OXFORD — One of NASCAR’s most accomplished and respected stars was in western Maine on Friday, greeting local race fans and helping Oxford Casino celebrate its first expansion of floor space.

Hall of Fame driver and former national champion Bobby Allison was a guest of casino investor and local business icon Bob Bahre. Allison’s visit came as 10,000 square feet of new gaming space was officially opened to the public.

Part of what makes the town of Oxford so special to Allison is the fact he notched his first career Grand National victory at Oxford Plains Speedway in 1966. That win helped the leader of what became known as the “Alabama Gang” gain respect in NASCAR and launched a career more than worthy of his HOF induction.

“The car I won that race with had quite a history,” said a now 74-year Allison with a sparkle in his eye. “Because of NASCAR’s rules at the time, I had a ton of work in that Chevelle including my own front clip. I had some issues with it early on, like losing the rear end one time and running out of gas another while leading the race.”

Once Allison got past the mechanical gremlins and glitches he admits were of his own doing, the car took a turn for the better.

“When it came time to come up to Maine, I had just bought a new engine block and needed a place to work,” said Allison. “I met Bob Bahre, who hooked me up with the local Chevy dealer. Once they closed their service department, I unloaded the car and we went to work. I took that car to the track, sat on the pole and went on to win my first major race. I have very fond memories of how that turned out up here.”

A recent article on NASCAR.com earlier this week addressed Allison’s role in radio communications between driver and teams, along with the use of spotters to help trouble on the track.

“I’m proud of those innovations and what I was able to contribute to the sport,” he said. “I had a lot of success over a span of many years, so giving something back to the sport is rewarding.”

As NASCAR’s modern-day stars invade New Hampshire this week in preparation of Sunday’s Sylvania 300, Allison looks at the 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup and just who might wind up as champion.

“I think you might see a few surprise winners in this year’s Chase,” said the 1983 Winston Cup champion and winner of 84 Cup races. “I know we’ll see a lot of intense racing, including Sunday in Loudon. As for who might come out on top, I think you have to watch guys like Jimmy Johnson and Brad Keselowski. Brad’s car owner, Roger Penske, he’s won Indy countless times, yet lacks a NASCAR title. That group wants it pretty badly.”

For Bahre, the chance to have an old friend like Allison visit his latest pet project was a pleasure. The two met back when Bobby first came to race at Oxford and have been friends ever since.

“This is great to have Bobby come up and see the fans,” Bahre said. “We still keep in touch all the time, and he’s a real class act. I always enjoy my time with him; he is a close and very genuine friend.”

Bahre was all smiles as he and Allison prepared to meet the public at 4 p.m. for a two-hour stint. With solid foot traffic since opening day and customers anxious for more slots and tables, he and fellow investors seem thrilled with how things have gone in Oxford thus far.

“I’m very pleased with how people are coming to check the place out and asking for expansion. I really got involved with this place in the first place to create jobs,” he said. “The whole town of Oxford was so supportive of me when I bought the track in 1964. They bought tickets and supported me back then, now I’ve helped provide jobs for people who needed them while also drawing interest to this area. I’m very happy with how it’s moving along.”

Allison admits his wife Judy is a fan of slot machines. As he was taken on a tour of the new gaming space and overall casino layout, he lit up like some of the machines on the floor. It is, after all, a little bit of Las Vegas in the woods of western Maine.

“I am very impressed with what I’ve seen here today,” said the man who’s been everywhere and seen more than most will in a lifetime. “I knew it would be classy if Bob was behind it, and it looks nice yet not overblown on the outside. Once I got inside, I was blown away. My wife would love this place.”