For the 28th consecutive year, central Maine race fans, teams and industry members will gather for the Northeast Motorsports Expo & Trade Show when it kicks off Friday at the Augusta Civic Center. 

Founded in 1989 by the late Tim Attaya, the Motorsports Expo is now in the hands of Steve Perry, host of the weekly TV show Mainely Motorsports and a former race team owner. Perry has been running at full throttle in recent weeks as his seventh year at the helm draws near. 

“There is an increased level of energy and buzz about the show this year I can’t really explain,” Perry said. “From the people we have coming up to participate in seminars, to the tracks, sanctioning bodies and race teams themselves, everybody seems excited to be a part of it in 2016. I couldn’t be any happier.” 

Among the highlights at this year’s show is the third annual Heluva Good Pit Stop Challenge, an event quickly growing in popularity since its inception. The contest offers a chance for local race teams to show off their tire-changing skills in a race against the clock. This year, the Challenge coincides with the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) North banquet, so Perry is hoping to see more PASS teams participating.

“Another feature now in its third year with us is the Maine Vintage Race Car Association (MVRCA) Memorabilia Auction. This is their largest annual fundraiser, and last year they had several excellent items. Maine has a rich history in auto racing, and the MVRCA works year-round to preserve and showcase that legacy. I feel it’s important for them to have a big presence at our show. I know fans enjoy the Maine Motorsports Mobile Museum, and I hope the auction draws a crowd, as well.”

One longtime supporter of the Northeast Motorsports Expo will receive a special honor this spring. Peter Prescott of Gardiner, owner of EJP Pipeline Specialists and PEP Transportation, will be inducted into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 16, along with Bob Randall, George and Pete Silva, Norris Willette, Ken Wright and the late Bub Bilodeau.  

Prescott, who has been a race team owner at various levels over a lengthy and successful career, will showcase examples from his PEP Classic Car Company. 

“Peter has done so much for our show over the years and Maine racing overall,” Perry added. “I don’t know of too many others who’ve supported racing as much as he has. I’m thrilled to have him still with our event in 2016. He adds class and integity to everything he does, both in business and in racing.”

When Attaya first started the show, he focused on bringing a big-name national NASCAR driver to Maine. The late Dale Earnhardt packed the Civic Center when he appeared, and others like Ned Jarrett, the late Benny Parsons, Tony Stewart, Joey Logano, Michael Waltrip and many others have put in appearances over the years. Lately, the local short track scene has been in the spotlight.

“Maine has such a great variety of race tracks and motorsports activites going on each year, we choose to focus on that aspect of the sport,” Perry explained. “In recent years, the Pro All Stars Series and even Oxford Plains Speedway weren’t all that active in the off-season show scene. This year, both groups will be there with five cars on display, and both feel the need to be there. I think that’s a great sign.”

For many years, those in the motorsports industry understood the importance of having a presence at these shows. Even today, they continue to play a major role in building excitement for the coming season for tracks and touring series. 

“This year, several teams are unveiling new paint schemes and sponsors at the show, which is exciting,” Perry said. “They’re putting little photo teasers on social media pages, asking their fans to attend the show and see their cars unveiled. It’s the way it should be done, and it pleases me to no end. There will be a lot of excitement this year; I hope fans will plan to come up and enjoy all we have to offer.”

The 28th annual Maine Motorsports Trade Show & Expo kicks off Friday at 4:30 p.m., runs from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. Saturday, and concludes on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6 through 12.

To learn more, visit the show’s website at www.northeastmotorsportsexpo.net

pwhipple@sunjournal.com