Nason leases track Crawford to run Unity Raceway

Saying he wants to “bring back the pride” at Unity Raceway, John Crawford signed a lease agreement with owner Ralph Nason recently.

Brent Hutchins and Brian Leary had leased the stock car track the last two seasons.

Crawford said he has a one-year lease with a five-year option. He wouldn’t divulge terms of the contract.

Crawford used to be a flag man at Unity and was also involved in promotions.

He has named Dan Ayotte the race director with Ray Hall and Scott Greene being tabbed as technical inspectors.

“I got sick of seeing the way it was being run over the years. It had been like a circus. It’s going to become a show again this year,” said Crawford, who hopes to re-establish the track’s reputation as a family venue and intends to take steps to prevent the occasional altercations stemming from rough driving or driver unhappiness with scoring decisions.

He said he and Ayotte intend to have plenty of interaction with the drivers over the winter to plot a positive course for the racing season. He intends to begin racing on April 28.

Crawford said he has been busy lining up sponsors for the season.

In addition to the regular points fund, he intends to establish a triple crown series in each division in which there will be a separate three-race series and points fund.

“We will also have demolition derbies and we want to bring the PASS [Pro All Stars Series] to Unity,” said Crawford.

He also intends to establish a super sportsman class which will feature the sealed Chevy 350 motors which will save the drivers a considerable amount of money.

“Instead of spending $8,000-$14,000 on a motor, these new six-cylinder motors cost $1,675 plus tax,” said Crawford, who added that they have also proven to be durable.

He will have live entertainment for the children in the form of Charlie the Clown and said his fiancee, Tammy Pooler, who has worked in the restaurant business for several years, will significantly improve the quality of food at Unity Raceway.

He is also looking to add midweek racing for low-budget racers like they have at other tracks in the state. Unity’s regular race card is held on Saturday nights.

“We’d be looking at Thursday night racing to go with Saturday,” said Crawford.

Crawford has driver meetings set up at the Waterville VFW Hall on Water Street in Waterville.

They will start at 6:30.