Update: Race car driver in Oxford wreck in good condition

OXFORD — A race car driver was taken to a Lewiston hospital Wednesday night after a serious crash on the front stretch at Oxford Plains Speedway.

The woman, Christina Spaulding, 41, of Lisbon, was one of 12 registered to race at the track Wednesday, and one of six cars in the first of two heats in the Ladies Division of the NAPA Oxford Acceleration Series. She was reportedly in and out of consciousness as rescuers attempted to free her from the wreckage.

Spaulding was still being evaluated at Central Maine Medical Center three hours after the crash, according to a nursing supervisor at the Lewiston hospital.

The crash was reported shortly after 7 p.m., just as racing was getting underway.

Oxford fire and rescue crews responded to the track, using hydraulic equipment to free the driver from the car.

By 8 p.m., LifeFlight was being summoned to the track and was expected to land on the infield, which was cleared of vehicles to accommodate the helicopter. A short time later, however, LifeFlight was canceled and Spaulding was taken to CMMC by ambulance.

The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office was at the track interviewing witnesses as the investigation began.

Last month, Oxford Rescue ceased providing coverage for the speedway and nearby Oxford Dragway, although owners of both race tracks say they put in place an emergency personnel plan to keep race drivers and fans safe.

The rescue service had provided service to the tracks for decades. The contract between the town and the speedway, dated March 24, 2016, was terminated by letter on July 7.

Speedway officials did not immediately return messages left at the track Wednesday night.

Copy the Story Link