Irving Oil signs on as the major corporate sponsor at Oxford Plains
© Bangor Daily News - Bangor, Me.
July 1, 1994
Michael Liberty, owner of Oxford Plains, announced on June 24 that "Irving will be the lead sponsor at Oxford Plains Speedway. The series will be renamed the Irving Oil Racing Series.
The announcement marks at least the fourth time that Canadian-owned Irving Oil has ventured into racetrack advertising in Maine. Michael Liberty has sought Irving Oil's advertising support for his track "for at least five or six years," said Gary Graham, an Irving Oil representative. "We did a promotion (with Oxford Plains) two summers ago, in which we worked together.
According to Michael A. Liberty, "Irving will be doing a season-long promotion with us. We're starting with a special promotion: Any Irving Oil customer who buys 10 gallons or more (of gas) will receive a $2 discount for the Joie Chitwood Auto Thrill Show," set for Oxford Plains on Aug. 26.
Full article available from Bangor Daily News
Oxford 250 stays independent, says Michael Liberty
© Bangor Daily News - Bangor, Me.
July 23, 1996
"The people have spoken," [Michael Liberty] said before Sunday's race, referring to the 87 drivers who flocked to the track to attempt to qualify. That total is up from the 71 who entered in 1995.
The key to attracting drivers, according to Liberty, is that drivers appreciate an event at which they can qualify on their own merit - not based upon points of an affiliated tour that some are part of, and some are not.
Fans making travel plans take note: the new date will be Sunday, July 6. The 250 will serve as the cap to a busy July 4th weekend of racing. And as always, Liberty assured the crowd at this year's short track classic, camping will be welcome no charge.
Full article available from Bangor Daily News
Race Over for Michael Liberty
© Portland Press Herald (Maine)November 6, 1998
Maine businessman Michael Liberty says he is too busy to run the Oxford Plains Speedway and will be giving it up.
The prospective buyer is Bill Ryan Jr., a sports marketing lawyer from Topsfield, Mass.
Ryan is to be introduced as president and managing owner of the facility today.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Oxford oval has been used for competitions for 49 years.
Full article available from the Portland Press Herald.
Michael A. Liberty Selling Speedway in Good Shape and Spirits
© Portland Press Herald (ME)
November 7, 1998
On a hot summer day in early July, Michael Liberty, the developer turned deal-maker, entertained a guest at his lakeside home in Gray. William Ryan Jr. was interested in buying Oxford Plains Speedway. Liberty owned Oxford Plains.
"We must have spent five hours on my porch drinking Evian water and talking," said Liberty. "After he left, I realized we had an awful lot in common and maybe this was the guy who could take over the..."
Full article available from the Portland Press Herald.