Full Throttle

Mostly holding an umbrella is the short story, the longer story follows.

Kevin Harvick decided to stay in Maine an extra day and his decision paid off as he raced to victory in the rain-delayed TD Banknorth 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Harvick built a comfortable lead before turning back a late challenge by Glen Luce.

Harvick, who’s in ninth place in the Sprint Cup standings, took advantage of NASCAR’s off weekend to race at Oxford Plains Speedway.

Heavy rain Sunday postponed the race for only the third time in the 35-year history of the race.

The tracks website describes Harvick’s summer vacation best; “The ringer arrived with bells on Thursday, waited out a weekend awash with rain and basked in a deluge of adulation in TD Banknorth 250 Presented By Nee England Dodge Dealers victory lane.”

“This race is a big deal,” said Harvick. “You look at the history of it and see names like Harry Gant, Jeff Gordon, and those true short track drivers like Junior Hanley who have won it. Chuck Bown, too. They can keep the check if they want. I wanted that trophy.”

A 6-foot, 2-inch trophy I might add.

“It’s not very hard to talk me into going somewhere to race,” Harvick said. “It’s a pretty historic race in itself. We’ve been down there talking about the past winners of the Nationwide races and the things that they’ve had in the past. It’s one of the bigger late model races you can race in the country. I like going places that I haven’t been before, so it’s neat to be a part of it.”

Harvick acknowledged that his other motivation this weekend is relaxation.

“All our wives went to Boston, so we’re on our own,” Harvick said during Saturday’s practice sessions. “It’s got to be fun. It’s an off weekend from my normal job. So that’s my first priority. My second priority is to make sure we’re at least competitive, and I think we’re going to be OK in that department.”

Umm… I think he did that. And more.

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