Unique 250 Lap Leader Program Announced for the 50th Annual Spencer Group Paving Oxford 250

Officials from Oxford Plains Speedway (OPS) and the Pro all Stars Series (PASS) announced that laps for the 50th Annual Spencer Group Paving Oxford 250 are officially on sale for anyone wishing to sponsor a lap. One hundred percent of ALL sponsorship money goes directly to the driver of that lap. In a unique twist, OPS and PASS President Tom Mayberry also announced that for the first time ever, lap money would be awarded to second and third-place drivers on selected laps.

“We wanted to do something special for the 50th race this year,” said Mayberry. "So we came up with the idea of letting the sponsor of each lap decide if they want to also contribute to the second and third place competitors for their specified lap(s). This will be 100% the decision of the sponsor, and either way, ALL proceeds will go to the driver(s).”

All 250 laps were sold in 2022 for the 49th annual edition of the late summer classic, and officials with OPS and PASS hope to accomplish the feat again in 2023 for the 50th race. Spencer Group Paving Oxford 250 lap boards can be seen at OxfordPlains.com and Proallstarssereies.com with a special designated mark for those that have added 2nd and 3rd place drivers to their sponsorship.

The lap leader program was introduced back in 1981 by a forward-thinking Bob Bahre as a way to add a unique twist to the pit strategy of a 250-lap race. The initial program paid $50 per lap to the leader, before growing to $100 per lap in 1984 and where it has stayed since that time. 2023 will mark the first time in the race’s history that lap money will be paid to someone other than the leader.

Many racers have utilized the lap money as a way to insure a big payday regardless of finishing position. Joe Pastore, in 2022, led well over 120 laps en route to a five-figure payday. However, the driver of the number 20 arguably cost himself a chance at victory as he eventually ran out of gas and finished well back in the field at the end of the day.

“It seems like the lap money almost always plays a factor in race strategy. It will be interesting to see if 2nd and 3rd place drivers let that money affect their decisions as the race progresses,” said Mayberry.

Yearly lap sponsor renewals have been coming in at a brisk pace, OPS officials report. Only a little over 100 laps are still up for grabs for the landmark 50th 250. Drivers are excited about the new twist.

"I think that is a pretty neat deal," said driver Dennis Spencer Jr. "I know I have run 2nd or 3rd at times in some 250's and it would have been nice to collect some lap money for that. I'm glad to be a part of that this year."

All 250 laps of the Oxford 250 were sold for the 49th annual event last year. (Photo credit: Will Bellamy/Racing America)

Laps sponsors are made available to businesses for advertising purposes. Those sponsoring three-lap blocks or more are able to include a logo and number or link on the leaderboards. Additionally, laps are also offered to individuals who wish to send a message of support to their favorite driver, celebrate a birthday, or even in memory of a loved one. All lap sponsors are displayed on the website and in person at the speedway with a billboard in the main concourse.

With the 50th annual Spencer Group Paving Oxford 250 less than 60 days away, now is the time to purchase your lap(s) to be a part of the biggest short track race in the History of Oxford Plains Speedway!

To sponsor a lap or many, contact Mary between 9 am and 7 pm at 207-693-6497 or Kevin at 207-577-1836.

For the most up-to-date information, visit oxfordplains.com or facebook.com/Official-Page-of-Oxford-Plains-Speedway.

For Marketing opportunities with the Pro-All Stars Series, Oxford Plains Speedway, or the Oxford 250 please email passracing@roadrunner.com , opsmarketing@yahoo.com or call 207-577-1836.

-Pro All Stars Series Release
-Photo credit: Will Bellamy/Racing Americ