Ricky Craven, a renowned figure in NASCAR Cup Series history, has made headlines by acquiring the historic Speedway 95 in Maine, signaling a new era for the beloved racetrack. At age 59, Craven, best known for a record-setting win at Darlington in 2003, embarks on this significant venture, showing unwavering enthusiasm for the future of the track he once raced on.
Craven’s Storied Racing Past and Emotional Investment
Craven, remembered for vanquishing Kyle Busch at the 2003 Darlington race with a margin of just .0002 seconds—the narrowest in Cup Series history—has enjoyed a Cup Series career spanning 278 races. Despite a legacy filled with high-profile accomplishments, the purchase of Speedway 95 seems to ignite a unique passion in Craven.
The Maine native’s relationship with Speedway 95 is deep-rooted. Both his mother and father notched victories at this facility during the 1970s, creating a family legacy intertwined with the venue’s own heritage. Delano Merritt, who has owned and operated the track since 1968, is stepping down, entrusting the legacy to Craven after decades of commitment to the site, team, and community.
Bold Vision and Transition Plan for Speedway 95
In announcing the NASCAR Cup Series historic track purchase, Craven disclosed he is fully committed to charting a dynamic course for Speedway 95. He acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Delano Merritt, expressing respect for Merritt’s devotion to the venue and crediting him for creating a racing culture that shaped not only his career but also the aspirations of countless drivers.
Craven did not detail specific changes planned for the facility, but he emphasized broad ambitions and a phased approach to revitalization. In his statement, Craven pointed to an aggressive vision for evolution, reflecting both respect for tradition and readiness for innovation.
We will in the near future share with all the people with equity in this track our intentions to do some aggressive vision of how this facility will continue to evolve. It includes several phases that I can not wait to get started.
—Ricky Craven
Throughout the remainder of the 2025 racing season, Craven and Merritt will collaborate to ensure a seamless transition. The current season at Speedway 95 is set to conclude on October 12, offering ample opportunity for fans, racers, and longtime supporters to witness this important chapter as it unfolds.
Anticipated Impact on NASCAR and Local Racing
Craven’s acquisition of Speedway 95 underscores the enduring influence of the NASCAR Cup Series historic track purchase within the broader motorsports community. This move is expected to energize local racing in Maine, leveraging both Craven’s racing expertise and his personal investment in the facility’s legacy.
With changes on the horizon and both Craven and Merritt guiding the process, Speedway 95 stands poised for renewal, ensuring that its heritage continues to inspire new generations of drivers, fans, and industry stakeholders. The racing world will be watching closely to see how this iconic track evolves under Craven’s stewardship, as he aims to solidify its relevance for years to come.
