Some of the Biggest Names take on the Local Drivers in the TD Banknorth 250

The 36th annual running of the TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway will be happening this Sunday.

This race is one of the most recognized short track events in the country. Over the years many of the sports biggest names have made the trek to Oxford Plains to win this prestigious event.

This race is not easy to win, in fact its not easy to qualify for. On any given year, there could be over 100 drivers attempt to qualify for the race. Most drivers will tell you the most important part of the day is the draw for starting positions in the heat races.

Some of the most recognizable names to have raced in this event include NASCAR Sprint Cup Champions Bobby Allison, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Darrell Waltrip, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch. But a NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion has never won the race.

There have been other Cup stars that made the event interesting over the years, few more than Geoff Bodine did in the 1980's. Some others I have enjoyed competing with the locals include Morgan Shepherd, Ernie Irvan, Kenny Wallace, Harry Gant and Kyle Busch.

There has been a list of lesser known names that have taken the big trophy, names many race fans may not have even heard of before the 250. Names like Derek Lynch, Dave Whitlock and Larry Gelinas. Ricky Craven could fall into this category, he often credits his 250 win in 1991 as the race that launched his career.

I love the great mix of talent and drivers this race offers. The mix of big names versus virtually unknown drivers is fun to watch. To see the local guys and the racers that know this race is the biggest event they will ever compete in versus some of the best drivers in the country. This race can be a great equalizer.

New England's best have scored wins and put on exciting shows. Dave Dion quickly comes to mind for me as one of the New Englanders leading legendary status. Mike Rowe is right there with him. Mike's son Ben has carried on Mike's mantle as a perennial pre-race favorite.

Some of my favorite 'locals' to watch in the race over the years, other than those I already listed, include Joe Bessey, Tracy Gordon, Dale Shaw, Kelly Moore and Ralph Nason.

There have been other racers that have come from down south to put on great races as well, names like Tommy Houston, Tommy Ellis and Butch Lindley jump out at me.

When you mix all these great drivers in with other 'lesser' known drivers that have the talent to make the race, it almost always creates a terrific show. Often it makes people cheer for an underdog type driver that they barely know and usually creates a night of surprises.

Among the biggest names that are planning to enter the 250 this year are just two of those listed above: Ben Rowe & Kenny Wallace.

The next generation of local stars are emerging and will now carry on the great tradition of the TD Banknorth 250. Names like Travis Adams, Joey Pole, Scott Payea, Shawn Martin and Eddie MacDonald.

As we get closer to this years 250, I can't help but look back at some of my favorites and wish they were entering this years race. The two drivers I would most like to see in the race again are Mike Rowe and Dave Dion.

Other fans will come for the big names, but for me its the regional stars I like to watch most, mixing it up with the local Maine drivers that are racing in the biggest race of their careers.

I am curious who some of the readers here would most like to see in the TD Banknorth 250?

I posted a poll at the top right side of this page for you to share your choice. If the driver you most want to see is not listed, check other and click on 'comments' below and ad their name.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'll see you at the 250!