UNITY — It began as a late-season fling for local racers back in 1986, and despite a series of changes in promoters, it not only survived but has grown into one of the richest single-day Late Model races in the state.
When the 30th annual Long John 116 takes the green flag Sunday, Oct. 16, at historic Unity Raceway, it continues a tradition started by three-time Oxford 250 winner Ralph Nason and caps a successful management stint for outgoing promoter Nick Huff.
“I like to think of the Long John race as the Oxford 250 for Late Models,” Huff said. “This will be my third year of organizing it, and since George Fernald bought the track and takes over next year, it will be my last.
“It will be an emotional weekend as I finish up my lease. I feel like I made quite a difference at the track. I’m putting up a big purse with no guarantee I’ll get it back. I just want to go out in style with a successful race.”
This year’s Fall Classic is expected to draw drivers from around the state. With a payout based on the track’s Facebook page (number of Likes equals dollars) the minimum purse for this year’s winner is already sitting at $4,500.
“With lap money, a driver could easily walk away with over $5,000,” Huff added. “I know we’ll have a full field of talent from all over seeking the win, and I hope fans will come out to see one last great battle before the gates close on 2016.”
The Long John 116 is a three-day affair, with an open practice session scheduled for Friday. Action picks up Saturday with racing for support classes, while Sunday features qualifying and feature action for Maine’s Late Model spectacle.
“The whole weekend will be filled with fun. On Saturday, we’ll have a contest for the best decorated camper, a barbecue contest with three categories, and we’ll cap the night with a big bonfire and fireworks display. On Sunday, the big race takes center stage.”
Pro All Stars Series (PASS) regular Mike Hopkins of Hermon won the Long John race in 2015 driving for car owner Paul White. He’ll return next Sunday to defend his crown, and looks to repeat in one of his favorite Late Model events.
“I’ve got a great car to drive and I’m excited about getting back to Unity,” Hopkins said. “I know I’ll give it my best shot to repeat, but with the strong field expected, it will be a major challenge. I’m ready for that and really looking forward to it.”
Chris Thorne has been tearing it up on the eastern Maine Late Model scene in 2016. The veteran from Sidney won the famed Coastal 200 at Wiscasset in late May, and locked up the 2016 championship a little more than one week ago.
“We’ve had a fantastic season, I couldn’t ask for any better,” Thorne said. “I really didn’t set out to win the championship at the start of the season. My first goal was to win the Coastal 200, which we accomplished. We had a bit of a slump with the car in mid-summer, but were able to get it dialed back in to finish the year strong.
“I’ve really been looking forward to getting back to Unity for this year’s Long John. I’ve won it three times, with the last win coming in 2014. Last year we again had a really fast car, but overlooked a couple of small details and ended up out of contention due to brake failure. This year, we won’t make those minor mistakes, and I think we’ll have a good shot at bringing home another victory.”
pwhipple@sunjournal.com
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