Portland, Maine — Mike Rowe, certain to become an MVRCA and NEAR Hall of Famer when he finally hangs up the helmet, is arguably the most successful racer in the history of Oxford Plains Speedway.
Rowe is the reigning Maine State champion for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, a crown he’s earned the past two seasons after scaling back his racing efforts a bit. He’s also earned touring series championships with the former ACT Pro Stock Tour and, more recently, PASS Super Late Model championships on both the South Series and National Championship Series.
Add to that his seven track championships in the premiere division at Oxford Plains Speedway, great success and a title at Wiscasset Raceway and three wins in the prestigious annual Oxford 250 and it’s clear that his spot in the Halls of Fame are already reserved.
Recently one of his historic ‘Quick 5’ Late Models from his period of dominance at Oxford Plains Speedway was replicated by Jim Reilly, and that car will be on display this weekend at Racin’ Preview 2011 at the Portland Expo. Rowe will be on hand from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday to sign autographs and talk racing with fans and fellow competitors.
Rowe won 28 features with the Pontiac Venture-bodied car in and around the 1980 season, most at Oxford, and several at Wiscasset Raceway. The car will be displayed in the Maine Vintage Race Car Association booth, which will also feature a salute to the Hall of Fame Libby Brothers, and remembrances of recently-departed racers Jeff Stevens and Dave Scott.
Racetracks and touring series from throughout the Northern New England region will join Rowe and the MVRCA at Racin’ Preview 2001. Doors open from 4-10 p.m. on Friday, February 25, with Saturday’s show open from 9 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Portland Expo is located next to Hadlock Field on Park Avenue (US Route 1) in Portland, Maine.
For more information call (603) 447-4251.