As the fireworks of Independence Day draw closer, Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine is preparing for a different kind of explosion—one filled with horsepower, short-track aggression, and star power. The Celebration of America 300, scheduled for July 1–2, brings together more than 30 of the best Late Model racers from the Northeast and beyond. But this year’s marquee name is hard to ignore: Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is making his highly anticipated return to the famed short track.
The Event: A Short Track Throwdown with Historic Weight
Oxford Plains Speedway, a 3/8-mile oval with decades of stock car history, is no stranger to high-stakes action. The Celebration of America 300, introduced just last year, has quickly established itself as a centerpiece event on the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) calendar.
This year’s format includes 75-lap qualifying races on July 1, followed by a possible last-chance race and the 300-lap main event on July 2. Supporting divisions across both days include PASS Modifieds, Street Stocks, Runnin’ Rebels, and the New England Supermodified Series—ensuring packed grandstands and constant on-track activity.
Last year’s inaugural running was won by Joey Doiron, who also claimed the first leg of the 2025 Triple Crown with a victory in the Memorial Day Clash 200. Doiron returns with momentum and the target on his back.
Kyle Busch’s Return Adds Star Power and Stakes
A two-time Cup Series champion and one of NASCAR’s most accomplished modern racers, Kyle Busch rarely ventures into grassroots short track events during the height of summer. But his entry into the No. 51 Super Late Model has already generated buzz among fans and competitors alike.
Busch is no stranger to Late Model competition. His background includes a strong resume in Super Late Models, including wins in the Snowball Derby and other crown jewel events. But Oxford Plains Speedway presents a new challenge for the Las Vegas native, as its worn surface and tight corners reward patience and technical prowess—traits many Maine and New Hampshire regulars have spent years refining.
For Busch, the Celebration of America 300 isn’t just a detour—it’s a test against some of the most experienced short trackers in the Northeast.
A Stacked Field: Regional Stars Aim to Defend Home Turf
The pre-entry list includes more than 30 drivers representing the very best of New England’s short track scene. Names like Ben Rowe, Johnny Clark, DJ Shaw, and Trevor Sanborn bring championship pedigrees and deep familiarity with Oxford’s unique demands.
| No | Driver |
| 1 | Kyle Desouza |
| 5 | Troy Patterson |
| 5 | Ben Rowe |
| 5 | Dominic Curit |
| 10 | Kate Re |
| 12 | Dennis Spencer, Jr. |
| 12G | Derek Griffith |
| 12V | Brandon Varney |
| 12X | Corey Bubar |
| 14 | Scott McDaniel |
| 14 | Josh St. Clair |
| 18 | Michael Scorzelli |
| 23 | Dave Farrington, Jr. |
| 24 | Mike Rowe |
| 29 | Austin Teras |
| 32 | Brandon Barker |
| 32CT | Tom Abele, Jr. |
| 44 | Trevor Sanborn |
| 47 | Gabe Brown |
| 51 | Kyle Busch |
| BV52 | Colby Benjamin |
| 54 | Johnny Clark |
| 60 | D.J. Shaw |
| 60B | Tim Brackett |
| 63 | Kyle Salemi |
| 72 | Scott Robbins |
| 72 | Ryan Kuhn |
| 73D | Joey Doiron |
| 90 | Derek Kneeland |
| 94 | Garrett Hall |
| 153 | Travis Stearns |
| 0 | Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. |
| 1 | Steven Chicoine |
| 9 | Sylas Ripley |
Veterans like Mike Rowe and Tim Brackett return to challenge the next generation, while rising talents like Austin Teras, Derek Griffith, and Ryan Kuhn look to stake their claim. Several drivers, including Griffith and Joey Doiron, are viewed as key challengers to Busch, with past success at Oxford and PASS events giving them a potential edge.
Derek Kneeland, a familiar name in NASCAR circles as a Cup Series spotter, will also be in the field, looking to showcase his driving skills at home in Maine.
High Stakes Beyond the Trophy
While a Celebration of America 300 win carries prestige and bragging rights, the event also has strategic implications. As the second race in the Triple Crown Series, strong performances here could set the stage for a title run culminating in the Oxford 250 on August 24.
For teams competing across the Triple Crown, managing tire wear, surviving the qualifying rounds, and executing pit strategy will be crucial—not just for the win, but for championship positioning. The added variable of a national-level star like Busch only amplifies the intensity.
Furthermore, a good run against a Cup Series champion can elevate a driver’s stock with fans and sponsors alike, making this race an ideal showcase opportunity for Late Model competitors across the region.
Full Weekend of Racing Action at Oxford Plains
The atmosphere at Oxford Plains won’t be limited to Wednesday’s main event. Tuesday’s preliminary program includes not only Late Model qualifying but a 100-lap PASS Modified feature and additional racing from Limiteds, Street Stocks, and the 207 Flight School Runnin’ Rebels.
Wednesday night’s finale pairs the 300-lap Late Model event with a 75-lap Supermodified showdown, ensuring open-wheel speed fans also get a thrill. Add in the 50-lap Mad Bomber race, and the schedule provides non-stop action across divisions.
For those unable to attend in person, the full event will be streamed live via RacingAmerica.TV, making it accessible to a national audience.
News in Brief: Kyle Busch Headlines the Celebration of America 300
With its mix of grassroots grit and national attention, the Celebration of America 300 has quickly become one of the must-watch short track events of the summer. The 2025 edition raises the stakes with the inclusion of Kyle Busch, who brings Cup Series credibility to a field stacked with New England’s toughest short track racers.
As the engines fire on July 1 and 2 at Oxford Plains Speedway, the outcome remains uncertain—but what’s guaranteed is a celebration of racing passion, local pride, and high-octane entertainment on the eve of America’s birthday.
ALSO READ: Kyle Busch Eyes a Big 2025 Season Start With Historic Bowman Gray Race
