By George Campbell

The American Canadian Tour (ACT) will return to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway this Saturday night, July 24^th. One year ago the popular New England based tour returned to the Scarborough, Maine short track for the first time since 1993.

In the tour’s long awaited return last summer, Brian Hoar of Williston, VT notched career win number twenty-four. Hoar started in the ninth position and moved into the lead on lap 37 by passing local favorite Aarron Ricker. Hoar then appeared to have the race in hand as he was chased through lap traffic by Randy Potter during an 80 lap green flag run.

After a couple of late cautions Eric Williams moved up into second place and challenged Hoar for the win right down to the end. Williams would come home second followed by Cris Michaud while Potter held on for fourth and Maine native Ricky Rolfe finished fifth.

Hoar would go on to win the ACT Championship by the seasons end, his sixth career ACT Championship. He is looking forward to returning to Beech Ridge, and hopefully returning to victory lane.

“I can't wait to get back to Beech Ridge,” Brian said. “It was a great race last year and I really enjoy that track. The Cusack’s do a great job and keep the place looking beautiful. We're actually vacationing in Maine for the week so to top off the vacation with a win would be huge!”

Track owner Andy Cusack is also looking forward to the tour’s return.  The 2009 event was such a success; it was an easy choice to have them return in 2010.

“They had a good show last year and there was a lot of positive feedback from fans and our own pit fans following their event,” Cusack said.  “It was a great field of cars, great crowd and great show, so there really wasn't any hesitation or consideration about bringing them back.”

“I anticipate another large turn-out of ACT cars, and of course our own fields of cars have been notably impressive this year,” Andy continued.  “Additionally, our own four divisions have all been putting on extraordinary races.  Our races have been really good the past few years; great last year; and outstanding this year.  So I hope and anticipate that ACT traveling fans will see a great Beech Ridge show and that Beech Ridge regulars will see a great ACT show.  Our divisions will race only in feature races, which will also keep the program concise.”

Fans that were treated to a great late model race in the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway last weekend should be in for 150 more laps of the same great side by side racing at Beech Ridge this weekend. Many of the drivers that were in the TD Bank 250 will be competing in the ACT race at Beech Ridge, including 250 winner Eddie MacDonald.

Hoar has won the last two ACT events and with his win at the Ridge last year, will be considered a favorite to win again this year. Several other leading ACT drivers will be looking to beat him to the checkers though, including fellow Vermont racers Brent Dragon, John Donahue and Scott Payea. New Hampshire ACT racers Joey Pole and Randy Porter will also be joining them as will local Maine ACT racers Travis Adams, Bradley Babb and Glen Luce.

Over forty drivers are expected to be attempting to qualify for the thirty-four starting positions. The winner will qualify for a starting position in the second annual ACT Invitational at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September.