle of May, a young man from Pittston stood the local short track world on its collective ear when he won the season-opening ACT 150 with a veteran-like performance. When he returned to his home track Saturday night, he was untouchable once again.

Ben Ashline powered his way around the outside of Chris Coolidge on lap 17, then pulled away to claim the 40-lap Late Model trophy dash at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Coolidge hung on for second in a career-best effort, while 2004 champion Shawn Martin landed on the podium again with a solid third. Shawn Knight and point leader Travis Stearns completed the top five.

Joe Morey, Josh Childs, Jimmy Childs and Rick Spaulding were also feature winners on Christmas in July Toy Drive night at the historic western Maine oval.

Matt Sanborn led a big 28-car field of Late Models to the green flag, an expanded field as several teams were on hand tuning up for the TD Bank 250. Sanborn’s time up front was brief, as Billy Childs took over before Coolidge took command at lap 4.

“I’m not going to lie, that was a lot of fun,” a slightly surprised Ashline explained in Victory Lane. “I really didn’t expect to be that good. We just came down to log some laps for the 250. We bought some new tires today, and the car really loved them. I’m pretty excited about the way we’re running with the 250 just two weeks away.”

Finishing sixth through 10th in the Late Model feature was Shane Green, Tommy Ricker, Scott Luce, defending champion Jeff White and TJ Brackett. After suffering major damage early on, Brackett was fortunate to come away with a top 10 result. His father finished right behind him in 11th with another solid effort.

Morey drove inside of Mike Childs on lap 2 and powered away to claim the first of two Outlaw features. The driver from Lisbon was dialed in on this night and went unchallenged in the closing laps. Childs hung on for second, while David Whittier finished in third. John Lizotte and Kyle Hewins rounded out the top five in a caution-free affair.

Josh Childs blasted his way past early leader Dan Brown and pulled steadily away to claim the second (high point) feature for the mighty Outlaws. His uncle Guy finished a close second, while Brown faded to third at the checkered flag. Recent winner Mike Haynes and Matt Dufault completed the top five.

Jimmy Childs recorded his 44th career victory in the Mini Stock division and second of 2012 with a dominant performance. The dedicated and devoted racer from Leeds led all 30 circuits, with only a brief challenge from George Fortin in the early laps. Rob Greenleaf, easily the fastest man in Mini Stocks until Childs finished his new car came home second, while Fortin settled for third. Pete McCollett and Scott Farrington rounded out the top five.

“My tires weren’t the best in practice or qualifying, I think I’m a little bit behind everybody else as far as having new tires goes,” Childs explained. “But we adjusted the car some before the feature, and it sure was fast. Two wins in this short amount of time is awesome, but it wouldn’t be possible without my father. I really appreciate all the help he gives me, plus all the work my cousin (Perley) does to help out. I’m thrilled to win again.”

Childs is quickly closing in on Cliff Libby’s record of 46 Mini Stock feature victories on Oxford’s all-time win list. If he can manage three more before season’s end, he’ll take over the top spot – and probably for good.

Spaulding made his visit to Victory Lane a memorable one, leading the final 27 laps of the Strictly Stock feature. The seasoned veteran from Lisbon drove to the inside of Spencer Thompson to take command at lap 3 and cruised home to a convincing win. Recent winner David Tripp was second, followed by Lewiston’s Corey Morgan in third. Matt Williams and talented youngster Ryan Hewins completed the top five.

“I figured the way the last couple of races have been going, I better take off and not look back,” Spaulding said. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of problems the last couple of weeks. I had a flat while running fourth which really hurt. I’ve been waiting to be up here, and it sure feels great.”

Ben Ashline waves the checkered flag after winning the late model feature at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday. 

Butch Keene, front, of Turner, Rob Greenleaf, of Minot, Scott Farrington (22) of Minot and Calvin Rose Jr. (8) of Turner fly down the back stretch during the mini stock feature at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday. Jimmy Childs of Leeds won the race. Greenleaf took second and rookie George Fortin placed third. 

The green flag drops at the start of the late model feature at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday. 

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