Oxford Plains Speedway Makes History as NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Returns After 35 Years

Auto Racing · By Sarah Mitchell · June 1, 2026
Oxford Plains Speedway Makes History as NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Returns After 35 Years
Oxford Plains Speedway is set to make motorsports history as it welcomes the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour back to its iconic short track for the first time in 35 years. The event marks a significant moment for both the regional racing scene and longtime fans who remember the tour’s last visit in 1989. The Oxford Plains Speedway, located in Maine, stands as one of New England’s storied racing venues. The return of the Whelen Modified Tour not only celebrates the track’s legacy but also provides a rare opportunity for a new generation of fans and drivers to experience big-league modified racing in a classic setting.
  • Last visit by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour to Oxford Plains was in 1989
  • 2026 marks the return after a 35-year absence
  • Oxford Plains is known for its unique track layout and passionate fanbase
The resurgence of the tour at Oxford Plains comes at a time when grassroots racing is enjoying renewed interest. The Modified Tour, with its powerful open-wheeled cars and deep-rooted history in the Northeast, is especially popular among New England racing enthusiasts. For decades, the tour has been a proving ground for some of NASCAR’s top talents, and its presence at Oxford Plains is expected to draw a strong field of competitors and a packed grandstand. The return is particularly meaningful for the local racing community, which has long advocated for the tour’s comeback. Oxford Plains has hosted a variety of racing series over the years, but the Modifieds’ absence was always deeply felt among fans who remember the heyday of the 1980s. The 2026 event promises to deliver the intense side-by-side action and strategic racing for which the tour is renowned. The event at Oxford Plains will not only showcase the best of the Modified Tour but also highlight the track’s enduring role in regional motorsports. The race is expected to feature a mix of veteran drivers with past experience at the venue and newcomers eager to test their skills on the challenging oval. For more information on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule, visit the official tour schedule. The anticipation surrounding the tour’s return demonstrates how tradition and innovation continue to intersect in the world of stock car racing.

Sources

  1. [1]NASCAR.com