By Phil Whipple,Staff Writer

PORTLAND – Ask any stock car driver in the Northeast what race they’d most like to win, and the answer is simple.

For more than 30 years, the legend surrounding Oxford Plains Speedway’s 250-lap mid-summer classic has echoed from the Maritimes to the rural hollows of New England. For 2006, enthusiasm for Sunday’s 33rd annual TD Banknorth 250 appears at an all-time high.

“We’ve received a ton of calls from fans and racers again this year,” said track owner Bill Ryan. “Each summer, it feels like the magic surrounding this race gets everybody excited. I think the fans have responded so strongly because they’ll get to see their local favorites battle it out against well known NASCAR stars like Ricky Craven, Denny Hamlin, J.J. Yeley and Kyle Busch. It’s that great rivalry between local drivers and professionals from all over the nation that makes this race so special.”

Speedway officials held their annual media day luncheon Wednesday, with several former winners and promising young newcomers in attendance. On hand to discuss their chances in Sunday’s short track extravaganza were 2001 victor Gary Drew, father and son team Bill and Jeremie Whorff, Chris Kennison, three-time and defending race champion Mike Rowe, two-time race winner Ben Rowe, Cassius Clark and Travis Khiel.

With an expected crowd of 13,000 and all the hype this race generates, Ryan says the effort to host the event is immense, yet can also be very rewarding.

“Every member of our staff will work long hours and go through a lot to make this thing happen,” Ryan said. “Yet when the time for qualifying arrives, and then driver introductions for the 250 itself, it all seems worthwhile. You can literally feel the excitement at those moments, and we’re proud to continue this rich tradition for teams and fans alike.”

Three-time winner Mike Rowe of Turner has seen the race grow from its humble origins in 1974, when he finished 36th, to become one of the top short-track races in the country. Rowe is the defending champion.

“You have so many more teams capable of winning now than even a few years ago,” Rowe said. “Everybody has stepped up their programs to where they’ve got excellent cars and knowledge about how to make them go fast. I think we’ll have a good chance to do well this year. This SP2 Motorsports team is well-prepared and I am ready to give it a try.”

His son Ben, a two-time winner, says the spectacle of the event and the enthusiasm of the capacity crowd are what makes the race special to him. When asked for his prediction to take the checkered flag – if he or his father doesn’t win – Rowe quickly pointed to a driver who has yet to win the race.

“I’d have to say that Cassius (Clark) probably has the best chance,” Rowe said. “He’s been fast all season and has momentum on his side. That means a lot in this sport, I think right now he has the potential to pull it off.”

Clark, of Farmington, started his season with an incredible hot streak – winning the first three Pro All Stars Series (PASS) races, including the Oxford opener in April. He has won four of the six races on the PASS circuit.

“We’ve been on a roll lately,” said Clark. “Our team has learned a lot about adapting the chassis to different conditions. We’ve hit the setup just about dead-on everywhere, and I’d like to think we’ll be dialed in this weekend when it counts most. There have been several drivers from Franklin County that have raced well over the years, but none have ever won the region’s biggest showcase. I’d be thrilled to be the one who succeeds.”

Drew will be driving one of Kennison’s cars this weekend after recently parting ways with his car owner. Despite not having much seat time in the car, he feels his chances for a good run are strong.

“Chris has good equipment and I think with a little luck, we should be in pretty good shape.,” Drew said. “I know as long as we get a decent qualifying spot, we’ll do all right. As always, the draw for starting positions in the heats determines whether or not you get in easily or struggle all afternoon. If we draw well, I think we’ll get in safely and have a good shot to run well.”