Beech Ridge Provides Family Fun For Kids Of All Ages

Column By: AMY HARROP / RPW – SCARBOROUGH, ME – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough, Maine isn’t just a racetrack — it’s a place where families from all over the state can come to enjoy a night full of family friendly activities. Beech Ridge has always catered to creating a safe and entertaining atmosphere for all families. That begins with the cost of admission — all kids 12 and under get in free on both Thursday and Saturday night, making a night out with the family more affordable.

A selected number of “Bunny Bus” tokens are given out to children every NASCAR Nite. These children get the opportunity to ride around the track in a painted school bus during intermission, also getting to go into the pits to see all of the cars and competitors, an area that is otherwise restricted to children during event hours. Event announcers Andy Austin and Rob Steele also get in on the action, letting a child have the spotlight as they read out the winning 50/50 number to the large crowd of spectators in the grandstands.

The racetrack also hosts 2 “Autograph Night” sessions per season — once at the beginning of the season and once at the end. This gives children the opportunity to meet every single competitor in each division, collect signed “Hero” cards, take photos and pick up some candy and goodies along the way. This year’s remaining Pro Series Autograph Night session is being held on Saturday, August 12th. The Thursday Night Thunder Autograph Night sessions will be held on Thursday, July 13th and Thursday, August 17th.

After all competition has ended and the cars have stopped rolling, the track hosts “Happy Half Hour”, where all fans can meet the top 3 drivers from each division on the frontstretch and talk to the drivers, take photos and see the trophies for half an hour. Children are also then allowed to visit the pit area to see the racecars and visit with competitors. Nearly all competing drivers are equipped with driver cards and Sharpie markers in their trailers in case they are encountered by any fans. Sport Series driver Charlie Sanborn III goes above and beyond to create a fun experience for younger fans, allowing them to hop into his race car to see what it’s like to be behind the wheel.

Sport Series fan-favorite Sally Gherardi is also often approached by young female fans, who look up to the talented woman who’s taking a male-dominated sport by storm, showing everyone that women can succeed in any level of competition.

Pro Series driver John Peters also partners with the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) to do the “Kulwicki Kid” program, in honor of racing great Alan Kulwicki. As a part of this program, Peters picks 7 “Kulwicki Kid” winners a season via social media. These winners receive 2 free General Admission passes to Beech Ridge, a John Peters t-shirt and a piece of Alan Kulwicki memorabilia. His most recent prize was a youth racing helmet signed by Beech Ridge drivers, including some past champions.

The children of today are the future racing champions of the world, and both Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and its many competitors go above & beyond to make every child’s visit to the racetrack a memorable one.

Join us this every Thursday and Saturday night (weather permitting) at 7:00 pm for action-packed racing and loads of family fun for kids of all ages!